Job overview

Band 4 OT Assistant Therapy Practitioner Post

Are you interested in being part of a Crisis Home Treatment Team? Do you have a passion for providing client-centred intervention whilst supporting service users in their recovery journey?

The post is suited to an Assistant Therapy Practitioner who enjoys the challenge of a fast-paced setting where positive Occupational Therapy outcomes are quickly seen. Occupational Therapy is an essential part of the treatment options in the Crisis Service, which supports individuals during the acute phase of mental ill health

The role involves individual sessions, and there is scope for group work. Settings include the Crisis Team base in Hemel Hempstead, the local crisis therapy unit, service users' homes and then local community. Therefore, access to a vehicle is essential

You will receive regular support, individual supervision, and team reflective practice. There are regular opportunities for peer support within the organisation, including Special Interest Groups where attendance of staff from all bands is encouraged

We welcome applications from existing or aspiring Band 4 Assistant Therapy Practitioners and those looking for progression, or the next challenge. We welcome applications from those who are due to start, or are in the process of completing the Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship Program, however this is not a prerequisite for this role. We welcome those who wish to work flexibly.

Main duties of the job

To work with service users who are supported by the Crisis Home Treatment Team, and are experiencing the acute phase of mental illness and need intensive support as an alternative to hospital admission.

·      To work with Occupational Therapy colleagues within the service and the Trust

• To work with MDT members, including supporting the wider team

·        To work with service users and carers

·        To liaise with other statutory and non-statutory service providers involved in service user care and Treatment.

• To work individually with service users on specific tasks and therapeutic activity guided by an Advanced Assistant Therapy Practitioner
• To carry our specific Occupational Therapy assessments as guided by an Advanced Assistant Therapy Practitioner
• To promote a culture of engagement in meaningful occupation within the service in to enhance quality of life
• To provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust values
• To provide feedback to the team regarding observed occupational performance during sessions
• To maintain clinical records electronically
• To liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant
• To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance
• To attend mandatory training and keep a record
• To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor
• May occasionally include planning and facilitation of occupationally based groups

Working for our organisation

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ from the Care Quality Commission.

 Our family of over 4,500 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:

 Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.