Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner (XR04) in Leeds

We are looking for a motivated & enthusiastic Senior Occupational Therapist Support Worker to join the Older Adults Occupational Therapy team based at St. James Hospital Leeds. As a Senior Occupational Therapist Support Worker, you will have experience of working within an Occupational Therapy team. You will have delegated responsibilities for assessment and treatment of patients referred to the Older Adults Occupational Therapy Team. You will play a vital role in supporting our patients to meet their occupationally focused goals and next steps in hospital discharge.

Our team delivers high quality, holistic, patient-centred care, in line with best practice guidelines. We work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team & community services to promote home first and therapeutic goal attainment for our patients.

Main duties of the job include:

• The caseload includes older adults with a range of health needs, including but not limited to chronic diseases; high BP, heart disease, COPD, Arthritis, cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimers, delirium, falls and frailty.
• Managing your own time, excellent communication and team working skills, placing our patients at the centre of everything you do.
• Providing highly skilled and specialised clinical, administrative, and organisational support to the Occupational Therapy Service.
• Supporting the OT assessment pathway and screening of non-complex patients under the supervision of a qualified member of staff.
• Contributing to the management of a caseload of patients with infrequent supervision from registered OT colleagues.

Core behaviours and skills required:

• Ability to work as part of a Team (OT, and wider MDT)
• Ability to manage a workload provided by more than one professional.
• Problem-solving and time management skills.
• Organisational and administrative skills.
• Able to work in a stressful environment and use initiative.
• Maintaining professionalism at all times, demonstrating the Leeds Way Values.

Core knowledge and understanding:

• Understanding of Occupational Therapy and job roles.
• Awareness of the needs and problems of those with illness and disabilities.
• Understanding of legislation, guidelines and protocols that affect the clinical area.

Principal duties include:

• Accepting responsibility for Occupational Therapy initial assessments to facilitate rehabilitation and discharge from hospital.
• Planning and prioritising clinical tasks.
• Delivering the service using patient pathways and protocols.
• Motivating and persuading patients and carers to participate in therapy intervention.
• Assessing and advising patients regarding transfers, falls, equipment and risks.

Health and Safety/Risk Management: All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users.

Training and Personal Development: The job holder must take responsibility for their own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority.

Respect for Patient Confidentiality: The job holder should always respect patient confidentiality and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

Special Working Conditions: There is a daily requirement to undertake frequent moderate physical activity. The post holder may be based on more than one site to carry out their duties.

Person Specification:

• Completion of CARE Certificate or mandatory training within first 3 months of employment.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C minimum) or Functional Skills equivalent (Level 2 minimum).
• Level 3 qualification in relevant health care related subject.
• Relevant clinical experience and Therapy Senior Support worker experience in a hospital setting.