Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor

Job overview

Are you keen to work a fascinating and ever-changing environment?

Are you curious, creative and always looking for new learning opportunities and ways to implement this into practice?

We have a Band 4 Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor vacancy in our Occupational Therapy team at the Hellingly Centre, a medium secure inpatient service for male and female service users.

Forensic mental healthcare is a unique and fascinating field which provides both challenge and opportunity in abundance.

At the Hellingly Centre, we specialise in the assessment and treatment of people with complex and enduring mental health needs, who have had contact with the criminal justice system.

You will be working with service users who have committed criminal offences, but have also often been victims themselves. Service users regularly experience stigma for both mental health and offending history, so our role is to develop trusting and safe relationships which balance being compassionate, collaborative and supportive with sound risk assessment and management skills

Main duties of the job

Occupational Therapy Technical Instructors (OT TIs) are highly valued members of our workforce. As an OT TI, you will play a pivotal role in supporting service users to enhance their health and wellbeing, through participating in a range of meaningful activities and establishing helpful routines, positive relationships and fulfilling roles.

Working with Occupational Therapists (OTs), you will have the opportunity to assist with planning and delivering individual and group sessions, across various domains, including: nature-based - at the on-site allotment, ward gardens and in the community, the Recovery Through Activity programme, education, other vocational roles, e.g. the on-site shop, cooking and baking, music, sensory exploration and modulation, physical activity, art and creativity and service user co-production and participation opportunities (Expert by Experience work).

You will also be involved in contributing to completing assessments with the aim of supporting service users to identify their strengths and any support needs have and to consider their short-term goals and longer-term aspirations. Alongside OTs and other multidisciplinary team (MDT) colleagues, you will have the opportunity to provide feedback and contribute to holistic care plans, aiding service users' recovery and journey through secure services.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Previous experience of working with people with mental health difficulties is essential and any relevant qualifications that may support with the delivery of therapeutic interventions. There will be access to regular supervision, reflective practice and training and development opportunities, including attendance to communities of practice.

This role is full time (37.5 hours), across Monday - Friday. Flexible working requests will be considered.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details of the role and requirements.

Please apply using the link in this advert. For any further information or if you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Amy Boot - amy.boot@nhs.net, 07471 034261.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.