Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic band 4 occupational therapy assistant practitioner to join our specialist multi-disciplinary team based in West Kent. Come and join our community-based team who work closely alongside local authority and specialist mental health services to support adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.
This is an excellent opportunity to work in an extremely rewarding specialist area where you will use your occupational therapy skills to support personalised interventions for the clients and support occupational therapy colleagues within a well-established and friendly team.
We believe in treating the whole person, not just the condition, so we provide flexible and holistic care in a range of community settings.
Main duties of the job
The occupational therapy team provides specialist support to enable people with a learning disability to live their lives fully in the community. You will be expected to:
- Develop and increase knowledge around falls and people with a learning disability and how this can impact their lives.
- Completing falls assessments and carrying out interventions including falls prevention work.
- Complete the trust training and gain competencies to become a Supplementary Assessor to be able to assess and prescribe standard stock equipment.
- Manage a clinical caseload providing assessment and interventions for people with a learning disability under supervision from an occupational therapist. You will work towards maximising a person’s quality of life by providing clinical expertise, behavioural and/or engagement support.
- Measure progress and ensure effective outcomes for the individual with a learning disability
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well as part of a team. You will be required to work closely with all stakeholders and promote effective collaborate working with all those involved in the person’s life.
- Contribute to the development of multi-disciplinary best practice, service development and quality improvement.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Evidence of Foundation Degree Level study (Level 5) Functional Skills at Level 2 (Literacy and numeracy/ GCSE grade A-C or equivalent in English and Maths)
Desirable
- Mentorship / Coaching qualification Trusted Assessor/ Supplementary Assessor
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Senior Healthcare worker Experience of working as part of a team Experience with the use of Microsoft Office and a variety of IT packages (E-Pay / E-roster / Rio)
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with a learning disability Experience of working in a community setting Experience of working with people who fall or at risk of falls Experience of assessing and prescribing standard stock equipment
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Awareness of professional issues and recent developments in the NHS and Primary Care including Clinical Governance, NICE, Essence of Care Knowledge of up to date clinical practice Understands the role and remit of an occupational therapy assistant practitioner
Desirable
- Knowledge of the occupational therapist role within a community learning disabilities team
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Sound communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written) Ability to organise own work Ability to cope with change Ability to use own initiative Moderate IT skills
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential
- Ability to motivate and organise others to ensure best practice Ability to work under pressure Flexible and adaptable
ABILITY TO MANAGE
Essential
- Able to support the implementation of local and national agenda’s for health under the guidance of the occupational therapist Ability to prioritise care delivery in a professional manner, taking into account Trust policies and procedures Ability to manage own time effectively
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 20 January 2025