Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant Therapy Practitioner

Job description

Job summary

Whilst we welcome all applications from all suitable candidates, unfortunately, we will not be offering sponsorship for this role.

We have an exciting opportunity for the combined role of Occupational Therapy (OT)/Physiotherapy Assistant Therapy Practitioner (ATP) in our inpatient services for Mental Health for Older People (MHSOP). Applicants who have a specialist skill such as music skills that can be utilised in a therapeutic way are welcomed.

These roles are predominantly aimed at working with older adults with depression, psychosis and frailty however in our other units we also work with service users with dementia. The ability to travel to our sites in Hertford, Radlett, as well as Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, and Stevenage is necessary. We offer excellent on-site support and skill development opportunities within the role. Our core service hours are Monday to Friday, 9-5, no shift or weekend work. Start/finish times can be adjusted slightly after a flexible working discussion.

We are a welcoming and positive team who work hard to achieve good outcomes for our service users therefore experience of team working is required. You will need to have clinical experience of working with people with mental health needs. A passion for helping people to engage in meaningful occupations is essential.

Please email to arrange a chat or visit; [email protected]

Main duties of the job

As an Assistant Therapy Practitioner you would be required to:

Provide both individual and group interventions for service users in a busy ward environment

Provide occupationally based assessments and interventions under the guidance of an occupational therapist and physiotherapist

Evaluate your interventions and report back to the team, adjusting future interventions accordingly

Work collaboratively with the other members of the therapy team and wider MDT

Have the opportunity to work autonomously, use your initiative and creative skills

Develop knowledge and application of the Model of Human Occupation and other specialist assessments

Be responsible for organisation of your own workload, timetable and accurate and timely documentation of clinical notes

Attend and participate in the ATP CPD and support meeting.

Support students, junior members of staff, visitors, volunteers and visiting therapists, such as Music Therapy

About us

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare Quality Commission.

Our family of over 4,500 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:

Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.

Job description

Job responsibilities

We provide Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy (PT) for those experiencing a range of mental health issues in later life. We provide a range of assessments and support our service users to achieve their goals through graded intervention, psychoeducation and encouragement to re-engage in activities which are meaningful to the service user.

As an Assistant Therapy Practitioner you would be involved in the provision of interventions for service users. This would involve a variety of methods, including providing opportunity to Service Users who may have difficulty engaging in day to day occupation. On a 1:1 or group basis, we will support you to develop the skills to support meaningful interaction and occupation with our Service Users.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To plan and facilitate occupationally based groups guided by an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• To work individually with service users on specific tasks and therapeutic activity guided by an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• To carry our specific Therapy assessments as guided by an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• 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.

Clinical Responsibility

• To work effectively as a member of a team in providing therapeutic activities using a person centered and occupationally based approach.
• To provide core Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy advice, intervention and support given to service users and their carers under guidance of the Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• 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 guidance of an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist, facilitate and deliver planned group-work and individual activities.
• Under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist provide 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.

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

Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility

• To support in the learning and experience of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and other Multi-disciplinary students on placement within the unit within the remit of the role.

Financial Responsibility

• To manage stock, advising and obtaining resources to carry out the job.
• To be responsible for the safekeeping and use of equipment and materials.
• To follow Service procedures with regards to use of and recording of petty cash use within the unit.
• To be responsible for the completion of own expenses claim.
• To ensure effective and efficient use of resources.

Service Development and Improvement

• To assist in the implementation, evaluation and modification of Team interventions.
• Participate in clinical audit and research activity as necessary to the role.
• To actively promote the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy service.

Communications

• To demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, self-awareness, sensitivity and empathy in all communications.
• To form therapeutic relationships with service users which overcome any barriers to gain co-operation and encourage engagement.

• To report effectively to the MDT on service users performance, progress in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure verbally and in writing.
• To adhere at all times to Trust data security policies and procedures.

Analytical and Judgment Skills:

• To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of service users and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.
• To observe, assess and report Occupational performance using appropriate Model of Human Occupation tools, which may indicate either positive or negative effects of treatment to aid treatment planning.

Planning and Organisational Skills:

• To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance. Include management of own electronic diary.
• To undertake delegated tasks which contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
• To demonstrate and role model effective time management when planning and facilitating activities.
• To help develop, plan and deliver therapy programmes with guidance from the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist.

Physical Working Conditions and Environment:

• To work within the team base, unit or community setting as appropriate.
• To be compliant with trust Lone worker policies and procedures and maintaining own electronic diary.
• To be fully compliant with appropriate Respect/CPI level for service area.

Information Resources:

• To ensure that up to date written and electronic records are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

• To contribute to the recording of statistical activity as appropriate in the setting
• To comply with health and safety requirements as per policy.

Job description
Job responsibilities

We provide Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy (PT) for those experiencing a range of mental health issues in later life. We provide a range of assessments and support our service users to achieve their goals through graded intervention, psychoeducation and encouragement to re-engage in activities which are meaningful to the service user.

As an Assistant Therapy Practitioner you would be involved in the provision of interventions for service users. This would involve a variety of methods, including providing opportunity to Service Users who may have difficulty engaging in day to day occupation. On a 1:1 or group basis, we will support you to develop the skills to support meaningful interaction and occupation with our Service Users.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To plan and facilitate occupationally based groups guided by an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• To work individually with service users on specific tasks and therapeutic activity guided by an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• To carry our specific Therapy assessments as guided by an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• 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.

Clinical Responsibility

• To work effectively as a member of a team in providing therapeutic activities using a person centered and occupationally based approach.
• To provide core Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy advice, intervention and support given to service users and their carers under guidance of the Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist.
• 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 guidance of an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist, facilitate and deliver planned group-work and individual activities.
• Under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist provide 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.

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

Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility

• To support in the learning and experience of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and other Multi-disciplinary students on placement within the unit within the remit of the role.

Financial Responsibility

• To manage stock, advising and obtaining resources to carry out the job.
• To be responsible for the safekeeping and use of equipment and materials.
• To follow Service procedures with regards to use of and recording of petty cash use within the unit.
• To be responsible for the completion of own expenses claim.
• To ensure effective and efficient use of resources.

Service Development and Improvement

• To assist in the implementation, evaluation and modification of Team interventions.
• Participate in clinical audit and research activity as necessary to the role.
• To actively promote the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy service.

Communications

• To demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, self-awareness, sensitivity and empathy in all communications.
• To form therapeutic relationships with service users which overcome any barriers to gain co-operation and encourage engagement.

• To report effectively to the MDT on service users performance, progress in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure verbally and in writing.
• To adhere at all times to Trust data security policies and procedures.

Analytical and Judgment Skills:

• To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of service users and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.
• To observe, assess and report Occupational performance using appropriate Model of Human Occupation tools, which may indicate either positive or negative effects of treatment to aid treatment planning.

Planning and Organisational Skills:

• To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance. Include management of own electronic diary.
• To undertake delegated tasks which contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
• To demonstrate and role model effective time management when planning and facilitating activities.
• To help develop, plan and deliver therapy programmes with guidance from the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist.

Physical Working Conditions and Environment:

• To work within the team base, unit or community setting as appropriate.
• To be compliant with trust Lone worker policies and procedures and maintaining own electronic diary.
• To be fully compliant with appropriate Respect/CPI level for service area.

Information Resources:

• To ensure that up to date written and electronic records are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

• To contribute to the recording of statistical activity as appropriate in the setting
• To comply with health and safety requirements as per policy.

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION TRAINING

Essential

• Knowledge of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy role within setting
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office and associated packages
• A Levels and/or Health and Social Care NVQ level 3 or equivalent

Desirable

• Degree in relevant subject

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Experience of working with people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems
• Experience of leading groups and 1:1 interventions
• Ability to work autonomously

Desirable

• Experience of working in a OT/PT related setting
• Experience of service user and carer involvement in the development of services
• Knowledge of Recovery principles
• Functional Assessment Training

SKILLS KNOWLEDGE and ABILITY 1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Essential

• Ability to provide and receive sensitive information regarding services users care and social situation
• Strong communication skills written and verbal
• Knowledge of and ability to use a range of communication skills to overcome barriers to engagement
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Knowledge of appropriate professional relationships and boundaries
• Ability to teach practical skills

Desirable

• Presentation Skills
• Second language (other than English)

2. ANALYTICAL SKILLS

Essential

• Good problem solving and clinical judgement skills
• Ability to understand and respond and adjust appropriately to the changing needs of service users
• Good Observational skills

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of using the Model of Human Occupation Assessment tools

3. PHYSICAL SKILLS

Essential

• Ability to use a range of IT equipment relevant to the role.
• Ability to engage in a range of physical activities
• Car Driver(unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)

4. PHYSICAL EFFORT

Essential

• Appropriate level of fitness to undertake all tasks within the role including RESPECT techniques unless you have a disability defined by the Equality Act
• Appropriate level of fitness to undertake moving and handling tasks required for the role
• Car Driver - ability to drive for extended periods of time (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)

5. MENTAL EFFORT

Essential

• Ability to concentrate, respond appropriately to interruptions and meet deadlines

6. EMOTIONAL EFFORT

Essential

• Regular requirement to deal with distressing or emotionally charged situations.
• Good personal self-awareness

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Essential

• Demonstrate an understanding of the value of activity to personal wellbeing
• Values Motivational Personal Qualities Diversity o Welcoming o Kind o Positive o Respectful o Professional

Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION TRAINING

Essential

• Knowledge of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy role within setting
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office and associated packages
• A Levels and/or Health and Social Care NVQ level 3 or equivalent

Desirable

• Degree in relevant subject

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Experience of working with people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems
• Experience of leading groups and 1:1 interventions
• Ability to work autonomously

Desirable

• Experience of working in a OT/PT related setting
• Experience of service user and carer involvement in the development of services
• Knowledge of Recovery principles
• Functional Assessment Training

SKILLS KNOWLEDGE and ABILITY 1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Essential

• Ability to provide and receive sensitive information regarding services users care and social situation
• Strong communication skills written and verbal
• Knowledge of and ability to use a range of communication skills to overcome barriers to engagement
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Knowledge of appropriate professional relationships and boundaries
• Ability to teach practical skills

Desirable

• Presentation Skills
• Second language (other than English)

2. ANALYTICAL SKILLS

Essential

• Good problem solving and clinical judgement skills
• Ability to understand and respond and adjust appropriately to the changing needs of service users
• Good Observational skills

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of using the Model of Human Occupation Assessment tools

3. PHYSICAL SKILLS

Essential

• Ability to use a range of IT equipment relevant to the role.
• Ability to engage in a range of physical activities
• Car Driver(unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)

4. PHYSICAL EFFORT

Essential

• Appropriate level of fitness to undertake all tasks within the role including RESPECT techniques unless you have a disability defined by the Equality Act
• Appropriate level of fitness to undertake moving and handling tasks required for the role
• Car Driver - ability to drive for extended periods of time (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)

5. MENTAL EFFORT

Essential

• Ability to concentrate, respond appropriately to interruptions and meet deadlines

6. EMOTIONAL EFFORT

Essential

• Regular requirement to deal with distressing or emotionally charged situations.
• Good personal self-awareness

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Essential

• Demonstrate an understanding of the value of activity to personal wellbeing
• Values Motivational Personal Qualities Diversity o Welcoming o Kind o Positive o Respectful o Professional

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address

Wren Ward

Kingfisher Court, Kingsley Green, Harper Lane

Radlett

WD7 9HQ

United Kingdom

Employer's website