This is an exciting opportunity to work with the Enhanced Support Team within the Adult Learning Disability Service.
The multidisciplinary team work with adults with a learning disability to offer enhanced support to patients who are experience a mental health crisis or are presenting with behaviours that are placing themselves or others at risk of harm; leading to exclusion and placement breakdown and requiring an intensity for case working with the aim of the patient being able to remain to remain in their homes with the support of families and paid care and avoiding an inpatient admission.
The post holder will be supported by the three qualified occupational therapists in the team and clinically led by the band 7 occupational therapist working across the learning disability service. The team lead is responsible for the day to day running of the team.
The post holder will be supporting the qualified therapists to complete assessments and carry out planned care under supervision.
The post is community based, covering South Essex (Southend, Castlepoint and Rochford, Basildon, Brentwood, Wickford and Thurrock). Therefore a car driver with access to a vehicle is essential to the role.
The post holder will be required to work their 37.5 hour shifts on either an early/ late and weekends and bank holidays. (8-4/12-8 and 9-5 weekends and BH). This can be discussed further at interview.
Main duties of the job
The role of the Therapy Assistant Practitioner is to support the Occupational Therapists, undertake delegated aspects of their role for which they will have been trained and deemed competent. The Assistant Practitioner on completion of training always continues to act under the guidance of a registered practitioner.
The Assistant Practitioner does not require daily supervision and should be able to take responsibility for their work within pathways of care and that of others within a broad framework laid down by and as directed by the supervisor of practice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work as part of the multi-disciplinary team to prevent admission and support early discharge from acute and community hospitals.
To deliver specific therapeutic input as part of goal directed treatment and rehabilitation programme
To assist and promote independent living skills based on a person centred approach ,focusing on rehabilitation and maintenance of function
To assist in the delivery of therapy interventions as appropriate.
To feedback any outcomes/concerns/progression/deterioration with regard to the achievement of the set goals.
To maintain patient records using appropriate documentation for intervention carried out.
To enable and empower patients to develop self and environmental management skills.
To promote and facilitate access to community resources.
Enable individuals to sustain and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Identify, act and minimise risk to patients and clients.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- To have achieved a good general education including English Language and Mathematics
- Foundation Degree in Health and Social care or an equivalent qualification
- Or NVQ3 with additional accredited training in the specialist field or equivalent evidence of underpinning knowledge
Desirable
- Additional training such as short courses relevant to the position
Experience
Essential
- Can demonstrate understanding and awareness of the Therapy Assistant Practitioner role
- Substantial previous rehabilitation experience as an AHP therapy assistant at Band 3 in Health or the equivalent in Social Care
- Good communication both verbally and written/electronic with a range of people
- Ability to demonstrate good judgement skills in determining the best course of action when problem solving
- Ability to make decisions about patient care to agreed professional standards using protocols where appropriate
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Shares the Trust’s Beliefs and models this in their attitude and behaviour
- Flexible working in a range of clinical settings and environments
- Current driving licence And access to car for work purposes
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 22 April 2025
