Job summary
Male Occupational Therapy Assistant (Band 3)
This job is exempt from the Equalities Act 2010 which supersedes the provisions within the (Sex Discrimination Act 7(2) 1975 by reasons of decency or privacy as it is likely to involve physical contact with men in the circumstances where they might reasonably object to it being carried out by a member of the opposite sex.
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a well-established, staffed and resourced and respected Occupational Therapy service (OT) with patients with a primary diagnosis of server mental illness or personality disorder.
The post will be based within the high security, forensic hospital environment & offers a great development opportunity for the OT service to work with patients in assessments & treatment sessions throughout their stay in the hospital.
The hospital has moved to a new bespoke hospital is the most modern high security forensic hospital in the country. The hospital focuses on innovative care to a challenging and interesting patient group. We have a strong commitment to multi-professional working within the clinical team, focussing on reducing risk and offending behaviours.
We are looking to recruit to a resourceful, motivated person who can demonstrate skill in engaging patients and team work. There are opportunities to progress in the service via the professional route and an Occupational Therapy apprenticeship or through the Vocational Services and skill based learning task for patients.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work with the qualified Occupational Therapists in the services delivering assessment and treatment sessions. The Occupational Therapy Assistant see patients on and off the ward. The sessions will generally be group sessions but could at times be one to one sessions.
The hospital offers a variety of services which meet the changing needs of patients at every stage of their recovery and the work undertaken by the post holder will support this process.
About us
The post holder will work with the qualified Occupational Therapists in the services delivering assessment and treatment sessions. The Occupational Therapy Assistant see patients on and off the ward. The sessions will generally be group sessions but could at times be one to one sessions.
The hospital offers a variety of services which meet the changing needs of patients at every stage of their recovery and the work undertaken by the post holder will support this process.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached.
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached.
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Good general education with minimum of 2 CSE, GCSE or O' Levels
- To have a relevant trade or skill NVQ, City and Guilds, BTEC
Desirable
- Motivation and Engagement Training
- Degree in a relevant area
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with patients with mental illness and personality disorder.
- Experience as a band 3 in a relevant patient care NHS post.
- Good working knowledge environmental risk factors
- Experience motivating and engaging patients.
Desirable
- Experience at working with others on implementing a new activity
Knowledge
Essential
- To have a working knowledge of the importance of grading therapeutic / activities to meet patients' needs.
- Evidence in mental health awareness
Desirable
- To have knowledge of clinical models / treatments used in the hospital.
- Knowledge of wider NHS papers or policies or CQUIN's relevant to Mental Health
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels.
- Ability to work autonomously if directed by band 5.
- Clear effective session planning
- Good IT skills
- Good time management skills.
Desirable
- Demonstrate a positive attitude to change.
- To have an enquiring approach to service development.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Good general education with minimum of 2 CSE, GCSE or O' Levels
- To have a relevant trade or skill NVQ, City and Guilds, BTEC
Desirable
- Motivation and Engagement Training
- Degree in a relevant area
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with patients with mental illness and personality disorder.
- Experience as a band 3 in a relevant patient care NHS post.
- Good working knowledge environmental risk factors
- Experience motivating and engaging patients.
Desirable
- Experience at working with others on implementing a new activity
Knowledge
Essential
- To have a working knowledge of the importance of grading therapeutic / activities to meet patients' needs.
- Evidence in mental health awareness
Desirable
- To have knowledge of clinical models / treatments used in the hospital.
- Knowledge of wider NHS papers or policies or CQUIN's relevant to Mental Health
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels.
- Ability to work autonomously if directed by band 5.
- Clear effective session planning
- Good IT skills
- Good time management skills.
Desirable
- Demonstrate a positive attitude to change.
- To have an enquiring approach to service development.
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.
