At a Glance
- Tasks: Support patients in neuro-rehabilitation and implement therapy programmes.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at Surrey Downs Health & Care.
- Benefits: Structured support, professional development, and a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a focus on patient-centred care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: NVQ 2 equivalent and experience in healthcare or therapy.
Surrey Downs Health & Care is looking for a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapist Assistant to join our Stroke and Neurorehabilitation team at Epsom General Hospital. This is an exciting opportunity to support patients with complex stroke and neurological conditions as part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team.
About You
- Has experience working within a healthcare or therapy environment
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills with patients, carers and colleagues
- Works effectively as part of a team while also managing their own workload
- Shows empathy, professionalism and a patient-centred approach
- Is able to prioritise tasks and work within a competency framework
- Has a flexible and adaptable approach in a busy clinical environment
What We Offer
- Structured clinical supervision and support from experienced Occupational Therapists
- Opportunities for Continued Professional Development (CPD) and training
- Involvement in service development and quality improvement projects
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
- The chance to make a meaningful difference to patient outcomes
If you are passionate about rehabilitation and want to develop your career within a supportive and forward-thinking team, we encourage you to apply.
Main duties of the job
- Support neuro-rehabilitation by implementing therapy programmes devised by the lead therapist
- Manage your own patient caseload, assessing, treating patients, and monitoring their progress
- Assist in patient assessments, gathering relevant information, and adapting treatment plans under therapist guidance
- Work closely with the multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient care planning and discharge processes
Person specification
Qualifications
- Qualification equivalent to NVQ 2 in a related subject
- GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in English and Maths
Experience and knowledge
- Able to communicate effectively with colleagues, clinical staff, managers, patients, and carers from diverse ages and social backgrounds
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to prioritise and organise own workload
- Must be able to fulfil safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring the protection and welfare of children and vulnerable adults
- Proactive and interactive
- Flexible approach to work
- Experience working with stroke and neurological patients
Skills
- Demonstrates enthusiasm and a proactive approach to delivering a wide range of therapeutic activities
- Effective communication skills – verbal and written
- Computer literate, with the ability to use hospital systems and databases for audits following appropriate training
- Strong understanding of relevant health conditions to deliver safe and effective patient activities
- Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, empathy, and a supportive approach
Personal attributes
- Able to move supplies when needed and to bend, reach and assist in the manual handling of patients
- Good interpersonal skills to work with patients, carers and colleagues
- Ability to motivate patients and self
- Ability to initiate new ideas and develop these
We are committed to safeguarding children and adults who are at risk of abuse. If this post will have access to children or vulnerable adults, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required. All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
Occupational Therapist Assistant in Epsom employer: Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals
Surrey Downs Health & Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment at Epsom General Hospital. As an Occupational Therapist Assistant, you will benefit from structured clinical supervision, opportunities for continued professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes within a dedicated multidisciplinary team. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to quality improvement, this role provides a fulfilling career path in healthcare.
Contact Details:
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist Assistant in Epsom
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist Assistant in Epsom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals:Take some time to research Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals's values and approach.
