Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor

NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health service provider in Lowestoft is seeking a Technical Instructor to support young people aged 13-17 through their mental health journey. This role involves facilitating physical activities, planning therapeutic interventions, and engaging with community resources. Ideal candidates will have experience in mental health support, a commitment to patient safety, and the ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic team. Ongoing training and development opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting individuals with mental health needs.
• Drive to promote engagement and activities for young people.
• Ability to observe and report on patients' behavior.

Responsibilities

• Support service users in physical activities and community engagement.
• Plan and provide therapeutic activities tailored to individuals.
• Ensure safety and welfare of patients and colleagues.

Job description

Are you an ace at activities, excellent at promoting engagement, and superb at supporting people with mental health needs? If so, we want you at The Dragonfly Unit! This is an exciting opportunity for a Technical Instructor to join the 'family' at The Dragonfly Unit in supporting young people through their mental health journey.

This role has been identified by service users as having a positive impact on their recovery and experiences in mental health inpatient services. The 12-bedded Dragonfly Unit is based in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft, for young people aged 13-17 requiring inpatient mental health treatment. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality care and supporting each other through challenging times.

We focus on Quality Improvement led care and seek energetic individuals who want to make a difference and work with dynamic teams that think outside the box.

Main duties of the job

Under the indirect supervision and guidance of a registered Occupational Therapist, the post holder will:

1. Support service users in undertaking physical activity using our gym and other areas to facilitate activities.
2. Facilitate time away from the unit with identified individuals to access community resources and engage with nature.
3. Use specialised technical/creative skills to plan and provide a flexible, patient-centred programme of therapeutic activities for individuals/groups experiencing mental health problems, providing feedback to clinical teams.
4. Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of patients, colleagues, and visitors.
5. Provide practical supervision to students, if appropriate.
6. Observe and assess patients' behaviour, functional ability, and response during activities.
7. Report observations and assessments to the clinical team.
8. Attend patient clinical meetings and ward-based staff and therapeutic programme meetings.
9. Maintain confidentiality and observe security regulations of the service.

At NSFT, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly, and supportive team. We offer ongoing training and development opportunities and strive to create an environment where you can thrive.

Why work for us? We face challenges but have ambitious aspirations, exciting transformation work, and need dedicated individuals to support our journey. Our professional networks and leadership team ensure you are cared for and valued.

Why Norfolk and Suffolk? The region is warm and welcoming, close to beautiful coastlines and Broads National Park. We are an hour and a half from London with an international airport in Norwich. Our area offers history, independent cafes, shops, theatres, excellent shopping, dining, top schools, and affordable housing.