Occupational Therapy Assistant

at  Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Communication and Working Relationships Communicate effectively with other members of the Occupational Therapy team and other health professionals to ensure clinically -relevant information is received accurately and in a timely manner. Ensure records / documentation are maintained to required standard and report accurately when providing feedback to others. Understanding of barriers to communication and ways to communicate effectively with service users. Develop therapeutic rapport with service users to maximise therapeutic potential.
Provide and receive complex or sensitive information using tact, reassurance and motivational skills. Give consideration to, and have an understanding of, barriers to understanding, for example, a persons cognition, mental state or learning disability. Develop positive working relationships with Rougemont Team and site-wide members of multi-disciplinary teams (MDT). Support and facilitate OT sessions, under the direction of qualified staff.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community-based providers Positively promote OT to clients, professional colleagues, visitors and members of the community. Ensure that commitments made are achieved in the agreed timescale or that issues and obstacles are clearly communicated as soon as possible. Work individually or in groups with clients and fellow professionals. Engage fully in the supervision process with line manager.
Planning and Organisation Assist the qualified Occupational Therapist in planning and organisation within designated area of work. Plan, organise and deliver activities and groups to engage service users on the ward and in the community where appropriate. Attend staff meetings. Keep stores/materials organised and stocked on the ward.
Demonstrate the ability to work within own capability and seek support if situation exceeds capability. Responsibility for Patient Care, Treatment and Therapy The post holder is expected to work the majority of their time in direct client contact. Required to work a flexible work pattern, over 7 days a week, working alternate weekends. With supervision, enable service user engagement and achievement of therapeutic goals according to agreed care plan.
Assist the O.T. to provide effective interventions, including group work, individual work, home visits etc Positively encourage individuals to maintain their independent living skills within the hospital setting, using a strengths-based approach. Promote safe moving and handling practices according to service users needs and within Trust Manual Handling Policy Ensure all service users are treated with respect, paying attention to their health, well being and safety. To deal sensitively with patients who are anxious or aggressive Ensure service user record confidentiality at all times in accordance with COT and Trust policies To undertake other duties as may be determined from time to time within the general scope of the post To maintain a safe working environment and report any problems to line manager.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources Observe Trust and team policies, protocols and standards at all times Responsible for continually updating compulsory and essential training Comply with the Trust Manual Handling Policy and local therapeutic handling guidance at all times Contribute to the development of the Occupational Therapy service Participate in the education of visitors, students, volunteers etc.Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources Exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance Responsible for ensuring any faulty equipment is reported to line manager as per Trust and O. T. service policy Assist with the ordering and maintaining of any stock requirements in liaison with Occupational Therapist Responsible for safe use of equipment by patients, for example, when using catering equipment. Assist with health and safety risk assessments related to your activities.
Responsibility for Supervision, leadership and Management Participate in regular clinical and managerial supervision with qualified O.T. Use own initiative to plan individual activities and groups both on/off the ward. Occasional lone working in the community under the direction/supervision of trained staff Contribute to the induction of new staff and student placements as appropriate. Act as a positive role model to colleagues, students and the people who use our service Information Resources and Administrative Duties Responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient treatment records Assist with all administrative duties in relation to the service eg photocopying, basic poster design, maintaining notice boards etc Ability to use email, internet, word processing and other software to fulfil role requirements.
Ensure that OT information is current and in formats that are accessible to the people who use our services. Responsible for keeping up to date with core training requirements. Other Specific Tasks Required Lone working with clients on site and within the community when appropriate Ability to respond to assistance alarms and deliver safe-holding skills if required Ability to alter timetable at short notice as other priorities occur Adhere to COT code of Ethics & Professional Conduct for Non-Qualified Staff and all other relevant policies and procedures Able to travel around geographical work area in an effective manner with patients if required. Ability to work a flexible shift pattern, over a seven day week, working every other weekend

Please refer the Job description for details