Occupational Therapy Apprentice (Band 3)

Job overview

We have a rare and exciting opportunity for a motivated individual who wants to become an Occupational Therapist.

The successful applicant will be enthusiastic about the profession and will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of an OT through experience.

This Apprentice post allows an assistant to develop  clinical skills as part of the OT apprenticeship program. This is a 3 year  training opportunity to undertake a level 6 BSc Hons degree in OT,  enabling  them to apply for graduate posts on successful completion of the course.

The successful applicant would be offered the post subject to being accepted onto the University of Huddersfield OT Apprentice degree programme commencing September 2025 until Completion in August 2028.

Airedale will provide a work placed mentor to provide guidance, support, and knowledge in the Occupational Therapy profession.

The post holder is required to work as part of The Urgent Care therapy team (in Emergency Department and Acute assessment unit) and may have supervisory responsibility for assistants and work experience students.

Upon qualifying and registering with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), you will be given the opportunity to apply for a band 5 O T  Development scheme ,  working in a variety of physical and mental health setting   across acute and community services.

Failure to complete the Apprentice occupational therapy course will lead to termination of the fixed term contact.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be employed in their substantive posts as an Apprentice OT Practitioner in the Urgent Care Therapy Team.

The apprenticeship involves receiving on the job training in their substantive roles and 20% off the job training at University of Huddersfield.

Off the job training will include a combination of academic study and clinical placements. It is a requirement that the post holder commits to undertake the formal education of the course and successfully complete all components of the training programme within the required period. The post holder will perform the duties and responsibilities in this job description as a learner and under the direct and/or indirect supervision of a registered practitioner. The post holder will be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop their own knowledge and skills and are also expected to seek support and guidance in a timely manner.

An Apprentice OT Practitioner uses their developing O T knowledge and skills to:

• Prioritise, plan, and deliver clinical case work within Urgent Care with support/supervision of a Registered Practitioner.
• Apply evidence based, knowledge and skills to Urgent Care.
• Work with patients, carers, the MDT, and wider statutory, private, and voluntary sector services.
• Work with team members to ensure the effective functioning of the team.
• Participate in quality improvements to develop Urgent Care.
• Contribute to student training and development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

Develops, manages, and maintains positive, appropriate relationships with patients, families, carers, and colleagues demonstrating respect, kindness, compassion, and empathy always.

Use verbal and non-verbal communication skills and sensitivity with patients, relatives, and carers to overcome barriers to communication e.g., loss of hearing, altered perception, expressive and receptive dysphasia, pain, anxiety, tracheotomy, problems with cognition.

Provide timely and efficient therapy interventions to patients according to clinical protocols and service priorities.

Ensure patients receive a high standard of clinical care and that the standards expected from the Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT) are met.

Use investigative and analytical skills to undertake a comprehensive occupational therapy assessment of the patient.

Reflect on complex facts gathered or situations presented and use analysis and judgment skills to consider options for interventions, and outcome.

Formulate individual management /treatment plans, using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills.

Implement occupational therapy interventions in partnership with the service user, carer/s and in consultation with colleagues.

Work with other agencies in Health and social care, Housing, and Education to implement recommendations of treatment. Making onward referrals as appropriate.

Plan and organise to carry out assessment and interventions in the most appropriate setting.

Monitor and evaluate the outcome of interventions in partnership with the service user, carer/s and in consultation with colleagues.

Ensure maintenance of accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date documentation in line with professional, legal, and service requirements.

Collaborate with the MDT to improve patient pathways.

Provide advice, teaching and instruction for relatives, carers, and other health professionals to promote understanding of the aims of the Urgent Care Therapy Team and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.

Provide advice to therapy and dietetic colleagues working within other clinical areas across the Trust.

In pursuing these duties, the post holder will ensure compliance with the NHS Constitution and be familiar with the NHS England Guidance ‘Understanding the new NHS’.