Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job overview

The Occupational Therapy Team at Cavell Centre are currently looking to recruit an enthusiastic and well-motivated Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to join our team in adult inpatient mental health care. The successful candidate will assist in the delivery of high-quality, person-centred and evidence-based Occupational Therapy interventions to individuals on multiple adult wards.

There has never been a better time to apply to join our team as we continue to work towards our goal of being an outstanding, innovative and dynamic therapy service. It is imperative that the post holder share in our collective team values and principles of personal recovery, unconditional positive regard for our patients and person-centred care.

The ideal candidate will have a compassionate, optimistic, flexible and creative approach to supporting people from a range of diverse backgrounds. The role requires excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively within a team, strong motivational skills, an inclusive attitude, an openness to innovation and the ability to work sensitively, professionally, and safely in an emotive area of practice.

Main duties of the job

As an OTA, you will be supporting patients through the provision of individual targeted interventions and group sessions to overcome barriers and challenges caused by their experience of mental health issues, using a positive, optimistic, and strength-based approach.

Under the support, guidance, and supervision of the Occupational Therapists, you will provide individuals with meaningful opportunities to establish or regain identity and competence through personal, collaborative goals following reablement, personal recovery and Occupational Therapy principles and values. Supervision and internal training will be provided to support you to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.

This post would be highly suitable for an individual considering a future career as an Occupational Therapist and offers significant personal development and mentoring opportunities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities.

• The format for interventions will include both group-based and targeted individual 1:1 session. These may be held in ward-based environments, the community or within the person’s own home.
• Interventions will focus on supporting/promoting independence through person-centred goals in areas such as daily living skills, self-care, leisure activities, vocation, social inclusion, developing coping strategies, and building support networks.
• You will need to be able to communicate your observations, analysis, and evaluation of the interventions you have facilitated to the Occupational Therapists and other appropriate staff members (E.g., Doctor, Psychologist, Nurse in Charge).
• You will need to be able to use electronic records to document your observations, analysis, and evaluations of the interventions you have facilitated.
• To support the Occupational Therapists with home visits and community-based assessments when required.
• To undertake regular supervision with an Occupational Therapist to support refection, person and professional development, identify any issues, monitor progress, maintain standards, develop new skills/learning, encourage innovation and to reflect on your own well-being at work.
• To work in a manner that is reflective and consistent with the CPFT PRIDE values.