Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; Swindon; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift work enhancements

Flexible working options

Job summary

The Methodist Church in Britain is not the employer for this role. Devon Partnership NHS Trust operates Moorland View Ward, a 16-bed adult mental health inpatient ward at North Devon District Hospital, delivering seven-day therapeutic services.

This Band 3 post supports qualified occupational therapists and involves community/home interventions, with weekend and shift work. Qualifications include GCSE level or Care Certificate, and experience in caring settings.

Qualifications

• Basic education up to GCSE level or equivalent.
• Care Certificate or equivalent, or ability to complete it within the first 6 months in post.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients' needs, within the supervising OT framework.
• Carry out individual interventions in the community and in patients' homes, as directed by qualified staff.
• Support and assist qualified occupational therapists across a 7-day service.
• Contribute to developing an innovative, needs-led OT service.

Skills

Mental health knowledge

Safeguarding

IT skills

Teamwork

Education

GCSE level or equivalent

Care Certificate or equivalent

Job description

This Band 3 post supports qualified occupational therapists on Moorland View Ward, a 16-bed adult mental health inpatient ward at North Devon District Hospital, run by Devon Partnership NHS Trust. The work centres on planning and running therapeutic activities on and off the ward, within the supervising therapist's framework, with individual sessions in the community and patients' homes. It is a seven-day service with weekend and shift work. Candidates without the Care Certificate can complete it within six months of starting.

What the job involves

• Plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients' needs, within the framework set by the supervising OT
• Carry out individual interventions in the community and in people's homes, as directed by qualified staff
• Support and assist qualified occupational therapists across a 7-day service
• Contribute to developing an innovative, needs-led OT service

What’s required

Qualifications

• Basic education up to GCSE level or equivalent
• Care Certificate or equivalent, or ability to complete it within the first 6 months in post

Experience

• Previous employment or experience working with people in a caring situation

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of mental health and basic understanding of physical health presentation
• Understanding of how occupational therapy works for patients in a mental health setting
• Awareness of safeguarding principles
• IT skills and good written communication
• Working effectively in a team

Nice to have

• NVQ Level 3 or QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent
• Other relevant training or development for mental health settings
• Previous care experience with people who have mental health difficulties
• Proven ability to support patients to engage in a range of therapeutic activities

What’s offered

• Shift work enhancements
• Part-time and flexible working considered and supported where possible