About this role
Job summary
We welcome all applications from all suitable candidates, unfortunately, we will not be offering sponsorship for this role.
We are looking for a motivated and compassionate person to join our Community Learning Disabilities Team, covering East Norfolk. This role of Occupational Therapy Assistant will include supporting people with learning disabilities to develop their independence, build on their strengths and achieve meaningful goals in their everyday lives. Previous experience in this area would be beneficial, but is not essential. We welcome applicants with limited direct experience who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and able to demonstrate transferable skills.
Your development of knowledge and confidence within the role will be supported by your line manager, a band 6 Occupational Therapist. You will be part of an Occupational Therapy Team, consisting of a band 7 team lead and 3 band 6s, which is part of the wider service across Norfolk.
The East Norfolk area covers a large geographical area, including Wells-next-the-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Diss, Wymondham. Therefore the post holder will need to hold a full driving licence and have access to their own vehicle. You will be located at one of our 3 bases (Attleborough, Greyfriars and Kelling), which base can be negotiated at interview.
Main duties of the job
The Occupational Therapy Assistant is a valued member of the Community Learning Disability Team, supporting Occupational Therapists to deliver person-centred, evidence-based interventions that promote independence, participation, health, and wellbeing for adults with learning disabilities. Working under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist, the post holder contributes to the assessment, planning, implementation, and review of occupational therapy interventions that enable individuals to engage in meaningful daily activities, develop life skills, and achieve their personal goals.
The role involves working collaboratively with service users, families, carers, support providers, and multidisciplinary team colleagues to reduce barriers to participation, promote inclusion, and enhance quality of life. The Occupational Therapy Assistant supports individuals across a range of community settings, helping them to maximise their independence, maintain occupational performance, and participate fully in their chosen roles and activities.
This includes contributing to the delivery of occupational therapy pathways, supporting therapeutic programmes, monitoring progress, and maintaining accurate clinical records in accordance with professional and organisational standards.
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
- To plan and facilitate occupationally based 1:1s and groups guided by an Occupational Therapist.
- To work individually with service users on specific tasks and therapeutic activities guided by an Occupational Therapist.
- To carry out 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.
- The role is primarily worked during standard office hours; however, occasional flexibility may be required to meet service needs
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 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 Trusts Code of Conduct for Non-qualified Staff and all other relevant policies and procedures.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION TRAINING
Essential
- Knowledge of Occupational Therapy role within setting
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office and associated packages
- A Levels and/or Health and Social Care NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Desirable
- Degree in relevant subject
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Experience of working with people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems
- Ability to work autonomously
Desirable
- Experience of working in a OT related setting
- Experience of leading groups and 1:1 interventions
- Experience of service user and carer involvement in the development of services
- Knowledge of Recovery principles
- Functional Assessment Training
SKILLS KNOWLEDGE and ABILITY 1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Essential
- Ability to provide and receive sensitive information regarding services users care and social situation
- Strong communication skills written and verbal
- Knowledge of and ability to use a range of communication skills to overcome barriers to engagement
- Ability to work effectively in a team
- Knowledge of appropriate professional relationships and boundaries
- Ability to teach practical skills
Desirable
- Presentation Skills
- Second language (other than English)
SKILLS KNOWLEDGE and ABILITY 2. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
Essential
- Good problem solving and clinical judgement skills
- Ability to respond and adjust appropriately to the changing needs of service users
- Good Observational skills
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of using the Model of Human Occupation Assessment tools
SKILLS KNOWLEDGE and ABILITY 3. PHYSICAL SKILLS
Essential
- Ability to use a range of IT equipment relevant to the role.
- Ability to engage in a range of physical activities
- Car Driver (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)
SKILLS KNOWLEDGE and ABILITY 4. PHYSICAL EFFORT
Essential
- Appropriate level of fitness to undertake all tasks within the role including RESPECT techniques unless you have a disability defined by the Equality Act
- Appropriate level of fitness to undertake moving and handling tasks required for the role
- Car Driver - ability to drive for extended periods of time (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)
SKILLS KNOWLEDGE and ABILITY 5. MENTAL EFFORT
Essential
- Ability to concentrate, respond appropriately to interruptions and meet deadlines
SKILLS KNOWLEDGE and ABILITY 6. EMOTIONAL EFFORT
Essential
- Regular requirement to deal with distressing or emotionally charged situations.
- Good personal self-awareness
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Essential
- Demonstrate an understanding of the value of activity to personal wellbeing
- Values Motivational Personal Qualities Diversity oWelcoming oKind oPositive oRespectful
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
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Greyfriars House
Greyfriars Way
Great Yarmouth
NR30 2QE
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)