Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant Therapy Practitioner

Job overview

Whilst we welcome all applications from all suitable candidates, unfortunately, we will not be offering sponsorship for this role.

We have an exciting opportunity for 2 fixed term posts for the combined role of Occupational Therapy (OT)/Physiotherapy Assistant Therapy Practitioner (ATP) in our inpatient services for Mental Health for Older People (MHSOP).  Applicants who have a specialist skill such as music skills that can be utilised in a therapeutic way are welcomed.

These roles are predominantly aimed at working with older adults with depression, psychosis and frailty however in our other units we also work with service users with dementia. The ability to travel to our sites in Hertford, Radlett, as well as Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, and Stevenage is necessary.   Although these are fixed term posts, we offer excellent on site support and skill  development opportunities within the role. Our core service hours are Monday to Friday, 9-5, no shift or weekend work.  Start/finish times can be adjusted slightly after a flexible working discussion.

We are a welcoming and positive team who work hard to achieve good outcomes for our service users therefore experience of team working is required.  You will need to have clinical experience of working with people with mental health needs. A passion for helping people to engage in meaningful occupations is essential.

Please email to arrange a chat or visit; [email protected]

Main duties of the job

As an Assistant Therapy Practitioner you would be required to:

Provide both individual and group interventions for service users in a busy ward environment

Provide occupationally based assessments and interventions under the guidance of an occupational therapist and physiotherapist

Evaluate your interventions and report back to the team, adjusting future interventions accordingly

Work collaboratively with the other members of the therapy team and wider MDT

Have the opportunity to work autonomously, use your initiative and creative skills

Develop knowledge and application of the Model of Human Occupation and other specialist assessments

Be responsible for organisation of your own workload, timetable and accurate and timely documentation of clinical notes

Attend and participate in the ATP CPD and support meeting.

Support students, junior members of staff, visitors, volunteers and visiting therapists, such as Music Therapy

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We provide Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy for those experiencing a range of mental health issues in later life. We provide a range of assessments and support our service users to achieve their goals through graded intervention, psychoeducation and encouragement to re-engage in activities which are meaningful to the service user.

As an Assistant Therapy Practitioner you would be involved in the provision of interventions for service users.  This would involve a variety of methods, including providing opportunity to Service Users who may have difficulty engaging in day to day occupation.   On a 1:1 or group basis, we will support you to develop the skills to support meaningful interaction and occupation with our Service Users.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To plan and facilitate occupationally based groups guided by an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• To work individually with service users on specific tasks and therapeutic activity guided by an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• To carry our specific Therapy assessments as guided by an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• To promote a culture of engagement in meaningful occupation within the service in order to enhance quality of life.
• To provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust standards and values.
• To provide feedback to the team regarding observed occupational performance during a session which will contribute to assessment and therapeutic interventions.
• 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 undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor.
• To keep a record of your training and development activities.

Clinical Responsibility

• To work effectively as a member of a team in providing therapeutic activities using a person centered and occupationally based approach.
• To provide core Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy advice, intervention and support given to service users and their carers under guidance of the Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• To provide timely feedback to the MDT information regarding the service users wellbeing and occupational performance.
• To use technical/creative skills to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities to promote independence, recovery and well-being.
• Under guidance of an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist, facilitate and deliver planned group-work and individual activities.
• Under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist 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 contribute to risk assessments with regards to service users and clinical environment.
• To report incidents, safeguarding concerns, complaints and compliments.
• To actively participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal.
• To actively participate in safety huddles and de-brief sessions as appropriate.

• To adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, the Trust’s Code of Conduct for Non-qualified Staff and all other relevant policies and procedures.

Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility

• To support in the learning and experience of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and other Multi-disciplinary students on placement within the unit within the remit of the role.

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 claim.
• To ensure effective and efficient use of resources.

Service Development and Improvement

• To assist in the implementation, evaluation and modification of Team interventions.
• Participate in clinical audit and research activity as necessary to the role.
• To actively promote the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy service.

Communications

• 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 report effectively to the MDT on service users performance, progress in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure verbally and in writing.
• 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 service users and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.
• 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 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.
• To help develop, plan and deliver therapy programmes with guidance from the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist.

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/CPI 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.