Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

This Occupational Therapy Assistant role sits within the Children and Young Peoples Disability Service (CYPDS) 0-18, the post holder will manage a caseload of less complex cases where the eligibility criteria for Children and Young peoples Occupational therapy service is met. They will support families by enabling them to maximise their childs /young persons independence within the home, thus improving the quality of life through training on adaptive techniques, the provision of equipment and /or minor adaptations and support with re-housing to meet their assessed eligible needs. They will develop action plans with families based on promoting independence and supporting an appropriate level of resource to meet their assessed eligible needs, taking into account any requirements under national legislation, Directorate and Corporate policy and procedures.

Adaptation needs will form part of assessments to provide accessible environments to children and young people. Where building adaptations are recommended the post holder will support the lead Occupational Therapist with applications for Disabled Facilities Grant funding and work towards a conclusion in conjunction with other people involved with the work.

The OT Assistant will need to ensure that assessments reflect the voice of the child and where appropriate that of the wider family and that provision maximises independence for children and young people. The OT Assistants role within the CYPDS team is to triage new referrals identifying if there are any functional needs requiring the provision of core stock equipment and prioritising according to need and manage a caseload that covers advice and guidance, provision of equipment or home adaptations. This will involve; assisting with visiting children/young people in their homes, or short break settings; identifying and referring any safeguarding issues and environmental risks in line with directorate policy and practice requirements; taking forward appropriate actions and communication with supervisor/OT manager or SW Team manager/duty social worker. They will make a record of advice given and provide relevant information to enable OT/Social Workers to carry out thorough investigations or to make informed decisions concerning OT.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE A*-C or equivalent in Mathematics and English

Desirable

• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with children and young people with SEN/Disabilities and their families.
• Experience of undertaking initial assessments and risk assessments and the drafting of care plans
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation, statutory frameworks and policy affecting services for children, young people and families in relation to SEND, in particular a good understanding of the Children Act 1989 and the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1070 and 1986, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Care Act 2014. Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, The Housing Grants :Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.Local Government and Housing Act 1989, Equality Act 2010
• Knowledge of Moving and Handling legislation and best practice advice in relation to standard techniques and equipment
• Extensive experience of working with children and young people with SEND and their families coupled with a good understanding of needs
• Experience of building and maintaining successful relationships with a range of influencers, including schools

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Achieving For Children

Address

42 York Street

Twickenham

TW1 3BW

Employer's website

https://www.achievingforchildren.org.uk/work-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)