[ref. h4550421] Occupational Therapy Assistant - NHS
West London NHS Trust provides a full range of mental health, community and physical healthcare services for children, adults and older people living in the London boroughs of Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow.
We also provide some specialist services that are commissioned regionally, such as our medium secure services; and nationally, such as the Cassel Hospital for people with complex and severe personality disorder and our high secure services at Broadmoor Hospital.
Job overview
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a well-established, staffed and resourced and respected Occupational Therapy service (OT) with patients with a primary diagnosis of server mental illness or personality disorder.
The post will be based within the high security, forensic hospital environment and offers a great development opportunity for the Occupational Therapy service (OT) to work with patients in assessments and treatment sessions throughout their stay in the hospital.
The hospital has moved to a new bespoke hospital is the most modern high security forensic hospital in the country. The hospital focuses on innovative care to a challenging and interesting patient group. We have a strong commitment to multi-professional working within the clinical team, focussing on reducing risk and offending behaviours.
We are looking to offer to a resourceful, motivated person who can demonstrate skill in engaging patients and team work. There are opportunities to progress in the service via the professional route and an Occupational Therapy apprenticeship or through the Vocational Services and skill based learning task for patients.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work with the qualified Occupational Therapists in the services delivering assessment and treatment sessions. The Occupational Therapy Assistant see patients on and off the ward. The sessions will generally be group sessions but could at times be one to one sessions.
The hospital offers a variety of services which meet the changing needs of patients at every stage of their recovery and the work undertaken by the post holder will support this process.
Working for our organisation
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 4,500 staff, of whom 56% are BME. Our turnover for 2023-24 is £426m.
The Trust is rated as ‘Good’ overall by 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.
Detailed job description and main 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
Essential criteria- 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
Essential criteria- 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
Essential criteria- 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
Essential criteria- Able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels
- Ability to work autonomously if directed by band 5
- Clear effective session planning
- Good IT skills
- Good time management skills.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude to change.
- To have an enquiring approach to service development
As an employee of West London NHS Trust, you have a responsibility to maintain a sound understanding of, and a commitment to uphold the National Health Service values and principles set out in the NHS Constitution.
We reserve the right to close adverts prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications.
By applying for this post you are agreeing to West London NHS Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are offered a job, you will be required to undergo a pre-employment checks which can take between 4-8 weeks .After which your information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system (ESR ).
Please ensure you include email addresses for your referees which MUST be at supervisory or managerial capacity covering the last 3 years of employment to date to avoid delay in the recruitment process.
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).
West London NHS Trust is committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.