Job summary
The Children's Occupational Therapy (OT) team, work with Children and Young People up to the age of 19 years of age who have a physical disability or difficulty which impact their ability to participate in daily activities. You will be a part of a county wide team based in the Stafford locality covering a geographical area.
As an occupational Therapy Assistant, you will work under the supervision of an OT to achieve the outcomes set for individual children. You will be required to carry out treatment programs, adapt activities to the individual needs of the child and report back to the therapist on progress. You will work both individually with children and in groups, face to face or using video technology. You will support the OT in delivering on-line parent workshops and will be required to share information, treatment plans with education staff.
You will work independently and with other therapists and be required to maintain good working relationships with our colleagues in Health, Social Care and Education.
Main duties of the job
- Support the OT in the assessment.
- Provide individual therapy program to children, their families or school as directed by the OT.
- Work either individually or in groups
- Support the OT in on-line parent workshops.
- Provide advice and share OT outcomes and programs with education staff.
- Record all clinical intervention on an electronic records system and feedback to the OT the child's progress.
- Support the OT with administrative tasks.
- Participate in service development as a part of the OT team.
About us
By joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities and in return for this, we will support you by;
- Supporting your career development and progression
- Excellent NHS Pension scheme
- Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Options for flexible working
- Up to 27 days annual leave (increasing with service up to 33 days) and the opportunity to purchase additional leave
- Extensive Health and Wellbeing support and resources
- If you work in our community teams, we pay for your time travelling between patients
- Lease car if you complete more than 500 business miles per annum, fully insured and maintained (including tyres), mileage paid at lease car rate
- Salary sacrifice car - fully insured and maintained (including tyres), your gross pay is reduced by the cost of the vehicle before tax, NI and pension deductions are calculated, milage paid at business rates
- Salary sacrifice bikes up to £2k
- Free car parking at all trust sites
- Free flu vaccinations every year
- Citizens Advice support linked with a Hardship Fund for one off additional support up to £250 (if the criteria is met)
And more. We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To work effectively as a member of the team in providing a range of treatment programmes with clients, devised by the Occupational Therapist, designed to improve / maintain the clients independence in daily activities.
- To observe functional ability, general behaviour and response of clients. Record the information and report to the appropriate Occupational Therapist as and when required.
- To maintain joint working practices with health, education and other agencies.
- To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust Standards.
- To carry out administrative and computer based tasks to support the Occupational Therapist.
- The use of video technology to provide Occupational Therapy support with families, children and education staff.
- To ensure that areas are well maintained, and comply with health and safety guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment and storage of materials.
- To adhere to the College of Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and all other national and local policies and procedures.
- To undertake relevant activities and training to enable you to carry out your job role.
- To review and reflect on your own practice and performance as laid down in Trust guidelines, through regular participation in professional supervision and appraisal.
- To participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting.
- To contribute to the Directorate's and team's clinical governance arrangements, quality and service development agenda.
- To ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times in conjunction with Trust Confidentiality Policy.
- Undertake any other duties as required within the sphere of competence and at the request of the Childrens Occupational Therapy Team Leader
Systems and equipment
- To input into RIO electronic records in a timely manner.
- To monitor supplies of equipment within the department and identify low stock levels.
- To contribute to audit at team level.
- Assist the Childrens OT team lead in the identification and planning of new developments.
- As directed by an Occupational Therapist demonstrate the use of a range of equipment to help achieve the childs Occupational Therapy goals.
Decisions and judgment
- To be able to problem solve and contribute to the evaluation and modification of client's Occupational Therapy programmes.
- With the support of an Occupational Therapist you will plan and implement treatment programs based on the child goals and physical skills.
- Maintain appropriate standards of Health and Safety as per Trust Policies and Procedures.
Communication and relationships
- To share the OT findings with the education staff, parents and the Occupational Therapist.
- To form professional relationships with clients, their families and carers in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture
- To liaise effectively and to work collaboratively with other professionals at all levels.
- To verbally share outcome of OT assessment and provide written reports as appropriate under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist.
- To delegate OT treatment programs to assistant staff and/or teaching staff.
Physical demands of the job
- To be able to administer a range of motor activities which require fine manipulation, balance, coordination and basic ball skills from the OT.
- To demonstrate gross and fine motor activities in a group for children with motor coordination difficulties.
- Frequent use of VDU
Most challenging/difficult parts of the job
- Daily periods of concentration required for completing treatment programs and supporting in assessments up to 90 minutes
- Working in the office environment frequent disruptions will occur, the ability to change from one activity to the next is required on a daily basis.
- On occasions there may be exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances such as discussing unwelcome news/diagnosis with children and families.
Occasional exposure to unpleasant working conditions such as when completing home visits such as dirt, smells or parent/ carers who may be upset.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To work effectively as a member of the team in providing a range of treatment programmes with clients, devised by the Occupational Therapist, designed to improve / maintain the clients independence in daily activities.
- To observe functional ability, general behaviour and response of clients. Record the information and report to the appropriate Occupational Therapist as and when required.
- To maintain joint working practices with health, education and other agencies.
- To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust Standards.
- To carry out administrative and computer based tasks to support the Occupational Therapist.
- The use of video technology to provide Occupational Therapy support with families, children and education staff.
- To ensure that areas are well maintained, and comply with health and safety guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment and storage of materials.
- To adhere to the College of Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and all other national and local policies and procedures.
- To undertake relevant activities and training to enable you to carry out your job role.
- To review and reflect on your own practice and performance as laid down in Trust guidelines, through regular participation in professional supervision and appraisal.
- To participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting.
- To contribute to the Directorate's and team's clinical governance arrangements, quality and service development agenda.
- To ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times in conjunction with Trust Confidentiality Policy.
- Undertake any other duties as required within the sphere of competence and at the request of the Childrens Occupational Therapy Team Leader
Systems and equipment
- To input into RIO electronic records in a timely manner.
- To monitor supplies of equipment within the department and identify low stock levels.
- To contribute to audit at team level.
- Assist the Childrens OT team lead in the identification and planning of new developments.
- As directed by an Occupational Therapist demonstrate the use of a range of equipment to help achieve the childs Occupational Therapy goals.
Decisions and judgment
- To be able to problem solve and contribute to the evaluation and modification of client's Occupational Therapy programmes.
- With the support of an Occupational Therapist you will plan and implement treatment programs based on the child goals and physical skills.
- Maintain appropriate standards of Health and Safety as per Trust Policies and Procedures.
Communication and relationships
- To share the OT findings with the education staff, parents and the Occupational Therapist.
- To form professional relationships with clients, their families and carers in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture
- To liaise effectively and to work collaboratively with other professionals at all levels.
- To verbally share outcome of OT assessment and provide written reports as appropriate under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist.
- To delegate OT treatment programs to assistant staff and/or teaching staff.
Physical demands of the job
- To be able to administer a range of motor activities which require fine manipulation, balance, coordination and basic ball skills from the OT.
- To demonstrate gross and fine motor activities in a group for children with motor coordination difficulties.
- Frequent use of VDU
Most challenging/difficult parts of the job
- Daily periods of concentration required for completing treatment programs and supporting in assessments up to 90 minutes
- Working in the office environment frequent disruptions will occur, the ability to change from one activity to the next is required on a daily basis.
- On occasions there may be exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances such as discussing unwelcome news/diagnosis with children and families.
Occasional exposure to unpleasant working conditions such as when completing home visits such as dirt, smells or parent/ carers who may be upset.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 4 GCSE or equivelent to include English and Maths
- NVQ level 3 or similar in Health and Social Care or Education
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as a part of a team
- Previous experience of working in a hospital or community healthcare environment or in an educational setting
Desirable
- Experience of oCommunity Working oWorking in a multidisciplinary team oRehabilitation oWorking with Children
- Experience of working in groups/leading groups.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Good IT Skills - Microsoft Office, Internet Ability to prioritise workload effectively and work independently.
- Good interpersonal skills
- Problem solving & analytical skills.
- Ability to demonstrate a knowledge of OT and the role when working with Children.
- Ability to meet the travel demands of the job role across a geographical area.
- Ability to work in a variety of settings including schools, homes and clinic.
Desirable
- An understanding of medical conditions and how they may impact a child's life
Personal attributes
Essential
- Excellent communications skills and ability to build relationships with the child, family and other agencies.
- Ability to work closely with team members.
- Be able to change and adapt to new ways of working.
- Demonstrate the positive application of our behaviours: oRespectful oHonest and Trustworthy oCaring and compassionate oTaking the time to talk and listen oWorking together and leading by example
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 4 GCSE or equivelent to include English and Maths
- NVQ level 3 or similar in Health and Social Care or Education
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as a part of a team
- Previous experience of working in a hospital or community healthcare environment or in an educational setting
Desirable
- Experience of oCommunity Working oWorking in a multidisciplinary team oRehabilitation oWorking with Children
- Experience of working in groups/leading groups.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Good IT Skills - Microsoft Office, Internet Ability to prioritise workload effectively and work independently.
- Good interpersonal skills
- Problem solving & analytical skills.
- Ability to demonstrate a knowledge of OT and the role when working with Children.
- Ability to meet the travel demands of the job role across a geographical area.
- Ability to work in a variety of settings including schools, homes and clinic.
Desirable
- An understanding of medical conditions and how they may impact a child's life
Personal attributes
Essential
- Excellent communications skills and ability to build relationships with the child, family and other agencies.
- Ability to work closely with team members.
- Be able to change and adapt to new ways of working.
- Demonstrate the positive application of our behaviours: oRespectful oHonest and Trustworthy oCaring and compassionate oTaking the time to talk and listen oWorking together and leading by example
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.
