About this role
Job summary
Male Occupational Therapy Assistant (Band 3)
This job is exempt from the Equalities Act 2010 which supersedes the provisions within the (Sex Discrimination Act 7(2) 1975 by reasons of decency or privacy as it is likely to involve physical contact with men in the circumstances where they might reasonably object to it being carried out by a member of the opposite sex.
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a well-established, resourced and respected Occupational Therapy service with patients with a primary diagnosis of severe mental illness or personality disorder.
The post will be based within the high security, forensic hospital environment and offers a great development opportunity. The post holder will work alongside Occupational Therapists in assessment and treatment sessions throughout the patient's stay in the hospital.
The hospital has moved to a new bespoke hospital and is the most modern high secure, forensic hospital in the country. The hospital focuses on innovative care for 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 a male only position to a resourceful, motivated person who can demonstrate skills in engaging patients and teamwork. There are opportunities to progress in the service via the professional route through the Occupational Therapy apprenticeship.
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.
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 description 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 Essential
Good general education with 2 or more CSE, GCSE or O' Levels To have a relevant trade or skill NVQ, City and Guilds, BTEC
Desirable
Motivation and Engagement Training Degree or additional qualifications in a relevant area
Experience Essential
Experience as a band 3 in a relevant patient care NHS post. Good working knowledge environmental risk factors. Experience of working with patients with mental illness and personality disorder. Experience of motivating and engaging patients.
Desirable
Experience at working with others on implementing a new task Experience of a working within a team and to be able to work well with others. Has a thorough understanding of the function and role of their service
Knowledge Essential
Understanding of Occupational Therapy and how this can be offered to patients in different settings. Evidence of mental health awareness Aware of the environment within a high secure setting and how to maintain safety for themselves and others
Desirable
To have knowledge of clinical models / treatments used in the hospital specific to occupational therapy To have knowledge of person-centred care and support. Knowledge of wider NHS papers or policies relevant to Mental Health To have a working knowledge of the importance of grading tasks to meet patients' needs.
Personal Qualities Essential
Understands and demonstrates the principles of team work Ability to work autonomously if directed by band 5 Clear effective session planning Good IT skills Manages own workload and time.
Desirable
Demonstrate a positive attitude to change. To have an enquiring approach to service development. To have an active interest in research opportunities and audits. To be able to think creatively and generate ideas for patient's interests
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.
Employer details Employer name West London NHS Trust
Address Broadmoor Hospital
Crowthorne
RG45 7ET
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.westlondon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)