Aug 1, 2022
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, motivated, and keen team player to undertake the role of Occupational Therapy Support Worker. The post holder will work, under the direction, guidance and supervision of a state registered occupational therapist, to support the delivery of an effective occupational therapy service to clients on the ward. Using a person centred and recovery focused approach, the post holder will support patients to achieve their identified goals. The primary role of the occupational therapy support worker is to enable the individual to live as independently as possible and to participate within socially valued roles. Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Application closes on 03 August 2022.
The post holder will be expected to work independently with the patient on the ward and in the community. They will contribute to occupational assessments and undertake interventions on an individual and group basis as agreed with the occupational therapist and the multi-disciplinary team.
The aim of the many interventions you will be delivering with supervision and support from qualified Occupational Therapy staff are recovery and independence.
The post holder will be a valued member of the multi-disciplinary team, the role involves working directly with service users and carers, as part of a multidisciplinary team which provides care, treatment and support to people with a functional and organic mental illness in line with the relevant clinical pathways.
This job description is not exhaustive. The tasks described below are representative of the duties it is expected the post holder will undertake within the grade range of the post. Job content will be reviewed as necessary in consultation with the post holder, to reflect the changing nature of the post.
The successful candidate will provide support, advice and practical assistance to an allocated group of service users under the direction of a qualified member of the staff team, following an agreed and shared care plan.
The role will include the requirement to work Monday to Friday within normal working hours.
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) is one of the leading mental health trusts in the UK.
Serving a population of 1.2million people, across one of the most exciting and affordable cities in Europe, GMMH provides community and inpatient mental health care, alongside prison in reach, substance misuse services, a specialist centre for mental health and deafness and inpatient perinatal mental health care.
The Trust employs around 5700 people, who make a difference across 130 locations. Staff at GMMH work to improve lives with a culture based on five core values:
We are caring and compassionate
We inspire hope
We work together
We value and respect
We are open and honest
GMMH is one of the most active research trusts in the UK, with one of the highest levels of recruitment to clinical trials for mental health.
We have been rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commission. Our substance misuse services and leadership were rated as 'Outstanding'
Job Purpose
The post holder will be a key member of the MDT, working directly with service users under the care of the inpatient team, as part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team which provides care, treatment, and support to people with a functional and organic mental health diagnoses.
Clinical responsibilities include:
To work as part of the integrated multi-disciplinary team in the treatment and recovery of patients.
To promote the social inclusion of clients within the communities of their choice.
With guidance, collect relevant information to support the occupational therapy assessment process.
Under supervision, implement identified elements of the treatment plan; supporting the client to overcome their own individual barriers. This may take place in a ward or community-based setting.
Where appropriate, support clients to safely and confidently use adaptations and equipment assessed for, and provided by, the occupational therapist.
To monitor patients progress and skill development under the guidance and supervision of registered occupational therapist; reporting back to the multi-disciplinary team as required.
To observe patients abilities, responses and behaviour, reporting back to the multi-disciplinary team as required.
When appropriate, assist in preparing an appropriate environment for treatment/therapy and tidying up afterwards
To carry out duties in such a way that maintains clients privacy and dignity, values diversity and respects cultural needs and individual rights and choices.
To encourage patient and carer involvement in care planning, supporting service delivery which is sensitive to the needs of families and carers.
To work to Trust policies and procedures.
Please see attached job description and person specification for further details.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
NVQ/QCF Level 3 or equivalent demonstrable experience.
Experience
Essential
Experience of working with people with mental health needs
Working in a team
Desirable
Proven ability to support patients to engage in therapeutic activities
Experience of planning, running and evaluating groups
Experience of working with older people with cognitive impairment
Skills
Essential
Range of practical skills which are relevant to the post
Ability to engage and motivate individuals who are experiencing difficulties in activities of daily living
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with a broad spectrum of individuals both verbally and in writing
Good interpersonal skills
An understanding of health and social care issues relating to older people
Person Specification
Education & Qualification
Essential
NVQ Level 2 or equivalent demonstrable experience
Desirable
Training in relevant practical skills
GCSE or equivalent
Experience
Essential
Working with people with mental health needs
Working in a team
Desirable
Support patients to engage in therapeutic activities
Experience of working with older people with cognitive impairment
Skills
Essential
Engage and motivate individuals
Good interpersonal skills
Desirable
An understanding of health and social care issues relating to older people
An understanding of risk and risk management
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Employer details
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT
Cavendish Ward, Laureate House
Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road
Wythenshawe
M23 9LT
Employer's website