Job summary
A rare opportunity has arisen to join the community eating disorder team as an Occupational Assistant Practitioner.
The AWP Community Adult Eating Disorders Service has recently expanded to enable delivery of the early intervention model for eating disorders 'FREED' (First episode Rapid Early intervention for Eating Disorders)(see https://freedfromed.co.uk/), alongside their existing service.
The post holder will primarily support the occupational therapists in the team with the delivery of the FREED early intervention model. The post holder is based with the expanding Community Eating Disorders Service for Adults, which sits within the wider Community Mental Health Service. The primary focus for the post holder is in working with clients accessing treatment through the FREED pathway, though the post holder will also contribute to, and is part of, the broader team.
Main duties of the job
Work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with service users, their families/carers and other health and social care professionals. Recognise and respect their involvement in the planning and delivery of care
Under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist, the post holder will be expected to use specialised technical/creative skills to co-ordinate, develop and facilitate a flexible client centred programme of therapeutic activities for individuals/groups of service users
Under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist the post holder will be responsible for a specific case load as agreed with supervisor
To assist the qualified Occupational Therapist in the delivery of the therapy service to a specified caseload of outpatients
To work without direct supervision at base and in the community, undertaking tasks that fall within the remit of the non-complex patient.
To routinely act as first contact with non-complex patient
Assisting qualified Occupational Therapist with the assessment of complex cases and ongoing management
To provide occupational therapy focussed group activities and psychological education for outpatients
To provide administrative support for the Allied Health care staff within the team.
About us
We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust) a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.
We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.
Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.
At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
1. To work without direct supervision but under the supervision of the qualified staff in the performance of specific tasks for an individual or group of patients as part of their treatment programmes. Duties may include:
Activity of daily living assessments at the NHS base and in the community
Independently evaluating and progressing patients occupational therapy treatment goals and care plans
Delivering one to one or group based occupational therapy activity of daily living interventions
Advising and educating patients on the importance of self care, leisure and lifestyle balance
Supporting patients to find paid work voluntary work or training, or to stay in work
Carrying your own caseload of non-complex patients including joint decisions on discharge
Discharging patients on own caseload
Providing education to patients, carers and ward staff
Direct assistance to qualified staff with more complex patients
Onward referral; signposting to external agencies and organisations
2. To deliver therapeutic interventions using highly skilled technical/creative techniques to engage service users in therapeutic activities.
3. Assist in the maintenance of a safe therapeutic environment beneficial to the needs of the service users, relatives carers and others
4. To provide individual meal support and meal preparation intervention to patients with an eating disorder.
5. To support patients with an eating disorder with relevant activities of daily living, such as shopping, planning and preparing food and going to a caf.
6. To be involved in the induction, training, development and supervision of students or assistants within the team
7. To write progress notes in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with departmental standards. These notes do not require qualified staff to countersignature
8. To be aware at all times of the needs and risks of patients with eating disorders and to promote and encourage basic nutrition strategies
9. To undertake any non-clinical / clerical duties as necessary. This may include maintaining kitchen equipment, filing, dealing with telephone calls, arranging training, completing onward referrals.
10. Contribute to the team approach, providing accurate and relevant feedback to registered staff; participate in team discussions and meetings regarding care of service users.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
1. To work without direct supervision but under the supervision of the qualified staff in the performance of specific tasks for an individual or group of patients as part of their treatment programmes. Duties may include:
Activity of daily living assessments at the NHS base and in the community
Independently evaluating and progressing patients occupational therapy treatment goals and care plans
Delivering one to one or group based occupational therapy activity of daily living interventions
Advising and educating patients on the importance of self care, leisure and lifestyle balance
Supporting patients to find paid work voluntary work or training, or to stay in work
Carrying your own caseload of non-complex patients including joint decisions on discharge
Discharging patients on own caseload
Providing education to patients, carers and ward staff
Direct assistance to qualified staff with more complex patients
Onward referral; signposting to external agencies and organisations
2. To deliver therapeutic interventions using highly skilled technical/creative techniques to engage service users in therapeutic activities.
3. Assist in the maintenance of a safe therapeutic environment beneficial to the needs of the service users, relatives carers and others
4. To provide individual meal support and meal preparation intervention to patients with an eating disorder.
5. To support patients with an eating disorder with relevant activities of daily living, such as shopping, planning and preparing food and going to a caf.
6. To be involved in the induction, training, development and supervision of students or assistants within the team
7. To write progress notes in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with departmental standards. These notes do not require qualified staff to countersignature
8. To be aware at all times of the needs and risks of patients with eating disorders and to promote and encourage basic nutrition strategies
9. To undertake any non-clinical / clerical duties as necessary. This may include maintaining kitchen equipment, filing, dealing with telephone calls, arranging training, completing onward referrals.
10. Contribute to the team approach, providing accurate and relevant feedback to registered staff; participate in team discussions and meetings regarding care of service users.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Educational criteria as specified in person spec
Desirable
- Mental health / or occupational therapy training
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a relevant setting (e.g. mental health, dietetics)
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with eating disorders
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Educational criteria as specified in person spec
Desirable
- Mental health / or occupational therapy training
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a relevant setting (e.g. mental health, dietetics)
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with eating disorders
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.
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