Occupational Therapist - HMP Liverpool

Job overview

Applicants appointed to Band 5 will have a guaranteed offer of interview 12 months later where they will be interviewed against the Band 6 job description. Those with suitable qualification, knowledge, skills and experience will be appointed directly to the Band 6 position.

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust is the health provider for the delivery of an Integrated Mental Health Team (IMHT) at HMP Liverpool. The service is designed to support the holistic mental health needs of our client group in partnership with our Physical Health providers and HMPPS colleagues.

The service provides individual and group-based interventions based on the needs of the population. The service is developing and will adopt the biopsychological model to inform practice and tailor interventions accordingly. These interventions will be individualised and trauma informed, alongside comprehensive risk assessment and management.

Core aims of the service are to improve mental and psychological wellbeing via a range of interventions, build the development of independent core skills, reduce risk, and advocate for mental health within the wider prison.

The post holder will be joining a dedicated team of clinical and operational colleagues from a range of backgrounds and experience. Team members have high levels of skill, passion and enthusiasm (and humour!) and are committed to ensuring the on-going successful development of the service and the opportunities it provides for our population.

Main duties of the job

We are now recruiting an Occupational Therapist to join our team at HMP Liverpool. The post holder will have clinical responsibilities via the provision of OT assessment, individual and group based therapeutic interventions based on the needs of the individual.

This will cover the array of clinical work that would promote occupational, psychological, recreational and supportive activity to meet the holistic needs of the individual. The post holder will also contribute to regular MDT meetings and be involved in the assessment and management of risk.

The post holder should have some experience of working with individuals with complex clinical and risk presentations including within institutional settings and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. This should include work with clients whose needs may mean that they find it difficult to engage with services.

Experience of working in complex service and organisational settings is required alongside an ability to constructively manage the personal, professional and ethical opportunities and challenges such work can involve.

Within the IMHT’s, we prioritise the development of our staff team and have proven that we value and nurture diverse clinical interests. We are committed to creating an empowered staff team. We strive to be reflective and supportive of each other which is vital given the challenges this work can entail.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To effectively manage a caseload of clients with complex needs as an autonomous practitioner, using evidence-based/client-centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.

Newly-appointed post-holders who are working towards the foundation gateway will have increased supervision with cases which are considered more complex.

To provide leadership for junior staff, when appropriate, through supervision and appraisal.

To participate in planning, development and evaluation of occupational therapy services within a designated area/team, holding responsibility for defined projects.

Maintain close links with other team members and liaise with external agencies.

To contribute to the maintenance and development of the Trust’s occupational therapy service.

To regularly supervise Occupational Therapy (OT) students in practice placement.