Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity available for a motivated, responsible and caring individual to join The Walton Centre therapy service on a full-time permanent basis.
As an occupational therapy (OT) assistant you will work alongside qualified occupational therapy staff as part of the multidisciplinary team within the acute inpatient service. The role requires a high level of commitment, responsibility and team work.
Following a work-based framework for development, and under the direction of senior therapists, you will carry a delegated caseload to provide occupational therapy intervention.
Joining our team of 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.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate relevant clinical experience of working within a health care setting and have evidence of personal development equivalent to NVQ level 3 in health care or social care (or be willing to work towards this). The supporting information of the application must demonstrate a clear understanding of occupational therapy and the role of the occupational therapy assistant to be considered for short-listing.
You are encouraged to contact the department to discuss the post or your application.
Main duties of the job
To work under the direction of the Senior Occupational Therapists to deliver assessment-related activities and safe, effective occupational therapy interventions. This may be independently or with qualified staff.
To assist Occupational Therapists in their administrative duties and the preparation and maintenance of the therapy department.
To work flexibly to meet the demands on the service.
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
- NVQ Level 3 in care (or alternative appropriate evidence of education, training and development). If the post older does not have this qualification, they will complete this in their role, as is now mandatory for support workers.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Understanding of the OT Assistant role in an acute hospital setting.
- Practical knowledge of health and social care environments.
- Willingness to work towards specific competencies.
- Awareness of Health and Safety issues.
- Awareness of Disability Discrimination Act, Equality Act and safeguarding.
- Demonstrated commitment to personal development and willingness to learn.
Desirable
- Practical working knowledge of the therapeutic assessment, intervention and rehabilitation process.
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary team in a health or social care setting.
- Awareness of a range of neurological conditions and their impact on function and daily life.
- Awareness of external agencies in the community who support people living with a disability.
- Awareness of equipment used to support transfers, mobility and activities of daily living.
- Awareness of current NHS and broader national issues.
- Ability to demonstrate good problem-solving skills.
Skills & Attributes
Essential
- Good numerical and literacy skills
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Good administrative and information technology skills, including use of Microsoft Office and email services.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to be reliable and responsible and to demonstrate initiative.
- Good organisational skills and ability to plan and manage own time.
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with others.
- Ability to demonstrate diplomacy, tact and empathy.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and high standards of record keeping, in line with information governance guidance.
Desirable
- Ability to demonstrate good problem-solving skills.
Values & Behaviours
Essential
- Commitment to compassion, innovation and excellence.
- Maintain reliability of attendance.
- Ability to withstand work pressures and meet the physical requirements within the job description.
- A willingness to work flexibly and adapt to service demands.
- Willingness to undertake further training as necessary.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in care (or alternative appropriate evidence of education, training and development). If the post older does not have this qualification, they will complete this in their role, as is now mandatory for support workers.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Understanding of the OT Assistant role in an acute hospital setting.
- Practical knowledge of health and social care environments.
- Willingness to work towards specific competencies.
- Awareness of Health and Safety issues.
- Awareness of Disability Discrimination Act, Equality Act and safeguarding.
- Demonstrated commitment to personal development and willingness to learn.
Desirable
- Practical working knowledge of the therapeutic assessment, intervention and rehabilitation process.
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary team in a health or social care setting.
- Awareness of a range of neurological conditions and their impact on function and daily life.
- Awareness of external agencies in the community who support people living with a disability.
- Awareness of equipment used to support transfers, mobility and activities of daily living.
- Awareness of current NHS and broader national issues.
- Ability to demonstrate good problem-solving skills.
Skills & Attributes
Essential
- Good numerical and literacy skills
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Good administrative and information technology skills, including use of Microsoft Office and email services.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to be reliable and responsible and to demonstrate initiative.
- Good organisational skills and ability to plan and manage own time.
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with others.
- Ability to demonstrate diplomacy, tact and empathy.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and high standards of record keeping, in line with information governance guidance.
Desirable
- Ability to demonstrate good problem-solving skills.
Values & Behaviours
Essential
- Commitment to compassion, innovation and excellence.
- Maintain reliability of attendance.
- Ability to withstand work pressures and meet the physical requirements within the job description.
- A willingness to work flexibly and adapt to service demands.
- 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).
