Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and motivated individual to join Springbank Ward as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Springbank Ward is an award-winning service which provides inpatient treatment to women with a diagnosis of EUPD/Complex Emotional Needs. We take an innovative and least-restrictive approach as we support service-users to return to the community after frequently spending a lengthy amount of time in other inpatient settings. Our service-users typically complete a 12-month programme involving both DBT and a wider therapeutic activity and group programme. As the only NHS inpatient unit of its kind, our service-users come from across the country.

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, your role will be to work with the Occupational Therapist to support service-users on Springbank Ward to improve in their overall functioning, engaging in a holistic approach with a focus on engagement in meaningful activity.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in Occupational Therapy or a therapeutic profession.

We operate a with a flat hierarchy and aim to support all staff to develop and grow within their role. Some of what we can offer you includes:

• Regular supervision.
• Weekly staff sessions, including reflective practice, teaching and case discussions.
• The possibility to complete training around DBT skills.
• A multi-skilled and supportive team including Psychiatry, Nursing,  Occupational Therapy and Psychology.

Main duties of the job

To contribute to the development of and provision of occupationally focused interventions under the supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist.

To support each service-user to be involved in a structured programme of meaningful activities both on the ward and in community settings.

Working under the supervision of the qualified Occupational Therapist to help each service-user achieve maximum independence and quality of life.

Take the lead in supporting the ward to offer a varied ward programme to suit the needs of the clients during their admission.

To work as an integrated member of the multi-disciplinary team.

The role will involve working flexibly to the needs of the service and evening and weekend working will be expected.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached job description and person specification for more detailed information around responsibilities.

• To develop a ward activities programme in consultation with clients and the ward multi- disciplinary team.
• To plan and lead therapeutic groups independently and with members of the multi- disciplinary team.
• The OTA will not be expected to run all of the groups on the programme however they will be required to work closely with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure that the ward programme can be delivered by all members of the team.
• The post holder will ensure regular review of groups and activities are held with the service users on a monthly basis and make changes to programme as needed.
• To participate in the planning and delivery of care to individual clients and groups of clients.
• Provide appropriate treatment to service-users under guidance from a qualified OT.
• The OTA may contribute to the assessment completed by the OT by carrying out specified tasks and informing the therapist of their observations.
• The OTA may assist in treatment formation in conjunction with the OT i.e. suggesting available treatment media or adaptations according to their experience.
• To provide goal directed treatment on an individual basis promoting independence, focusing on life skills, training, rehabilitation and community integration within the physical and psychosocial environment.
• To carry out visits to locations in the community including the individual client’s homes.