Occupational therapy assistant

Job overview

The postholder will be responsible for the delivery of occupational-based therapeutic activity interventions to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of individuals with a Learning Disability whilst residing within Astley Court.

Astley Court is a Learning Disability Assessment and Treatment inpatient unit.  The service aims to provide a safe, caring, supportive environment where individuals can recover before continuing their life within a community setting.  The Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) aim to provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment of an individuals holistic needs.  The staff member will work under the direction of the Occupational therapy team and the wider Multi-Disciplinary Team. Interventions may be offered as part of a group or individual basis. The post holder will work in collaboration with the nursing staff supporting the holistic needs of the service users. The postholder will be expected to work weekends and some early evenings as part of this role.

Main duties of the job

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To facilitate occupationally based groups as identified by an Occupational Therapist.
• To work individually with service users on specific tasks and therapeutic activity as identified by an Occupational Therapist.
• To promote a culture of engagement in meaningful occupation within the service in order to enhance quality of life.
• To provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust standards and values.
• To provide feedback to the team regarding observed occupational performance during a session which will contribute to assessment and therapeutic interventions.
• To maintain clinical records using the electronic patient record system.
• To liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant.
• To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
• To attend mandatory training.
• To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor.
• To keep a record of your training and development activities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibility

• To adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, the Trust’s Code of Conduct for Non-qualified Staff and all other relevant policies and procedures.

• To work effectively as a member of a team in providing therapeutic activities using a person centred and occupationally based approach.
• To contribute to the Occupational Therapy advice, intervention and support given to service users and their carers.
• To provide timely feedback to the MDT information regarding the service users wellbeing and occupational performance.
• To use technical / creative skills to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities to promote independence, recovery and well-being.
• Under supervision of an Occupational Therapist, facilitate and participate in planned group-work and individual activities.
• Under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist contribute to the ongoing assessment and adjustment of clinical interventions based on the fluctuating needs of the service users.
• Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
• To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.
• To contribute to risk assessments with regards to service users and clinical environment.
• To report incidents, safeguarding concerns, complaints and compliments.
• To actively participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal.
• To actively participate in safety huddles and de-brief sessions as appropriate.