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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We provide Occupational Therapy (OT) for those experiencing a range of mental health issues in later life. We provide a range of OT assessments and support our service users to achieve their goals through graded intervention, psychoeducation and encouragement to re-engage in activities which are meaningful to the service user.  

As an Assistant Therapy Practitioner you would be involved in the provision of interventions for service users, this would involve a variety of techniques, such as confidence building, anxiety management, development of coping strategies, community integration and the use of equipment. You would also be involved in the provision of groups for service users. Training can be given on these techniques.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To plan and facilitate occupationally based groups guided by an Occupational Therapist.
• To work individually with service users on specific tasks and therapeutic activity guided by an Occupational Therapist.
• To carry our specific Occupational Therapy assessments as guided by an Occupational Therapist.
• To promote a culture of engagement in meaningful occupation within the service in order to enhance quality of life.
• To provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust standards and values.
• To provide feedback to the team regarding observed occupational performance during a session which will contribute to assessment and therapeutic interventions.
• To maintain clinical records using the electronic patient record system.
• To liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant.
• To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
• To attend mandatory training.
• To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor.
• To keep a record of your training and development activities.

Clinical Responsibility

• To work effectively as a member of a team in providing therapeutic activities using a person centered and occupationally based approach.
• To provide core Occupational Therapy advice, intervention and support given to service users and their carers under guidance of the Occupational Therapist.
• To provide timely feedback to the MDT information regarding the service users wellbeing and occupational performance.
• To use technical / creative skills to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities to promote independence, recovery and well-being.
• Under guidance of an Occupational Therapist, facilitate and deliver planned group-work and individual activities.
• Under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist provide ongoing assessment and adjustment of clinical interventions based on the fluctuating needs of the service users.
• Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
• To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.
• To contribute to risk assessments with regards to service users and clinical environment.
• To report incidents, safeguarding concerns, complaints and compliments.
• To actively participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal.
• To actively participate in safety huddles and de-brief sessions as appropriate.

• To adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, the Trust’s Code of Conduct for Non-qualified Staff and all other relevant policies and procedures.

Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility

• To support in the learning and experience of Occupational Therapy and other Multi-disciplinary students on placement within the unit within the remit of the role.
• To provide supervision for Band 3 staff as agreed by the Occupational Therapist.

Financial Responsibility

• To manage stock, advising and obtaining resources to carry out the job.
• To be responsible for the safekeeping and use of equipment and materials.
• To follow Service procedures with regards to use of and recording of petty cash use within the unit.
• To be responsible for the completion of own expenses claim.
• To ensure effective and efficient use of resources.

Service Development and Improvement

• To assist in the implementation, evaluation and modification of Team interventions.
• Participate in clinical audit and research activity as necessary to the role.
• To actively promote the Occupational Therapy service.

Communications

• To demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, self-awareness, sensitivity and empathy in all communications.
• To form therapeutic relationships with service users which overcome any barriers to gain co-operation and encourage engagement.

• To report effectively to the MDT on service users performance, progress in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure verbally and in writing.
• To adhere at all times to Trust data security policies and procedures.

Analytical and Judgment Skills:

• To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of service users and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.
• To observe, assess and report Occupational performance using appropriate Model of Human Occupation tools, which may indicate either positive or negative effects of treatment to aid treatment planning.

Planning and Organisational Skills:

• To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance. Include management of own electronic diary.
• To undertake delegated tasks which contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
• To demonstrate and role model effective time management when planning and facilitating activities.
• To help develop, plan and deliver therapy programmes with guidance from the Occupational Therapist.

Physical Working Conditions and Environment:

• To work within the team base, unit or community setting as appropriate.
• To be compliant with trust Lone worker policies and procedures and maintaining own electronic diary.
• To be fully compliant with appropriate Respect level for service area.

Information Resources:

• To ensure that up to date written and electronic records are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

• To contribute to the recording of statistical activity as appropriate in the setting

• To comply with health and safety requirements as per policy.