Occupational Therapy Assistant (Sensory and Music Therapy)

NHS; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant for a role focused on sensory and music therapy within a high security hospital. This position requires skills in patient engagement and teamwork, with opportunities for professional development. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in mental health support. The role involves participating in recovery-focused therapy sessions, contributing to patient care and skill development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 GCSEs or O' Levels required.
• Experience working with patients with mental illness.
• Knowledge of clinical models/treatments used in the hospital.

Responsibilities

• Support and develop patients as part of their recovery.
• Engage in meaningful therapy sessions with patients.
• Work closely with the Music Therapist and Sensory Integration Practitioner.

Skills

Engagement with patients

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Degree in a relevant area

NVQ, City and Guilds, BTEC

Job description

Occupational Therapy Assistant (Sensory and Music Therapy)

We do not offer sponsorship for this role.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within well-established work areas for patients with a primary diagnosis of server mental illness or personality disorder.

The post will be based within the high security, forensic hospital environment as part of a team working with patients learning new work ability skills.

The hospital has moved to a new bespoke hospital and is the most modern high security forensic hospital in the country. The hospital focuses on innovative care to a challenging and interesting patient group. The hospital focuses on reducing risk and offending behaviours.

We are looking to offer a job to a resourceful, motivated person who can demonstrate skill in engaging patients and team work. There are opportunities to progress in the service a via Occupational Therapy apprenticeship or through the Rehabilitation Therapy Service and the development of technical skills in teaching patients skills.

Main duties of the job

The Occupational Therapy ( Sensory ) and Music Therapy Assistant post is based in the within the high security setting of Broadmoor hospital. The aim of the service is to engage, support and develop patients as part of their recovery through engagement in meaningful therapy session. The post will be working two days a week with the Music Therapist and three days a week with the Sensory Integration Practitioner assessing patients who have are Neurodiversity challenges.

About us

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.

Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.

The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.

The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.

Job responsibilities

The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached.

The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• Good general education with minimum of 2 CSE, GCSE or O' Levels
• To have a relevant trade or skill NVQ, City and Guilds, BTEC
• Motivation and Engagement Training
• Degree in a relevant area

Experience

• Experience of working with patients with mental illness and personality disorder.
• Experience as a band 3 in a relevant patient care NHS post.
• Good working knowledge environmental risk factors
• Experience motivating and engaging patients.
• Experience at working with others on implementing a new activity

Knowledge

• To have a working knowledge of the importance of grading therapeutic / activities to meet patients' needs.
• Evidence in mental health awareness
• To have knowledge of clinical models / treatments used in the hospital.
• Knowledge of wider NHS papers or policies or CQUIN's relevant to Mental Health

Personal Qualities

• Able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels.
• Ability to work autonomously if directed by band 5.
• Clear effective session planning
• Demonstrate a positive attitude to change.
• To have an enquiring approach to service development.

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.

£29,651 to £31,312 a yearPer Annum Inclusive of Allowances