Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity available for a highly motivated, responsible and caring individual to join The Walton Centre therapy service on full-time, permanent basis as an occupational therapy degree apprentice. The successful applicant will 'be working for the team as a Band 4 apprentice, while completing a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy via the Sheffield Hallam University degree apprentice programme, qualifying as a registered occupational therapist at the end of the course. The applicant will be in a position to apply for Band 5 Occupational Therapist posts once all pre-registration requirements are met. The post-holder will not automatically progress into a B5 post within The Walton Centre, unless they are successful at interview, should such a post become available at the end of their training.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate the relevant clinical experience as well as the educational prerequisites specified in the person specifications for this post to be considered for interview, although some support may be available from the university to help meet entry requirements should you otherwise demonstrate the skills needed.
Main duties of the job
As an assistant practitioner you will work alongside registered occupational therapy staff as part of the multidisciplinary team within the acute inpatient service at The Walton Centre. The role requires a high level of commitment, responsibility and team work. Following a work-based framework for development, and under the direction of a senior OT, you will carry a delegated caseload to provide occupational therapy intervention alongside your studies, which will increase in complexity as you progress. Alongside our occupational therapy assistants, you will contribute to the smooth running of the therapy department which includes caring for equipment, wheelchairs, ordering of stock plus housekeeping and administration duties.
About us
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only NHS trust to hold dual accreditation for the Investors in People. We invest in people and we invest in wellbeing standards and have been awarded Gold status for both. The Walton Centre is a leader in the treatment and care of neurology and neurosurgery, placing the patient and their family at the heart of everything we do. As the only specialist hospital trust in the UK dedicated to providing comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services we are proud to be rated as an Outstanding Trust by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and champion change throughout the field of neuroscience. Originally formed in 1992, the Trust received Foundation Trust status in 2009.
With around 1,450 staff, The Walton Centre treats more than 127,000 outpatients and 18,000 inpatients each year. We have leading specialists and incredibly dedicated staff delivering excellent clinical outcomes for brain, spinal and neurological care nationally and internationally. Teams across our site in Fazakerley, Liverpool, offer a world-class service in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves and muscles, and in supporting people suffering from a wide range of long-term neurological conditions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification document for detailed information about the job description for this vacancy
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification document for detailed information about the job description for this vacancy
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Level 2 or above (grade 4, or previously C) or demonstrable ability to obtain the required qualifications within the first year of training via Sheffield Hallam's functional skills training partner
- English as a first language or, if second language, evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills OR demonstrable ability to achieve the required level of English in a presessional course
- Evidence of successful formal study at Level 3
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- A minimum of six months experience in a health and social care setting - this can include placements or work-based learning as part of a Level 3 qualification. If the applicant does not have this, the following may be considered equivalent: ? 96 UCAS points from three A levels or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, OCR Nationals and T Levels. ? Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course ? Level 3 Apprenticeship ? Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ's) New or existing Level 4 or 5 qualifications such as HNDs, Foundation Degrees, Certificate HE or Diploma HE ? Previous degree
- Demonstrate a knowledge of team/group dynamics and the role of a Band 4 occupational therapy degree apprentice within a team
- To have a clear understanding of the role of a Band 4 occupational therapy degree apprentice in a specialist hospital
- To be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of factors that influence health and ill-health including relevant anatomy and physiology and impairments of the mind and body.
- Effective written/oral communication skills
- Good level of administrative skills, IT, Microsoft office (including internet, email and word processing packag
- Awareness of health & safety issues
- Awareness of Disability Discrimination Act and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues
- Commitment to personal development and a willingness to learn
Desirable
- Practical working knowledge of the therapeutic assessment, intervention and rehabilitation process
- Awareness of equipment to support activities of daily living
- Awareness of a range of neurological conditions and their impact on function and daily life
- Awareness of external agencies within the community who support people living with a disability
- Awareness of current NHS/National issues
- A knowledge of research and development in the health and social care sector to inform and improve quality of care.
- A knowledge of the importance of current evidence based practice within scope of the role.
Skills & Attributes
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good telephone manner that is clear and articulate
- Good organisational skills and an ability to plan and manage own time
- Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with others
- Maintain confidentiality and high standards of record keeping in line with local policies and information governance guidelines
Desirable
- Ability to demonstrate problem solving approach
- Ability to motivate patients and other staff
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Respect, dignity, caring, openness, pride and compassion
- Able to maintain reliability of attendance
- Ability to withstand the pressure of work and meet the physical requirements within the job description.
- Willingness to work flexibly
- Ability and willingness to undertake further training as necessary
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Level 2 or above (grade 4, or previously C) or demonstrable ability to obtain the required qualifications within the first year of training via Sheffield Hallam's functional skills training partner
- English as a first language or, if second language, evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills OR demonstrable ability to achieve the required level of English in a presessional course
- Evidence of successful formal study at Level 3
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- A minimum of six months experience in a health and social care setting - this can include placements or work-based learning as part of a Level 3 qualification. If the applicant does not have this, the following may be considered equivalent: ? 96 UCAS points from three A levels or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, OCR Nationals and T Levels. ? Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course ? Level 3 Apprenticeship ? Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ's) New or existing Level 4 or 5 qualifications such as HNDs, Foundation Degrees, Certificate HE or Diploma HE ? Previous degree
- Demonstrate a knowledge of team/group dynamics and the role of a Band 4 occupational therapy degree apprentice within a team
- To have a clear understanding of the role of a Band 4 occupational therapy degree apprentice in a specialist hospital
- To be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of factors that influence health and ill-health including relevant anatomy and physiology and impairments of the mind and body.
- Effective written/oral communication skills
- Good level of administrative skills, IT, Microsoft office (including internet, email and word processing packag
- Awareness of health & safety issues
- Awareness of Disability Discrimination Act and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues
- Commitment to personal development and a willingness to learn
Desirable
- Practical working knowledge of the therapeutic assessment, intervention and rehabilitation process
- Awareness of equipment to support activities of daily living
- Awareness of a range of neurological conditions and their impact on function and daily life
- Awareness of external agencies within the community who support people living with a disability
- Awareness of current NHS/National issues
- A knowledge of research and development in the health and social care sector to inform and improve quality of care.
- A knowledge of the importance of current evidence based practice within scope of the role.
Skills & Attributes
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good telephone manner that is clear and articulate
- Good organisational skills and an ability to plan and manage own time
- Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with others
- Maintain confidentiality and high standards of record keeping in line with local policies and information governance guidelines
Desirable
- Ability to demonstrate problem solving approach
- Ability to motivate patients and other staff
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Respect, dignity, caring, openness, pride and compassion
- Able to maintain reliability of attendance
- Ability to withstand the pressure of work and meet the physical requirements within the job description.
- Willingness to work flexibly
- Ability and willingness to undertake further training as necessary
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
