Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job summary

Opportunity to join an innovative and forward thinking team!- Join our Team as a Occupational Therapy Assistant. This is a full-time post but part time hours/job share will be considered.

The post holder will provide support for the patients who are admitted to the ward and will require the successful candidate to work flexibly, which could include weekends and evenings.

Harvest Ward is an 8 bedded psychiatric intensive care unit that provides assessment and treatment for inpatients aged 18 and over, presenting with a Mental Health crisis. We work hard to provide a therapeutic environment which promotes the principles of person centred care that is least restricted and recovery focused.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for supporting occupational therapy led, therapeutic groups, moving on groups, life skills, sensory and functional activities. You will be using practical, communication and creative skills to provide a flexible programme of groups and individual activities on and off the ward. The post holder will co facilitate/facilitate activity based groups in collaboration with third sector/ partner agencies where appropriate. You will also be responsible for coordinating volunteers in group delivery. The post holder will also be responsible for supporting specific interventions which have been identified from the occupational assessment this could be ward based or in the community.

About us

We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health. We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.

We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.

Over 4,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.

We work in people's homes, in community clinics and bases. Some staff work from one of our 13 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.

Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon. As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increases the numbers of people who use our services.

Job responsibilities

To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see supporting documents.

Person specification

Education / Qualifications and Relevant Experience

Essential

• Qualification to level 3 or equivalent experience in relevant subject
• Experience of providing social and recreational activities in group settings and with individuals
• Experience of working with people who have cognitive, physical, learning disability or challenging behaviour.
• Recent experience of working in a mental Health setting

Desirable

• Qualifications in exercise, complementary therapies etc.
• Previous NHS Experience

Skills and Aptitude

Essential

• Ability to use persuasive, motivational and reassurance strategies to build rapport and engage patients in activities
• Personal practical or creative skills eg. craft, music, art, cookery,physical activities