Occupational Therapy Assistant in Durham inDurham PUBLISHED THU 12 JUN 2025 Jump to job information section

Band 3: £22,816 to £24,336 a year pro rata, per annum PERMANENT GOOD SALARY

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust rgeQRa2c

Job description

As an occupational therapy assistant in TEWV you will provide support to service users (inpatient adult mental health) to engage in a therapeutic programme of care, as delegated by an occupational therapist, demonstrating adherence to the Trust Values at all times and operating as a member of the team, service and organisation.

The D&D Occupational Therapy Hub service is well-established and aims to support personalised recovery plans and work with individuals to help re-establish purposeful and meaningful lives. The successful applicant will work under the direction of qualified Occupational Therapists with a strong focus on delivering high quality evidence based services that directly support recovery, occupational formulation and occupational engagement delivered as 1:1 or group interventions either on site or in the community.

To be responsible for working with delegated service users and contributing to assessments and interventions to address key occupational areas of self-care, productivity and leisure.
To engage service users and their carers in therapeutic programmes of care, supporting them in achieving their identified goals and promoting independence and well-being through a client-centred approach
To participate in clinical supervision
To contribute to multi-disciplinary team working
To contribute to safety and quality improvement activities as part of occupational therapy team.
To use the Trust electronic patient record system
To abide by all Trust policies and procedures
To be able to respond flexibly and creatively to challenges

About us
Please refer to the person specification within the attached job description to ensure you meet the essential criteria for the post prior to applying. Applicants must meet the shortlisting criteria to be considered for this post.

The post holder will support occupational therapists in the provision of evidence-based occupational therapy assessment and interventions as part of the OT Pathway and offer input to individuals, their families and carers.

All team members must be committed to providing the best possible care for the people we work with and their families/carers.

The ability to engage and communicate with service users well as the parents/family/carers and system around them is essential.

Clinical/Professional supervision is provided by the supervising Occupational Therapist as identified by the relevant Lead OT. The postholder will attend OT Learning and Governance Networks to ensure fidelity to core occupational therapy delivery, enhance CPD and contribute to the wider OT service developments.

You must be able to demonstrate experience of working alongside occupational therapists or experience of paid or voluntary work with people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities. And a keenness to continually develop yourself and others. We will support use of transferrable skills from a range of clinical settings.

There are varied opportunities for training and development, with CPD needs being identified and monitored through appraisal.

Not sure?
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.

Requirements

See the job description for full role requirements.

Benefits

Benefits are provided by the employer and will be confirmed during your application.

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More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:

Useful skills for an Occupational Therapy Assistant: Click to view

To work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) in the UK, you need a combination of specific skills, qualifications, and personal attributes. Here are some essential skills and requirements:

Educational Qualifications:

1. Relevant Qualification: While a degree is not always necessary, having a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or occupational therapy assistant-specific training can be beneficial.

2. General Education: Basic GCSEs, particularly in English and Maths, are often required.

Essential Skills:

1. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial, as you will need to interact with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

2. Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build rapport and establish trusting relationships with patients is vital.

3. Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and being sensitive to patients' needs and difficulties is fundamental to delivering good care.

4. Organizational Skills: Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and keep accurate records.

5. Problem-Solving Skills: The capacity to think critically and develop practical solutions to support patients in achieving their occupational goals.

6. Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary environment.

7. Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to different patient needs and varying work environments.

8. Technical Skills: Familiarity with assistive technologies or adaptive equipment can be beneficial.

9. Basic IT Skills: Proficiency with computers and software for maintaining records or using therapy-related applications.

Personal Attributes:

1. Patience: Working with individuals who may have differing levels of ability and progress requires patience.

2. Resilience: The ability to cope with the emotional challenges of working in healthcare settings.

3. Attention to Detail: Ensuring that therapy plans are followed accurately and that records are maintained correctly.

4. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and needs of patients.

Experience:

- Relevant Experience: Experience in health and social care, whether through voluntary work, internships, or roles in similar settings, is highly valued.

Continuing Professional Development:

- Ongoing Training: Participating in training and professional development opportunities to stay informed about best practices and new techniques in occupational therapy.

inDurham

54.5221364 -1.5541738 Durham

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