Band 5 Occupational Therapist

Job overview

The post is based at The Beacon, a 17 bedded, in-patient mental health rehabilitation unit, in St Albans. 3 of these beds are within an adjoining ‘step-down’ house on the same site. There is a mix of male and female clients, who have severe and enduring mental health conditions. The Beacon is set within easy reach of the town centre with many opportunities for community engagement. We have dedicated therapy spaces and as a self-catered unit, clients are supported to plan for and prepare their own meals.

Due to recent re-structure, this post can now be offered permanently at Band 5.  There is a Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist, an Assistant Therapy Practitioner and Occupational Therapy Assistant also based within this unit. The post holder would also be supported by two Head Occupational Therapists who cover the 3 rehabilitation units within the service. This is a permanent part-time post of 18.75 hours. Please call us to discuss if you require further information.

Main duties of the job

The rehabilitation service is focused upon engaging and enabling those clients who are impacted by mental health conditions, in many areas of their lives. We work to create an environment which will support and develop a person’s skills and potential, to achieve an independent and fulfilling life, back within a community setting. Occupational Therapists are able to work closely and intensively with the clients, to identify their strengths and areas to develop and support them on their recovery journey. The Beacon is a self-catered unit, where clients are supported to plan for and prepare their own meals.

The role will be to provide Occupational Therapy assessment and treatment interventions for the service user group at an in-patient unit, to carry a caseload as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and to develop the Occupational Therapy service provision within the setting.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:

To plan and implement individual and/or group interventions in collaboration with the service user, using graded activity to achieve therapeutic goals.

To undertake occupational therapy assessments for a designated caseload, addressing occupational performance and skill deficits, enabling the service user in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.

To build on existing knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) through the use of standardised assessment and intervention tools.

Following assessment, to undertake case formulation in order to highlight occupational strengths and limitations and to inform the intervention plan moving forward.

To work collaboratively with service users to identify OT goals as part of the overall recovery plan.

To provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust standards and values.

To routinely provide feedback to the MDT regarding observed occupational performance throughout contact, which inform ongoing assessment and therapeutic intervention.

To provide support and education to service users and carers regarding aspects of occupational therapy e.g. equipment fitting, rehabilitation programmes.

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 comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and national and Trust policies

To review and reflect on your own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.

To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD, recording learning outcomes through participation in internal/external development opportunities.

To actively participate in the Band 5 OT and Trust CPD development programmes.

To participate in RCOT Band 5 Preceptorship programme, if not already completed.

Clinical Responsibility

To work effectively as a member of a team in providing an occupational therapy service to the designated area.

To provide Occupational Therapy advice, intervention and support given to service users and their carers.

To provide timely feedback to the MDT information regarding the service users wellbeing and occupational performance.

To provide a detailed occupational therapy report when required, within designated clinical area.

To use evidence-based practice to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities, to promote independence, recovery and well-being.

To develop, facilitate and deliver planned group-work and individual activities.

To 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 undertake risk assessments within clinical area as guided by local/Trust policies.

To report incidents, safeguarding concerns, complaints and compliments.

To actively participate in safety huddles and de-brief sessions as appropriate.

Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility

To participate in the training and induction and education of students in other staff in the setting.

To actively seek opportunities to develop leadership skills e.g., chairing meetings, supervising junior staff and representing the service.

To provide supervision for non-registered staff as agreed by the specialist OT.

Financial Responsibility

To manage stock, advising and obtaining resources to carry out the job.

To be responsible for the safekeeping and use of equipment and materials.

To follow Service procedures with regards to use of and recording of petty cash use within the unit.

To be responsible for the completion of own expenses claims.

To ensure effective and efficient use of resources.

Service Development and Improvement

To be responsible for leading an identified area of clinical work, as agreed by the Specialist Occupational Therapist, e.g. development of new groups, leaflets etc.

To monitor and evaluate treatment in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention and feedback to appropriate forum.

To participate in the planning, evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within your area.

To participate in the delivery of the OT developments.

To actively promote the Occupational Therapy service.

Communications

To establish effective communication networks with users and carers, team members, OT colleagues and other agencies.

To demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, self-awareness, sensitivity and empathy in all communications.

To form therapeutic relationships with service users which overcome any barriers to gain co-operation and encourage engagement.

To be a proactive member of the MDT, reporting verbally and in writing, on service users’ performance and progress in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.

To adhere at all times to Trust data security policies and procedures.

Analytical and Judgment Skills:

To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of clients and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.

To apply acquired skills and knowledge of professional practice in order to maintain fitness to practice as an OT.

To demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate current research and apply to practice.

To use activity analysis to demonstrate how occupational changes are achieved through occupational therapy interventions.

To observe, assess and report occupational performance using appropriate Model of Human Occupation tools, which may indicate either positive or negative effects of treatment to aid treatment planning.

Planning and Organisational Skills:

To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance. Include management of own electronic diary.

To independently manage own workload and priorities.

To undertake delegated tasks which contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.

To demonstrate and role model effective time management when planning and facilitating activities.

Physical Working Conditions and Environment:

To work within the team base, unit or community setting as appropriate.

To be compliant with trust Lone worker policies and procedures and maintaining own electronic diary.

To be fully compliant with appropriate Respect level for service area.

Information Resources:

To ensure that up to date written and electronic records are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

To contribute to the recording of statistical activity as appropriate in the setting

To comply with health and safety requirements as per policy.