Occupational Therapy Assistant

CSH Surrey

The closing date is 09 October 2024

Job summary

Are you interested in working within an upbeat, enthusiastic and supportive team of Occupational Therapists and Assistants to learn from and share ideas with? If so then working for Children and Family Health Surrey (CFHS) will be for you!

This post is based at Ashtead Clinic, in Ashtead but you will cover areas in SE Surrey (Mole Valley and Banstead).

Experience of working with children, young people and families with or without disabilities is desirable but not essential

This post will offer the opportunity to work alongside our supportive team of therapists and assistants in providing a high quality occupation based provision to children aged 0-19 years, who experience a variety of challenges in their everyday living across home, school and the community.

We are a proactive service responsive to best practice evidence, we deliver services targeted at the whole population supporting early years settings, schools and parents to meet needs pre-referral.

Due to the community nature of this post the candidates will need to be able to work independently, have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of the multidisciplinary team.

We can offer flexible working, training and development opportunities, a supportive supervision structure and much, much more.

Therapy assistants are highly valued and we offer the benefits of high cost area allowance, expenses and the NHS pension scheme.

Main duties of the job

Day to day you will implement therapy sessions (group or individual) as directed by the therapist for a mixed caseload of 0-19 year olds. You will provide programmes on a verbal and/or written basis often using pictorial representation to be motivating and ensure these programmes are carried over into daily life. You will support the occupational therapist in providing an effective and efficient service as well as aiding administration duties, to ensure efficient service delivery.

You may also be involved in delivering training to parents, teaching staff and other professionals and will work alongside Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists.

As part of your role:

  • You will carry out programmes of individual and group therapy under the direction of a qualified Occupational therapist
  • You will implement child centred therapy plans using evidence based practice to ensure that the individuals full potential is developed or maintained.
  • You will undertake training and supervision as required.
  • You will work as part of the paediatric therapy team to manage a caseload of children with a range of varied and complex needs.

About us

CSH Surrey are part of the NHS and are Surreys largest and longest established NHS community services provider, so our 1500+ employees get NHS pay and pensions, and also receive the Fringe High-Cost Allowance of 5%.

Our staff enjoy excellent training and development opportunities, including the care certificate, apprenticeships, numeracy and literacy courses, access to the Nursing Associate programme, and a wide variety of management and leadership courses and programmes.

We CARE about our staff though through our values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. Our active employee council called The Voice, elect employee representatives to ensure colleagues' voices are heard at Board level. CSH is a diverse organisation, if you are a passionate, person-focused individual then apply to join CSH Surrey today!

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who meet the essential criteria of the job you are applying for and if you require any reasonable adjustments, please contact the named individual for this advert, or our recruitment team.

Date posted

25 September 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,329 to £26,958 a year inclusive of the 5% HCAS pro rata per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

B9074-24-0248

Job locations

Ashtead Clinic

Woodfield Lane

Ashtead

Surrey

KT21 2BQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Post Title: Occupational Therapist Assistant

Department: Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Pay Band: Band 3

Business Unit: Children and Families

Responsible to: Occupational Therapy Clinical Team Lead

Accountable to: Occupational Therapy Clinical Service Manager

Principal duties to include:

1. Under the guidance of the qualified occupational therapist, provide support and advice for the child's family and parents about aspects of their care that relate to their therapy needs, adjusting your use of language to allow for their level of comprehension to understand.

2. To provide and receive complex and sensitive information with regard to a child's difficulties and expectations.

3. To attend meetings where requested in order to provide feedback about therapy sessions and relay information from the therapist.

4. To be able to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity in response to parents and children.

5. To work closely with parents who are themselves dealing with anger, grief and frustration as they come to terms with the impact of their child's condition.

6. To contribute to the assessment process and provide feedback to the therapist.

7. To contribute to reports of therapists for use within inter-agencies, e.g. educational documentation relevant to the practice setting, standards and guidelines

8. To ensure that up to date written electronic records and activity are maintained in accordance with the professional and organisation standards

9. To make referrals to other professionals and agencies if required following discussion with the appropriate therapist to address the child's global needs.

10. To provide training to parents/carers and educational staff

11. To participate in the delivery of the therapy development plan and to contribute to specific projects within the team.

12. To demonstrate on going personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities.

13. To assist the occupational therapist as required.

14. To effectively plan the daily management of a caseload of children.

15. To respond to urgent referrals/ requests and occasionally unpredictable work patterns

16. To prioritise clinical work and balance other patient related and professional activities as the department requires e.g. statutory and mandatory training

17. To assess clients, carers and other professionals understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with clients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

18. To implement therapy plans for each child incorporating individual or group interventions for use at home and/or in education settings under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist

19. To contribute to the re-evaluation and progress of therapy programmes depending on the needs of each child and the outcomes expected in conjunction with the occupational therapist.

20. To use investigative and analytical skills, and where unsure to seek guidance from senior team members.

21. To implement a range of routine child centered individual and/ or group interventions using clinical reasoning skills.

22. To ensure that clinical roles are maintained where appropriate training has been given and competencies have been assessed.

23. To advise therapist of any therapeutic equipment/materials needed for the service

24. To be responsible for equipment used in carrying out occupational therapy duties and to adhere to departmental policies and guidelines to ensure safe use of equipment by self and others.

25. To share responsibility for departmental tidiness, maintenance and administration

This job description is not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake such other duties from time to time as are consistent with the responsibility of the grade.

This job description is subject to review and development from time to time in liaison with the post holder. As an employee of Central Surrey Health Ltd you will be required to adhere to all the organisations policies and procedures.

Standards of Business Conduct

The post holder will be required to comply with the organisations Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions and, at all times, deal honestly with the organisation, with colleagues and all those who have dealing with the organisation including patients, relatives and suppliers.

Confidentiality

To ensure confidentiality in all matters relating to clients, personnel issues and to information obtained during the course of employment. To not release such information to anyone else other than acting in an official capacity.

To ensure confidentiality in all matters relating to clients, personnel issues and to information obtained during the course of employment. To not release such information to anyone else other than acting in an official capacity.

To comply with the regulations of the Data protection Act and Freedom of Information Act.

To comply with the regulations of the Data protection Act and Freedom of Information Act.

Safeguarding of children and child protection and adults at risk

It is the responsibility and duty of all employees to safeguard children and adults at risk and promote their welfare.

Any identified safeguarding issues or concerns surrounding child protection and adults at risk must be referred by you promptly in accordance with CSH/FCH policy and procedures. Details of Leads on Safeguarding are detailed in procedure. Please ask your line manager or HR for details.

Performance Review

This job description only covers the key result areas and as such does not intend to provide a comprehensive list of objectives. Specific objectives will be subject to annual review in consultation with the post holder and may develop to meet changing needs of the service.

Equal Opportunities

The organisation aims to maintain the goodwill and confidence of its own employees, service users and the general public. To assist in achieving this objective, it is essential that at all times employees carry out their duties in accordance with the organisations Equal Opportunities Policy respecting the differing backgrounds of colleagues and clients.

Infection Control and Prevention

Central Surrey Health/First Community Health is committed to minimising any risks of healthcare associated infection to patients, visitors and employees. All employees are required to be familiar with and comply with Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures relevant to their area of work.

Health and Safety

The post holder will be required to observe local Health and Safety arrangements and take reasonable care of him/herself and persons that may be affected by his/her work ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).

To follow and promote safe working practices and to comply at all times with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, and CSH/FCH policies and procedures

To assist in the regular monitoring and maintenance of equipment in accordance with health and Safety regulations.

To act immediately on safety notices, hazard warning notices and any other notifications in relation to equipment used/prescribed by the Occupational Therapy Service.

To take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and other persons who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work and to co-operate with CSH/FCH to ensure that statutory and departmental regulations are adhered to.

To report all clinical and non-clinical incidents or near misses promptly and when required to co-operate with any investigations undertaken.

Security

It is a condition of employment that identification badges be worn at all times.

All employees have a responsibility for security and the proper care of property. In accordance with standing financial instructions all managers have a particular responsibility for security and loss prevention arrangements in their areas of responsibility.

Continuous Improvement

The organisation has adopted a strategy for Continuous Improvement and all employed by the organisation are expected to play an active role in development and improving services to the benefit of service users. In-service training and development programmes are provided including the NVQ process.

Clinical supervision

Clinical Supervision is an ongoing process between clinical supervisor and clinical supervisee which aims to develop and sustain a high level of quality patient care by reflecting on clinical practice and provides encouragement for personal and professional growth. All Clinicians are expected to undertake clinical supervision in line with CSH Surrey/FCH policy

Registered Health Professional

All employees who are members of a professional body must comply with standards of professional practice/conduct. It is the post holders responsibility to ensure they are both familiar with and adhere to these requirements and maintain their professional membership to the relevant body.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Post Title: Occupational Therapist Assistant

Department: Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Pay Band: Band 3

Business Unit: Children and Families

Responsible to: Occupational Therapy Clinical Team Lead

Accountable to: Occupational Therapy Clinical Service Manager

Principal duties to include:

1. Under the guidance of the qualified occupational therapist, provide support and advice for the child's family and parents about aspects of their care that relate to their therapy needs, adjusting your use of language to allow for their level of comprehension to understand.

2. To provide and receive complex and sensitive information with regard to a child's difficulties and expectations.

3. To attend meetings where requested in order to provide feedback about therapy sessions and relay information from the therapist.

4. To be able to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity in response to parents and children.

5. To work closely with parents who are themselves dealing with anger, grief and frustration as they come to terms with the impact of their child's condition.

6. To contribute to the assessment process and provide feedback to the therapist.

7. To contribute to reports of therapists for use within inter-agencies, e.g. educational documentation relevant to the practice setting, standards and guidelines

8. To ensure that up to date written electronic records and activity are maintained in accordance with the professional and organisation standards

9. To make referrals to other professionals and agencies if required following discussion with the appropriate therapist to address the child's global needs.

10. To provide training to parents/carers and educational staff

11. To participate in the delivery of the therapy development plan and to contribute to specific projects within the team.

12. To demonstrate on going personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities.

13. To assist the occupational therapist as required.

14. To effectively plan the daily management of a caseload of children.

15. To respond to urgent referrals/ requests and occasionally unpredictable work patterns

16. To prioritise clinical work and balance other patient related and professional activities as the department requires e.g. statutory and mandatory training

17. To assess clients, carers and other professionals understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with clients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

18. To implement therapy plans for each child incorporating individual or group interventions for use at home and/or in education settings under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist

19. To contribute to the re-evaluation and progress of therapy programmes depending on the needs of each child and the outcomes expected in conjunction with the occupational therapist.

20. To use investigative and analytical skills, and where unsure to seek guidance from senior team members.

21. To implement a range of routine child centered individual and/ or group interventions using clinical reasoning skills.

22. To ensure that clinical roles are maintained where appropriate training has been given and competencies have been assessed.

23. To advise therapist of any therapeutic equipment/materials needed for the service

24. To be responsible for equipment used in carrying out occupational therapy duties and to adhere to departmental policies and guidelines to ensure safe use of equipment by self and others.

25. To share responsibility for departmental tidiness, maintenance and administration

This job description is not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake such other duties from time to time as are consistent with the responsibility of the grade.

This job description is subject to review and development from time to time in liaison with the post holder. As an employee of Central Surrey Health Ltd you will be required to adhere to all the organisations policies and procedures.

Standards of Business Conduct

The post holder will be required to comply with the organisations Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions and, at all times, deal honestly with the organisation, with colleagues and all those who have dealing with the organisation including patients, relatives and suppliers.

Confidentiality

To ensure confidentiality in all matters relating to clients, personnel issues and to information obtained during the course of employment. To not release such information to anyone else other than acting in an official capacity.

To ensure confidentiality in all matters relating to clients, personnel issues and to information obtained during the course of employment. To not release such information to anyone else other than acting in an official capacity.

To comply with the regulations of the Data protection Act and Freedom of Information Act.

To comply with the regulations of the Data protection Act and Freedom of Information Act.

Safeguarding of children and child protection and adults at risk

It is the responsibility and duty of all employees to safeguard children and adults at risk and promote their welfare.

Any identified safeguarding issues or concerns surrounding child protection and adults at risk must be referred by you promptly in accordance with CSH/FCH policy and procedures. Details of Leads on Safeguarding are detailed in procedure. Please ask your line manager or HR for details.

Performance Review

This job description only covers the key result areas and as such does not intend to provide a comprehensive list of objectives. Specific objectives will be subject to annual review in consultation with the post holder and may develop to meet changing needs of the service.

Equal Opportunities

The organisation aims to maintain the goodwill and confidence of its own employees, service users and the general public. To assist in achieving this objective, it is essential that at all times employees carry out their duties in accordance with the organisations Equal Opportunities Policy respecting the differing backgrounds of colleagues and clients.

Infection Control and Prevention

Central Surrey Health/First Community Health is committed to minimising any risks of healthcare associated infection to patients, visitors and employees. All employees are required to be familiar with and comply with Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures relevant to their area of work.

Health and Safety

The post holder will be required to observe local Health and Safety arrangements and take reasonable care of him/herself and persons that may be affected by his/her work ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).

To follow and promote safe working practices and to comply at all times with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, and CSH/FCH policies and procedures

To assist in the regular monitoring and maintenance of equipment in accordance with health and Safety regulations.

To act immediately on safety notices, hazard warning notices and any other notifications in relation to equipment used/prescribed by the Occupational Therapy Service.

To take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and other persons who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work and to co-operate with CSH/FCH to ensure that statutory and departmental regulations are adhered to.

To report all clinical and non-clinical incidents or near misses promptly and when required to co-operate with any investigations undertaken.

Security

It is a condition of employment that identification badges be worn at all times.

All employees have a responsibility for security and the proper care of property. In accordance with standing financial instructions all managers have a particular responsibility for security and loss prevention arrangements in their areas of responsibility.

Continuous Improvement

The organisation has adopted a strategy for Continuous Improvement and all employed by the organisation are expected to play an active role in development and improving services to the benefit of service users. In-service training and development programmes are provided including the NVQ process.

Clinical supervision

Clinical Supervision is an ongoing process between clinical supervisor and clinical supervisee which aims to develop and sustain a high level of quality patient care by reflecting on clinical practice and provides encouragement for personal and professional growth. All Clinicians are expected to undertake clinical supervision in line with CSH Surrey/FCH policy

Registered Health Professional

All employees who are members of a professional body must comply with standards of professional practice/conduct. It is the post holders responsibility to ensure they are both familiar with and adhere to these requirements and maintain their professional membership to the relevant body.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE English Grade C or above (or equivalent)
  • Relevant qualification e.g. B Tech or NVQ level 3, or working towards.
  • Evidence of Personal Development

Desirable

  • Paid or voluntary work with relevant care/client group
  • Evidence of specific knowledge relating to client group/ profession
  • Knowledge of report writing (clinical)

Other

Essential

  • Car owner/driver
  • Able to work as a team member
  • Flexible worker
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Able to deal with difficulties involving colleagues / clients

Experience

Essential

  • Paid or voluntary work with people with children.
  • Paid or voluntary work with relevant care/client group
  • Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary Team
  • Evidence of specific knowledge relating to client group/ profession
  • Knowledge of report writing (clinical)

Desirable

  • Understanding of the range of Occupational Therapy offered for children and the role of the OT assistant within the NHS and Education settings
  • Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary Team

Skills

Essential

  • To work independently
  • To problem solve
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Basic IT skills
  • The ability to learn
  • To be flexible in approach and be responsive to changing demands
  • Able to prioritise/time manage
  • Ability to generate ideas and develop these
  • To self-evaluate performance, completing set programmes independently and seek advice as appropriate
  • To gather, analyse and evaluate clinical information with supervision
  • To identify risk and how to minimise its effects upon individuals safety
  • Ability to form judgements
  • Contribute effectively to training sessions
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE English Grade C or above (or equivalent)
  • Relevant qualification e.g. B Tech or NVQ level 3, or working towards.
  • Evidence of Personal Development

Desirable

  • Paid or voluntary work with relevant care/client group
  • Evidence of specific knowledge relating to client group/ profession
  • Knowledge of report writing (clinical)

Other

Essential

  • Car owner/driver
  • Able to work as a team member
  • Flexible worker
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Able to deal with difficulties involving colleagues / clients

Experience

Essential

  • Paid or voluntary work with people with children.
  • Paid or voluntary work with relevant care/client group
  • Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary Team
  • Evidence of specific knowledge relating to client group/ profession
  • Knowledge of report writing (clinical)

Desirable

  • Understanding of the range of Occupational Therapy offered for children and the role of the OT assistant within the NHS and Education settings
  • Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary Team

Skills

Essential

  • To work independently
  • To problem solve
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Basic IT skills
  • The ability to learn
  • To be flexible in approach and be responsive to changing demands
  • Able to prioritise/time manage
  • Ability to generate ideas and develop these
  • To self-evaluate performance, completing set programmes independently and seek advice as appropriate
  • To gather, analyse and evaluate clinical information with supervision
  • To identify risk and how to minimise its effects upon individuals safety
  • Ability to form judgements
  • Contribute effectively to training sessions

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

CSH Surrey

Address

Ashtead Clinic

Woodfield Lane

Ashtead

Surrey

KT21 2BQ


Employer's website

https://www.cshsurrey.co.uk/about-us/about-csh-surrey (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

CSH Surrey

Address

Ashtead Clinic

Woodfield Lane

Ashtead

Surrey

KT21 2BQ


Employer's website

https://www.cshsurrey.co.uk/about-us/about-csh-surrey (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Team Lead Occupational Therapist

Tayla Watson

tayla.watson2@nhs.net

07773812777

Date posted

25 September 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,329 to £26,958 a year inclusive of the 5% HCAS pro rata per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

B9074-24-0248

Job locations

Ashtead Clinic

Woodfield Lane

Ashtead

Surrey

KT21 2BQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

CSH Surrey's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)