Occupational Therapy Support Worker

Job summary

The Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT) are seeking an Occupational Therapy Support Worker to support our existing Occupational Therapist in the team.

We are looking for a dynamic individual to support the Occupational Therapy provision to a complex caseload of patients requiring specialist forensic support as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Your role will be to support individuals to regain or learn new life skills, to help them with the transition from hospital to the community and to empower individuals to improve and maintain their quality of life through meaningful activity such as volunteering, education and employment.

The SCFT provides a comprehensive and county wide, community forensic mental health assessment, consultation, case management / care coordination, time limited joint working and specialist intervention.

We aim to achieve high standards of person-centred approach through a process of working in partnership with our patients to meet where possible their expectations of the service they require, whilst balancing the needs of the wider community and the public protection agenda.

Main duties of the job

o To undertake specific skilled occupational therapy support work (e.g. carrying out assessments using various treatment skills including group facilitation) to aid the mental health recovery of patients. To plan and implement interventions, using various treatment skills and to monitor progress and evaluate the outcome under supervision from team Occupational Therapist.

o To encourage patients and carers in an active approach to regaining and maintaining personal independence.

o To support the occupational therapist by carrying out specific, timed interventions on a 1:1 and group basis. To actively participate in the Occupational Therapy process from start to finish with support from Occupational Therapy colleagues and the MDT.

o To liaise closely with third sector agencies and community resources to support patients to access meaningful activities, recreational activities, using practical, communication and creative skills.

o To participate in risk assessment and work closely with the criminal justice agencies and secure care providers.

This is a community-based role that requires frequent travel to various locations throughout the county including areas that may not be accessible by public transportation. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate how they will manage these travel requirements.

About us

We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health. We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.

We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.

Over 4,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.

We work in people's homes, in community clinics and bases. Some staff work from one of our 13 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.

Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon. As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increases the numbers of people who use our services.