Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

Job description

Job responsibilities

1) CLINICAL (a) To work autonomously in the delivery of clinical interventions using highly skilled technical / creative and specialised skills to engage young people in therapeutic activities. (b) To provide a range of activities to create a flexible inclusive therapeutic programme which covers days, evenings and weekends (Saturday and Sunday) as well as school holidays. (c) Provide a range of activities, instructing and guiding young people to support them in achieving identified goals. (d) Facilitate and manage planned group-work and individual activities, ongoing continuous assessment and adjustment of own clinical interventions based on the changing needs of the client group. (e) To deliver and report on delegated OT assessments. (f) Design relevant therapeutic programmes using highly developed skills in designated areas of expertise. (g) Participate in the Care Programme Approach (CPA), assisting in the development of care plans where appropriate. (h) To be responsible for, and work autonomously with, an agreed caseload. (i) Assist in the design, implementation, evaluation and modification of OT and team interventions. (j) To demonstrate an understanding of occupational therapy and apply this to the implementation of individual and group sessions. (k) To assess risk and manage it effectively within clinical and community settings. (l) Under supervision use specialised technical/ creative/physical exercise skills and specialised interventions to plan and provide therapeutic activities which promote and maintain independence and wellbeing. (m) To use a variety of teaching techniques in working with individuals and groups. (n) Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service. (o) Be aware of, and apply, the principle of risk assessment and management to all aspects of clinical work, alongside the MDT.

2) COMMUNICATION: (a) To form professional relationships with young people and carers, team members, colleagues and external agencies. (b) To communicate effectively and appropriately with team members on clinical matters and communicate outcomes of interventions. (c) Use a variety of communication skills and techniques to instruct and guide individuals / groups of young people in the use of therapeutic activities. To keep the ward and young people updated on what is available locally for a diverse group of young people and to provide the necessary information. (d) Engage and motivate young people from a variety of backgrounds. (e) To participate in, and work as a member of the MDT, contributing to decisions

3) DOCUMENTATION: (a) Maintain appropriate, up-to-date, written and electronic records and activity data in accordance with Professional and Trust standards. (b) To correspond with external agencies on clinical matters, as agreed with senior staff. (c) To write OT assessments and reports, in consultation with staff, according to local standards. (d) Produce and implement relevant policies and procedures relating to the area of responsibility. e.g. safe practice guidelines in relation to clinical areas.

4) LEADERSHIP, SUPERVISION AND APPRAISAL: (a) In line with Trust guidelines, review and reflect on your own practice and performance through regular participation in clinical / professional supervision and appraisal. (b) To provide day-to-day support and guidance to staff to ensure the effective delivery of the service. (c) Provide leadership and support to other junior Staff.

5) PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND DEVELOPMENT: (a) To comply with national and local procedures and guidelines and relevant professional code of conduct. (b) To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of clients and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to those needs. (c) Demonstrate ongoing personal development through undertaking relevant training / activities identified in clinical / professional supervision and appraisal.

6) SERVICE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY: (a) To participate in the planning, reviewing and development of services within clinical area. (b) To be responsible for the preparation, maintenance and care of tools, materials and equipment, ensuring a safe environment for clients and staff as appropriate. (c) Keep up-to-date with issues within the OT Strategy and Business Plan and other local service reviews.

7) CLINICAL GOVERNANCE AND QUALITY STANDARDS: (a) Participate in Clinical Governance and quality improvement projects within service area as appropriate.

8) LINE MANAGEMENT, STAFF AND BUDGETS: (a) To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance. (b) To handle petty cash and be responsible for stock control and use of equipment, where appropriate. (c) To assist the Senior OT in taking a lead in the ward group therapeutic programme.

9) RESEARCH AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT: (a) Keep up-to-date with relevant techniques and methods of practice and apply it on a day-to-day basis. (b) To participate in OT / Team audit and evaluation activities and projects as agreed with supervisor. (c) Undertake small audit or research projects as appropriate.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Specific qualification or technical skill to a degree level or equivalent (e.g. appropriate level NVQ, City & Guilds in technical area), or willingness to undertake. (A) A-C Grade GCSE's in Maths and English (A)
• Grade GCSE's in Maths and English

Desirable

• Further education qualification in health / mental health related subject.

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in mental health.
• Experience of providing teaching / therapeutic interventions on an individual and group basis
• Experience of planning and running groups within a health or social care setting

Desirable

• Experience of working with young people with Mental Health problems.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of child and adolescent development
• Detailed knowledge and skills in planning and implementing a variety of leisure / creative/ technical /physical exercise activities

Desirable

• Demonstrate an understanding of mental health issues

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Maudsley Hospital & Bethlem Royal Hospital

London

BR3 3BX

Employer's website

https://www.slam.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)