About this role
Job summary
This is a development post, if you are appointed as a Band 5, you will be provided with a list of competencies to complete and an agreed timescale in which to complete these, up to a maximum of 12mths. Competencies will be reviewed in your supervisions and appraisals. Only on successful completion of these competencies, you will progress to a Band 6.
We are looking for an innovative and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to work in the Psychological Skills Service (PSS). Occupational therapists in PSS understand that occupation is at the heart of being human. We understand that meaningful occupations and positive health outcomes are intrinsically linked. We take this fundamental knowledge and training and apply it in the context of the service users we work with.
In PSS, OTs understand how developmental trauma impacts a person through the lifespan, significantly impacting a person's ability to participate in the things they want and need to do. Because OTs are dual trained in physical and psychological conditions, we understand how these inter-relate within the person's context.
We welcome all applicants, including those who are looking for a B5 to B6 development opportunity, or return to practice OTs. Please specify which you are applying for.
Main duties of the job
In PSS, occupational therapists provide specialist knowledge and assessment using OT models (i.e., the Model of Human Occupation) with the main focus being on the application of sensory-informed approaches. Using sensory-informed approaches predominantly encompasses 'bottom-up' techniques (i.e., using the body and the senses), which can provide a stabilising platform from which a person can then begin psychological therapy. OTs also provide supervision to therapeutic support worker colleagues, to consider the person, the task/occupation, within the context of their environment (including any sensory differences).
PSS OTs carry out occupationally focused formulations, individual therapy and group interventions. They also provide expert advice, guidance and training to PSS colleagues.
Whilst previous knowledge and training in Ayres Sensory Integration is desirable, it is not essential as full training and ongoing (individual and group) supervision will also be provided to enable you to feel confident in this role, utilise your OT skills, whilst developing your knowledge and skills with the application of sensory-informed approaches.
We have 3 locations across the county (Peterborough, Huntingdon and Fenland, and Cambridge). It may be necessary to travel across these 3 areas, depending on service need.
Please note for this role you will need the ability to travel independently and in a timely manner across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to meet strict time deadlines.
About us
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health and social care organisation dedicated to providing high quality care with compassion to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we care for, as well as supporting and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.
Our clinical teams deliver a wide range of NHS services across inpatient, primary care and community settings, including children's, adult and older people's mental health, forensic and specialist mental health, learning disabilities, primary care and liaison psychiatry, substance misuse, social care, and research and development.
To achieve our goals, we recruit high calibre candidates who share our vision and values. As an equal opportunities' employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly underrepresented groups including people with long term conditions and members of our ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities.
All appointments for new employees to CPFT are subject to the successful completion of a probationary period.
Please note we reserve the right to close adverts early should we receive sufficient applications.
Regrettably, we cannot offer sponsorship for all roles. If you apply for a post that does not attract sponsorship, your application will be withdrawn from the process.
For further information on CPFT, please visit our website at https://www.cpft.nhs.uk
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities.
1. The post holder will provide specialist occupational therapy assessments and interventions underpinned by the Model of Human Occupation and the principles of recovery and enablement/reablement.
2. The post holder will provide interventions based on Sensory integration principles. Develop individualised treatment plans based on assessment findings and client goals.
3. The post holder will use specialist skills and clinical reasoning to a manage a caseload, working with a degree of autonomy and under the supervision of the Lead Occupational Therapist.
4. The post holder will provide individual and group interventions based on theories related to Ayres Sensory Integration.
5. The post holder will contribute to the delivery of specialist occupational focused interventions i.e. sensory.
6. The post holder will plan and implement specialist individual and/or group interventions collaboratively, to enable service users to achieve valued goals and satisfactory occupational performance outcomes.
7. The post holder will promote social inclusion and physical and mental well-being using evidence-based practice.
8. To promote the added value of occupational therapy and act as an ambassador for the profession within the team.
9. The post holder will provide supervision to junior staff (Support Workers).
10. The post holder may be expected to provide guidance and/or leadership to qualified and unqualified staff from other disciplines.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications Essential
Degree or equivalent e.g., BSc. MSc or diploma entry qualification in occupational therapy. HCPC registered OT
Desirable
Experience or additional training in sensory integration Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and relevant specialist sections.
Experience Essential
Experience of working with adults with mental health conditions and neurodiversity. Experience of managing workload and ability to prioritise. Experience of working with individuals, families, and multi-disciplinary teams
Desirable
Lived experience of mental health
Knowledge & Skills Essential
Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with service users. Able to assess, plan and implement care interventions underpinned by principles of recovery and enablement. Ability to communicate effectively with people in distress or with communication difficulties. Experience of using formal and informal assessment tools. High standard of written communication
Desirable
Experience of running groups, in person or online Knowledge and/or use of the Model of Human Occupation
Personal Qualities Essential
Ability to work closely with other professions. Willingness to maintain own development. Compassionate in meeting the needs of vulnerable people and their families and carers. Committed to continual quality and service improvement.
Other Essential
Positive approach to mental health Motivated to own professional development and the development of the service. Willingness to embrace integrated model and new ways of working Willingness to be flexible in approach and attitude.
Desirable
Ability to travel independently and in a timely manner across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to meet strict deadlines.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Address Chesterton Medical Centre
Union Lane
Cambridge
CB4 1PX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)