4335 - OT Assistant Practitioner Equipment Provision in Barnsley

An exciting opportunity to join the Discharge to Assess (D2A) team at Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust as a Band 4 Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner. The established service provides a clear pathway from the acute hospital by assessing the patients' therapy and care needs in their own home. This means that the patients no longer need to wait in hospital for these specific assessments which will reduce delays in discharges, improving patient flow and allowing patients to go home earlier.

The team is based at Kendray Hospital therapy hub, involves interdisciplinary working alongside health/social community care and therapy support services. The post holder would be expected to work within 08:00 - 18:00 service and contribute to a 7 day service. They should be able to work independently and within a team, providing high quality care in a fast paced working environment.

A level 5 apprenticeship (Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship) within the first 12 months of employment will be supported as part of this role if the applicant does not have level 5 qualifications (Foundation degree Health and Social Care, or equivalent level 5 qualification; plus, A-levels and GCSEs or equivalent(s), including Functional Skills (level 2)). We offer clinical supervision, staff support, professional development opportunities in a supportive and friendly working environment.

• To provide therapy interventions and assessments and implement programmes of care devised by Occupational Therapists, within scope of practice, and to be able to modify care plans, with the availability of registered staff as needed.
• To promote and understand the impact and importance of home first, supporting discharge for patients from hospital to home.
• To support the Occupational Therapists to deliver high standards of coordinated, personalised care whilst working as an integral member of the Occupational Therapy team.
• To deliver, fit, assess and provide advice regarding equipment in both the hospital and community settings, to facilitate safe and timely patient discharge from hospital and reduce risk of re-admission.
• To provide ongoing therapy support to people within early days of discharge home.
• To contribute to audits and service evaluations, gathering patient feedback to assess the effectiveness of care and inform service delivery.
• To work with patients and their support networks within the scope of 1:1, face to face and telephone appointments as required following training.

Due to the nature of the role, the successful candidate would be required to be a car driver with the ability to drive mid-size/large vans (not HGV) and similar sized vehicles safely.

For further information regarding this post please contact Jeanette Sanderson - Discharge to Assess Team Lead.

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing Trust, currently rated Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and achieving significant progress in the delivery of our strategic objectives, including our ambition to be the best place to work. We scored best in the country in the most recent NHS Staff Survey for teamwork, compassionate leadership, and supporting work/life balance. In 2024's survey, the Trust also scored above average in every theme of the NHS People Promise - the promise NHS colleagues make to each other to improve the experience of working in the NHS for everyone.

We are proud of the commitment of our colleagues to ensuring a strong and sustainable future and our organisation is highly valued by our local communities. There has never been a better time to join Barnsley Hospital. It is moving at pace and a 'we can do this' attitude is evident right through the organisation.

Barnsley Hospital NHS FT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fair treatment to all applicants. For individuals who may require sponsorship under the skilled worker or health & care visa route please use the link on the right hand side of the advert to check your eligibility. Please note that band 2 roles are no longer eligible for sponsorship. The cost of the DBS (criminal records check) for Band 6 and above roles will only be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. Please note we reserve the right to close positions early.

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and responsibilities.

Experience: Experience working in a clinical or community setting as a Therapy Assistant or Technical Instructor, or ability to demonstrate relevant experience to an equivalent level.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain high standard of driving, including use of motorway.
• Ability to plan efficient routes in the borough when making deliveries.
• Ability to drive mid-size/large vans (not HGV) and similar sized vehicles safely.
• Demonstrates skills & ability in the use of digital systems and platforms for efficient service delivery e.g. Email, MS Teams, Microsoft software, electronic patient records, ESR, ERoster.
• Demonstrates an ability to prioritise own and support staff workload and meet required timescales.
• Responds appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.
• Ensures the collection of data and analyses data in order to inform decision making within therapy services.
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance and that of others.
• Ability to identify need for service development.
• Proven ability to prioritise and delegate.
• Ability to manage stressful situations.
• Able to present and receive information within a multi-professional team.
• Ability to convey sensitive information in an empathetic manner to patients/clients, relatives, carers and staff.
• Demonstrate effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Skills and ability to motivate and support others.
• Ability to adapt skills to ensure effective communication at all levels.
• Able to demonstrate advanced patient assessment skills within scope of role.
• Dexterity and accuracy in undertaking clinical skills, use of equipment and documentation.
• Ability to utilise technology for the recording and collection of data and to support clinical care.
• Produce timely, accurate written/electronic records and documents.
• Experience of management of resources.
• Experience of working within a multi-professional team.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Provides learning and development to other professionals within own work area.
• Evidence of up to date continuing professional development.
• An awareness of the approaches used to engage and gain the perspectives of service users, carers and relatives.
• Experience of user/carer participation and engagement in review/development of services.
• Up to date documented evidence of CPD relevant to clinical area.

Qualifications:

• Foundation degree Health and Social Care, or equivalent level 5 qualification; plus, A-levels and GCSEs or equivalent(s), including Functional Skills (level 2).
• Or as a level 5 apprenticeship, such as the Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship.
• English and Maths pass grade at GCSE or equivalent examination board e.g. Functional Skills Level 2.
• Care Certificate (or studying towards).
• Current full driving licence.
• Completed recognised IT course e.g. ECDL/Elite/MOST.
• Relevant clinical experience e.g. Therapy services.

Trust Values: Please describe in around 100 words: What does Equality & Diversity mean to you and why they are important. Please describe in around 100 words: A situation where you have demonstrated respect for your colleagues/patients in a difficult or sensitive situation.

Knowledge and Awareness:

• Understanding of the importance of Health and Safety in the workplace.
• Understanding of the risk assessment process.
• Understanding of the role of Occupational Therapy in the assessment and management of patients within their own home.
• Knowledge of Clinical Governance and implications for patient care.
• Able to recognise when guidance and support is required and initiate appropriate escalation processes.
• Awareness of policies and procedures relevant to own area of practice.
• Knowledge and evidence of participation in clinical audit and evidence gathering methods.
• Demonstrates knowledge of equipment available and able to assess and fit where applicable.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.