Occupational Therapy Assistant- Erewash CMHT in Ilkeston

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the multidisciplinary team at Erewash Adult CMHT. As a member of the team, you will be expected to adopt the policies and philosophy of the service, which aims to provide a high standard of person‑centred care, promote recovery and social inclusion within a trauma informed framework. The CMHT promotes compassionate treatment and care in a safe and therapeutic setting for people who experience moderate to severe mental health problems including additional complex needs due to neuro‑diversity, trauma, sensory needs and physical healthcare needs.

We are looking for a dynamic individual with good interpersonal skills to enable engagement of service users. Responsibilities include:

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support the delivery of an Occupational Therapy service for our clients.
• Facilitate individual and group sessions, where appropriate.
• Provide service-users with appropriate challenges.
• Work independently and using initiative, seeking support as required from Occupational Therapists.
• Plan and carry out individual and group interventions as guided by the individuals' service user needs.
• Support the Occupational Therapist with the assessment and treatment process.
• Support clients to develop their independence, ADL and social skills.
• Engage in supervision, MDM meetings, OT meetings.
• Develop your skills and knowledge, accessing training available.

Join "Team Derbyshire Healthcare" and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of making a positive difference in people's lives. CQC rated us as "GOOD" overall, commenting on how our colleagues treated patients with compassion and kindness and felt positive and proud about working for the trust.

Benefits Include:

• Commitment to flexible working where this is possible.
• 27 days annual leave/year plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years & 33 days after 10 years service.
• Yearly appraisal and commitment to ongoing training.
• Generous NHS pension scheme.
• Good maternity, paternity and adoption benefits.
• Health service discounts and online benefits.
• Incremental pay progression.
• Free confidential employee assistance programme.
• 24/7 Access to our LGBTI+ network, BAME Network and Christian Network.
• Health and wellbeing opportunities.

The post holder will contribute towards the delivery of a quality occupational therapy service, working as a member of the multi‑disciplinary team with the support and supervision of occupational therapists. Responsibilities also include:

• Develop a working knowledge of the occupational therapy process.
• Build awareness of the recovery philosophy and the social inclusion agenda, promoting autonomy and enabling choice.
• Plan and carry out individual and group interventions within a specific remit (e.g., sporting, creative, domestic or technical activities).
• Undertake a range of activities, working flexibly in accordance with the needs of service‑users and the service as a whole.
• Maintain dedicated time for practical activities and demonstrate effective time management when preparing sessions and writing notes.
• Accept referrals from the occupational therapy team according to agreed referral systems and care pathway.
• Assist in facilitating service user responsibility and choices for occupational participation, and the ability to determine their own lifestyle.
• Contribute to occupational and clinical risk assessments, reporting findings to the occupational therapy team.
• Report any changes in occupational functioning that may indicate either positive or negative effects of treatment.
• Assist in the co‑ordination of care by communicating effectively and ensuring that Trust professional guidelines for record‑keeping are followed.
• Ensure that assessment and treatment is delivered in a person‑centred manner ensuring the gender, sexual orientation, ethnic, cultural and spiritual needs of service users are adhered to.
• Participate in a multi‑professional/agency approach to care, valuing the interface of professional roles and responsibilities.
• Use effective interpersonal skills that relate to service users, carers and team members on an equal and respectful basis.
• Participate in the development of the occupational therapy structure, attending appropriate staff meeting.
• Demonstrate awareness of the Trust Policy for Clinical Supervision; receiving regular clinical supervision.
• With the support of the occupational therapy team, ensure good practice is maintained by identifying practice that requires change or development or that does not meet required standards.
• Be aware of and work within all legislative requirements relevant to occupational therapy (Mental Health Act, Code of Practice, Human Rights Act, Disability Discrimination Act etc), and ensure that Child and Adult protection procedures are followed.
• Maintain safety standards and take responsibility for organising and maintaining a specific work environment (e.g. kitchen, craft area, activity rooms and garden).
• Advise the Ward Manager and Clinical Lead OT of materials and equipment required for a designated area of work and assist in ordering resources within a specified budget.

The Hub team is a dynamic multi‑disciplinary team and as an integral part of our team you will receive:

• Regular supervision and appraisal.
• Continuing Professional Development.
• A supportive network of professionals.