Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist with a keen interest and some previous experience in mental health to work on one of the adult inpatient mental health wards at St Charles Mental Health Unit. The post holder will be based on one of the adult treatment wards as an integral member of the ward multi-disciplinary team, working alongside medical staff, nursing staff, an activities coordinator, peer support worker, fitness instructor and arts psychotherapy colleagues.
You will need to be a motivated and flexible team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills. You will hold a current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
St Charles Mental Health Unit in Kensington & Chelsea has four adult inpatient wards plus two PICU wards that provide a safe and therapeutic environment for people with acute mental health problems. The unit is a short walk from Ladbroke Grove station with good transport links.
The successful applicant may have contact with patients or service users. As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working on our healthcare settings.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will develop, facilitate and evaluate therapeutic groups and individual interventions as a part of the multi-disciplinary ward programme. The Occupational Therapy role is to provide assessment and intervention to individuals, identifying barriers to discharge and supporting individuals to gain maximum independence throughout their admission and the right level of support when they leave the unit. This may include the assessment of activities of daily living, the use of standardised assessment tools, prescribing equipment and making recommendations for future accommodation or care packages.
There will be opportunity to develop supervision skills through providing supervision for the ward activity coordinator and providing placements to OT students.
The ward OT is a key member of ward multidisciplinary meetings, care formulation meetings and supports the overall work of the ward. There are established links with Home Treatment Teams, CMHTS and various local agencies.
There will be professional development opportunities and the chance to expand your skills. There is an OT for each of the six wards at St Charles Mental Health Unit, supported by a Lead OT. The Occupational Therapy posts are ward based although there are regular meetings and informal liaison with other OT staff.
About us
Come and join us and be one of the friendly and supportive 300 Occupational Therapists (OTs) in CNWL. We work in many different teams in both physical and mental health, as well as a number of specialist areas. You could have a career for life with us and maintain your dual skills.
OT in CNWL is very fortunate in having a long-established professional structure and this includes an AHP director, Trust wide Professional Head of OT, borough and specialist Head OTs. This has the huge benefit of ensuring representation of our profession at all levels - both strategically and operationally.
There are opportunities to be involved in the CNWL Recovery and Wellbeing College by facilitating inpatient "snapshot" courses.
We recognise that the step between student and professional needs support so we have invested fully in our Band 5s development through robust supervision, a preceptorship programme and internal training. Success at preceptorship enables them to then be an educator for OT students. Career development opportunities are available and many of our Band 5s chose to stay with us in senior posts. There are regular borough-wide Band 5 support groups and a K&C and Westminster OT forum meetings.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Thank you for your interest in our Band 5 Occupational Therapy post.
Clinical1.1 To provide specialist, culturally appropriate, evidence based occupational therapy assessments for service users on the Treatment ward in order to establish and meet their occupational needs.1.2 To provide full vocational needs assessment, advice and on-going intervention related to an individuals vocational needs.1.3 To select and use validated standardised assessment tools routinely and in practice, exhibiting clinical reasoning skills; to include the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) assessments.1.4 To apply clinical knowledge and skills to carry out evidence based occupational therapy interventions, both individual and in groups, which are underpinned by relevant theoretical approaches and in line with the Trusts Research and Development Strategy.1.5 To plan, implement and review individually tailored programmes of intervention using individual and group work approaches.1.6 To support service users and colleagues to ensure that care plans are developed in partnership with the individual and that they reflect recovery goals. These should be strengths-based and oriented towards reinforcing a positive identity and developing valued social roles.1.7 To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions against clear aims, objectives and outcome measures in line with evidence based practice and in conjunction with service users, carers and other professionals.1.8 To establish links with the CNWL Recovery College.1.9 To apply a level of understanding of the effects of mental illness and provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to the service users social and physical environment.1.10 To determine the impact of mental and physical conditions on service users functional ability and undertake assessment/make recommendations with regards to the provision of equipment/aids and adaptations.1.11 To be aware of medication issues in line with the CNWL OT Medication Management guidelines.1.12 To follow local protocol and obtain recommended equipment and/or liaise with local providers of equipment to ensure provision as appropriate.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Thank you for your interest in our Band 5 Occupational Therapy post.
Clinical1.1 To provide specialist, culturally appropriate, evidence based occupational therapy assessments for service users on the Treatment ward in order to establish and meet their occupational needs.1.2 To provide full vocational needs assessment, advice and on-going intervention related to an individuals vocational needs.1.3 To select and use validated standardised assessment tools routinely and in practice, exhibiting clinical reasoning skills; to include the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) assessments.1.4 To apply clinical knowledge and skills to carry out evidence based occupational therapy interventions, both individual and in groups, which are underpinned by relevant theoretical approaches and in line with the Trusts Research and Development Strategy.1.5 To plan, implement and review individually tailored programmes of intervention using individual and group work approaches.1.6 To support service users and colleagues to ensure that care plans are developed in partnership with the individual and that they reflect recovery goals. These should be strengths-based and oriented towards reinforcing a positive identity and developing valued social roles.1.7 To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions against clear aims, objectives and outcome measures in line with evidence based practice and in conjunction with service users, carers and other professionals.1.8 To establish links with the CNWL Recovery College.1.9 To apply a level of understanding of the effects of mental illness and provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to the service users social and physical environment.1.10 To determine the impact of mental and physical conditions on service users functional ability and undertake assessment/make recommendations with regards to the provision of equipment/aids and adaptations.1.11 To be aware of medication issues in line with the CNWL OT Medication Management guidelines.1.12 To follow local protocol and obtain recommended equipment and/or liaise with local providers of equipment to ensure provision as appropriate.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
- Registered Occupational Therapist with Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC).
Previous Experience
Essential
- Undergraduate experience in inpatient mental health
- Experience of using a range of standardised OT assessments
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
- Demonstrate ability to be an effective and flexible member of a team.
- Experience of using MOHO Assessments
Desirable
- Experience in acute mental health as a qualified OT
- To have completed OT preceptorship
Skills, Knowledge and Ability
Essential
- Individual and group work skills
- Clear concept of Occupational Therapy and models of practice
- Ability to assess physical needs and prescribe equipment as required to maximise independence
- Ability to treat service users with respect and dignity at all times, adopting a culturally sensitive approach that considers the needs of the whole person
- Good communication skills within various networks of disciplines
- Ability to prioritise workload and use initiative.
- Able to work creatively to engage patients.
- Timely reporting and record keeping.
- Patient centred approach to service delivery.
- Able to build constructive relationships with warmth and empathy, using good communication skills.
- Experience of promoting recovery and social inclusion
- Ability to make constructive suggestions as to how services can be improved.
- Demonstrate an understanding of clinical audit and evidence based practice
Desirable
- Previous experience of supervising students or other staff.
- Research and development at undergraduate level
- Involvement in projects and quality improvement.
Personal Characteristics
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, written, verbal, listening and use of Technology
- High level of personal motivation
- Ability to work in a team setting i.e. collaborating/facilitating/directing and understanding diversity
- Good organisational skills and ability to delegate effectively
- Demonstrate the ability to reflect on own practice and take responsibility for own personal development
- Demonstrate self-awareness and an ability to use initiative
- Ability to manage conflict constructively within the staff and client setting.
- Flexible approach to service needs and ability to adapt to change
- Ability to encourage client participation and ensure a high delivery of customer service.
Desirable
- Experience of promoting equality and diversity
- Experience in reflective practice
Other
Essential
- The post holder must have the ability to understand and implement National Policies, Equal Opportunities and the Code of Ethics at level appropriate to the job.
Desirable
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
- Registered Occupational Therapist with Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC).
Previous Experience
Essential
- Undergraduate experience in inpatient mental health
- Experience of using a range of standardised OT assessments
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
- Demonstrate ability to be an effective and flexible member of a team.
- Experience of using MOHO Assessments
Desirable
- Experience in acute mental health as a qualified OT
- To have completed OT preceptorship
Skills, Knowledge and Ability
Essential
- Individual and group work skills
- Clear concept of Occupational Therapy and models of practice
- Ability to assess physical needs and prescribe equipment as required to maximise independence
- Ability to treat service users with respect and dignity at all times, adopting a culturally sensitive approach that considers the needs of the whole person
- Good communication skills within various networks of disciplines
- Ability to prioritise workload and use initiative.
- Able to work creatively to engage patients.
- Timely reporting and record keeping.
- Patient centred approach to service delivery.
- Able to build constructive relationships with warmth and empathy, using good communication skills.
- Experience of promoting recovery and social inclusion
- Ability to make constructive suggestions as to how services can be improved.
- Demonstrate an understanding of clinical audit and evidence based practice
Desirable
- Previous experience of supervising students or other staff.
- Research and development at undergraduate level
- Involvement in projects and quality improvement.
Personal Characteristics
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, written, verbal, listening and use of Technology
- High level of personal motivation
- Ability to work in a team setting i.e. collaborating/facilitating/directing and understanding diversity
- Good organisational skills and ability to delegate effectively
- Demonstrate the ability to reflect on own practice and take responsibility for own personal development
- Demonstrate self-awareness and an ability to use initiative
- Ability to manage conflict constructively within the staff and client setting.
- Flexible approach to service needs and ability to adapt to change
- Ability to encourage client participation and ensure a high delivery of customer service.
Desirable
- Experience of promoting equality and diversity
- Experience in reflective practice
Other
Essential
- The post holder must have the ability to understand and implement National Policies, Equal Opportunities and the Code of Ethics at level appropriate to the job.
Desirable
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).
