Occupational Therapy AssistantinCirencesterinCirencesterPUBLISHED WED 12 MAR 2025

The occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the ICTs work with adults with physical disabilities, cognitive impairment, mental health issues and complex social and community needs, experiencing occupational performance difficulties within and around their home environment.

The occupational therapy assistant will work as part of the community occupational therapy team within an Integrated Community Team (ICT). Their work will be underpinned by the principles and philosophy of occupational therapy. They will hold their own autonomous caseload triaged and delegated by an occupational therapist. They will be responsible for the assessment, implementation and evaluation of patient treatment programmes within assessed competencies.

Interventions will be varied because they are 'person centred', tailored to the specific needs of the individual, their families and or carers. The main aim is for the occupational therapy assistant to enable a person to engage within their home environment, and wider social and cultural environments to support their meaningful occupations so increasing their well-being and independence whilst self-manging risk. This includes providing advice, practicing different ways of doing things, signposting to relevant services, the provision of equipment and referring on for minor or major adaptations.

Experience of working to occupational therapy principles of practice in a health or social care environment is essential.

• To assess, devise, implement and evaluate therapeutic treatment programmes collaboratively with the person, their families and or carers, within the framework established by the occupational therapist
• To be able to understand and apply knowledge of a range of conditions, appreciating the impacts these have on a person's occupational functional ability
• To utilise a health coaching approach to work with individuals in developing collaborative goals and action (care) plans
• To exchange information with patients, their families and or carers that may require tact, reassurance or persuasion. To provide receive sensitive or complex information and relay appropriately
• To be able to work with people to facilitate learning of skills or gaining of independence.
• To plan and provide therapy interventions, acting within competencies and modifying treatment programmes as appropriate
• To understand and use relevant outcome measure

The qualification, training & experience requirements for the role are underlined in the Job Description/Person Specification.

About us

• Maintain accurate, comprehensive and timely clinical records of all care, advice and supportdelivered with clear reasoning for interventions in accordance with trust and nationalguidelines
• To employ effective time management skills to organise and prioritise caseload under theguidance of the occupational therapist
• To ensure that confidentiality and patient dignity is respected and maintained at all times
• Comply with current policies and procedures e.g. health and safety, moving and handling, data protection and confidentiality
• The role may develop into a 7 day working pattern to accommodate service demands