Job summary
The Forensic Intensive Recovery Support Team (FIRST) has an exciting vacancy for the position of Occupational Therapist Assistant Practitioner within our Multi- disciplinary community team.
We are seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist Assistant Practitioner to join our expanding team and work within the Forensic Intensive Recovery and Support Team (FIRST). We are looking for an individual who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of people who have experienced forensic inpatient services and is committed to the development and delivery of a high quality, service and discharge pathway. We require someone who is flexible and approachable. Effective communication skills, time management, record keeping and organisational skills are essential, as is the ability to work well with all members of the multi-disciplinary team.
FIRST work closely with other forensic services in the West Midlands, as part of the REACH OUT partnership, a new provider collaborative. MPUFT's FIRST support men and women from the northern West Midlands in the process of discharge from forensic inpatient services and work to ensure safe, effective and successful transitions to the community.
Main duties of the job
Working closely with the registered Occupational Therapist and as part of a multi-disciplinary Team. The post holder will be required to work collaboratively with service users, carers, family and friends and housing providers providing support, and spending therapeutic time with an allocated group of service users with complex mental health and social needs, often with histories of offending and/or risk behaviours, both individually and within group settings.
The post holder will be responsible for providing timely and accurate written and verbal feedback for all interventions for review by the delegating Occupational Therapists to support the delivery and inform the overall Occupational Therapy intervention plan.
This is a full-time post with an opportunity to work in a hybrid way with some home working offering a work/life balance. Due to the nature of the work involved in this role you will require a driving licence and access to a car.
About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for further details, a summary is below:
Clinical duties and responsibilities
1. To independently prepare organise and carryout interventions to support the assessment and treatment goals identified by the Occupational Therapist.
2. To deliver therapeutic interventions with service users to promote their independence in occupational performance areas as prescribed by an occupational therapist.
3. Support individuals to explore vocational opportunities in the community and signpost to relevant support services.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for further details, a summary is below:
Clinical duties and responsibilities
1. To independently prepare organise and carryout interventions to support the assessment and treatment goals identified by the Occupational Therapist.
2. To deliver therapeutic interventions with service users to promote their independence in occupational performance areas as prescribed by an occupational therapist.
3. Support individuals to explore vocational opportunities in the community and signpost to relevant support services.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- Quality Credit Framework qualification at level 3 e.g. NVQ or OCN related to Health & Social Care equivalent
- Willingness to undertake within agreed timescale
- Numeracy, literacy and ITQ level 2 (or equivalent)
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Experience of working as part of a team and delivering a customer focused service.
- Understanding of the role of occupational therapy.
- Significant experience working as an occupational therapy assistant or closely related work e.g. nursing or physiotherapy assistant.
Desirable
- Experience of being a service user or carer
- Understanding of the concept of rehabilitation/recovery within the secure / clinical area.
- Basic knowledge of the principles of Clinical Governance
- Awareness of Health & Safety legislation & practices.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Essential
- Knowledge and awareness of issues relating to mental health, access to mental health services, and mental health promotion.
- Skills in literacy, written, verbal and an ability to effectively use electronic information and computer technology.
- Skills in managing situations of high expressed emotions, and an ability to manage one's own emotional state.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- Quality Credit Framework qualification at level 3 e.g. NVQ or OCN related to Health & Social Care equivalent
- Willingness to undertake within agreed timescale
- Numeracy, literacy and ITQ level 2 (or equivalent)
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Experience of working as part of a team and delivering a customer focused service.
- Understanding of the role of occupational therapy.
- Significant experience working as an occupational therapy assistant or closely related work e.g. nursing or physiotherapy assistant.
Desirable
- Experience of being a service user or carer
- Understanding of the concept of rehabilitation/recovery within the secure / clinical area.
- Basic knowledge of the principles of Clinical Governance
- Awareness of Health & Safety legislation & practices.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Essential
- Knowledge and awareness of issues relating to mental health, access to mental health services, and mental health promotion.
- Skills in literacy, written, verbal and an ability to effectively use electronic information and computer technology.
- Skills in managing situations of high expressed emotions, and an ability to manage one's own emotional state.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
