Occupational Therapy Assistant (Kingfisher House)

Transformationunitgm; Derby; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Derby is looking for an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join a dynamic multi-disciplinary team. The role involves engaging with service users in a psychiatric intensive care unit, promoting independence, and providing tailored occupational treatment. The position offers competitive pay, extensive benefits including flexible working, and a commitment to professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Incremental pay progression

Yearly appraisal and ongoing training

Good maternity, paternity and adoption benefits

Access to health service discounts and online benefits

Free confidential employee assistance programme 24/7

Qualifications

• Experience of working in Occupational Therapy setting.
• Experience of working in a mental health setting.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support delivery of Occupational Therapy service.
• Facilitate individual and group sessions.
• Plan and carry out interventions based on service user needs.

Skills

Group work skills

Good IT skills

Written and verbal communication

Ability to implement plans of care

Experience in using sensory modulation interventions

Education

Relevant practical qualification (e.g., BTEC, City and Guilds, NVQ 3)

Food hygiene level 2

Customer care

Job description

Main area OTA Grade NHS AfC: Band 3 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Sunday 9-5) Job ref 383-ACA-5430-25

Employer Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Kingfisher House Town Derby Salary £24,625 - £25,674 pa, pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 18/06/2025 23:59

Occupational Therapy Assistant (Kingfisher House)

NHS AfC: Band 3

Want to make a real difference and have a truly rewarding career? Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of ‘making a positive difference in people's lives’.

We’ve been rated ‘good’ overall by the CQC, with some outstanding services. The CQC commented at our most recent inspection on how our colleagues “treated patients with compassion and kindness” and “felt positive and proud about working for the trust.

We are passionate about making equality, diversity and inclusion part of our DNA. We take pride in our “People First Culture” which creates a workplace where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging, difference is celebrated, and people are comfortable to bring their whole selves to work. We value the richness that comes from having colleagues that are fully representative of the local community. We welcome people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, protected characteristics, and with all backgrounds and experiences.

Job overview

Within Derbyshire we are building a brand new healthcare facilities as part of our Making Room for Dignity programme. This is a chance to join our team at Kingfisher House, as an experienced Occupational Therapist Assistant.

Kingfisher House is a 14-bed male Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, opening Spring 2025. This service is new to Derbyshire, making this post an exciting opportunity to be part of the development of the service.

Our team will support those with a acute mental health illness, requiring an enhanced level of care to support in an acute inpatient environment. As an Multi-Disciplinary Team, we will work proactively with our patient group and their loved ones, promoting independence and choice in their care, aiding their recovery.

The patients at Kingfisher House will have enhanced care needs, including severe mental health, physical health, trauma-based, neurodiversity and sensory needs. As a member of the team, the post holder will be expected to adopt the policies and philosophy of the service, including trauma-based care and the recovery model. They will support with occupational assessment and treatment including a range of standardised assessments and interventions.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking to recruit an individual who can work flexibly around the needs of our service and is able to work unsociable hours which will include some weekends.

• We are looking for a dynamic individual with good interpersonal skills to enable engagement of service users.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support the delivery of an Occupational Therapy service on the ward for patientswho are acutely unwell.
• Facilitating individual and group sessions, where appropriate.
• Providing service-users with appropriate challenges.
• Working independently and ability to use initiative, seeking support as required from Occupational Therapists.
• Plan and carry out individual and group interventions as guided by the individuals' service user needs.
• Support the Occupational Therapist with the assessment and treatment process
• Work as a member team, supporting shared tasks when this is required to maintain the service functions.

Working for our organisation

Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of ‘making a positive difference in people's lives’.

CQC rated us as 'GOOD’ overall, commenting on how our colleagues “treated patients with compassion and kindness” and “felt positive and proud about working for the trust.”

Benefits include:

• Commitment to flexible working where this is possible
• 27 days annual leave/year plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years & 33 days after 10 years’ service
• Yearly appraisal and commitment to ongoing training
• Good maternity, paternity and adoption benefits
• Health service discounts and online benefits
• Incremental pay progression
• Free confidential employee assistance programme 24/7
• Access to our LGBTI+ network, BAME Network and Christian Network
• Health and wellbeing opportunities

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB - this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

Team Derbyshire is a great employer, with a set of values which reflect their commitment to staff and patients.

• The post holder will contribute towards the delivery of a quality occupational therapy service, working as a member of the multi-disciplinary team with the support and supervision of occupational therapists.
• Develop a working knowledge of the occupational therapy process.
• Build awareness of the recovery philosophy and the social inclusion agenda, promoting autonomy and enabling choice.
• Plan and carry out individual and group interventions within a specific remit (e.g., sporting, creative, domestic or technical activities).
• Undertake a range of activities, working flexibly in accordance with the needs of service-users and the service as a whole.
• Maintain dedicated time for practical activities and demonstrate effective time management when preparing sessions and writing notes.
• Accept referrals from the occupational therapy team according to agreed referral systems and care pathway.
• Assist in facilitating service user responsibility and choices for occupational participation, and the ability to determine their own lifestyle.
• Contribute to occupational and clinical risk assessments, reporting findings to the occupational therapy team.
• Report any changes in occupational functioning that may indicate either positive or negative effects of treatment.
• Assist in the co-ordination of care by communicating effectively and ensuring that Trust professional guidelines for record-keeping are followed.
• Ensure that assessment and treatment is delivered in a person-centred manner ensuring the gender, sexual orientation, ethnic, cultural and spiritual needs of service users are adhered to.
• Participate in a multi-professional/agency approach to care, valuing the interface of professional roles and responsibilities.
• Use effective interpersonal skills that relate to service users, carers and team members on an equal and respectful basis.
• Participate in the development of the occupational therapy structure, attending appropriate staff meeting.
• Demonstrate awareness of the Trust Policy for Clinical Supervision; receiving regular clinical supervision.
• With the support of the occupational therapy team, ensure good practice is maintained by identifying practice that requires change or development or that does not meet required standards.
• Be aware of and work within all legislative requirements relevant to occupational therapy (Mental Health Act, Code of Practice, Human Rights Act, Disability Discrimination Act etc), and ensure that Child and Adult protection procedures are followed.
• Maintain safety standards and take responsibility for organising and maintaining a specific work environment, (e.g. kitchen, craft area, activity rooms and garden).
• Advise the Ward Manager and Clinical Lead OT of materials and equipment required for a designated area of work and assist in ordering resources within a specified budget

The Hub team is dynamic multi- disciplinary team and as an integral part of our team you will receive:

• Regular supervision and appraisal
• Continuing Professional Development
• A supportive network of professionals

Person specification

Qualifications

• Relevant practical qualification, eg BTEC, City and Guilds, NVQ 3 or equivalent or relevant training/experience
• Food hygiene level 2
• Customer care
• Experience of working in Occupational Therapy setting

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Group work skills, eg planning and facilitation of groups
• Experience of working in a mental health setting
• Good IT skills, written and verbal communication
• Ability to implement plans of care
• Experience of using sensory modulation interventions
• Knowledge of using electronic patient records
• Experience in supporting assessments of care needs

Additional Information

Flexible Working

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for our service and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that's job share, part time or another flexible pattern.

Disability Confident Employer

The Trust is a Disability Confident Employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in the recruitment process please let us know.

If you require any support in completing the application form please do not hesitate to contact the Recruitment Team, 01332 564856, option 1, option 1 or email [e-mail] and we will be happy to provide assistance.

DBS Checks

The cost of undertaking a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) disclosure will be met by the individual. The Trust will meet the initial costs of the disclosure which will be deducted from your first month’s salary.

This job may close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Name Josh Cocking Job title Ward Manager Email address [e-mail] Additional information

Enquiries are very welcome.

For further information please contact either:

Josh Cocking, Ward Manager

[e-mail]

OR

Janet Allison, Sensory Lead Occupational Therapist

Email: [e-mail]