Occupational Therapy Assistant

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a well-established, staffed, and respected Occupational Therapy service (OT) with patients who have a primary diagnosis of severe mental illness or personality disorder.

The post will be based within the high-security, forensic hospital environment and offers a great development opportunity for the Occupational Therapy service (OT) to work with patients in assessments and treatment sessions throughout their stay in the hospital.

The hospital has moved to a new bespoke facility, which is the most modern high-security forensic hospital in the country. The hospital focuses on innovative care for a challenging and interesting patient group. We have a strong commitment to multi-professional working within the clinical team, focusing on reducing risk and offending behaviors.

We are looking to offer a resourceful, motivated person who can demonstrate skill in engaging patients and teamwork. There are opportunities to progress in the service via the professional route and an Occupational Therapy apprenticeship or through the Vocational Services and skill-based learning tasks for patients.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work with qualified Occupational Therapists in the services delivering assessment and treatment sessions. The Occupational Therapy Assistant will see patients on and off the ward. The sessions will generally be group sessions but could at times be one-to-one sessions.

The hospital offers a variety of services that meet the changing needs of patients at every stage of their recovery, and the work undertaken by the post holder will support this process.

About us

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.

Our high secure services care for patients from the South of England, and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow, and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ 4,500 staff, of whom 56% are BME. Our turnover for 2023-24 is £426m.

The Trust is rated as 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.

The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.

Job responsibilities

The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. Please view as attached.

The person specification below is not the full person specification but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• Good general education with a minimum of 2 CSE, GCSE, or O' Levels.
• To have a relevant trade or skill NVQ, City and Guilds, BTEC.
• Motivation and Engagement Training.
• Degree in a relevant area.

Experience

• Experience of working with patients with mental illness and personality disorder.
• Experience as a band 3 in a relevant patient care NHS post.
• Good working knowledge of environmental risk factors.
• Experience motivating and engaging patients.
• Experience working with others on implementing a new activity.

Knowledge

• To have a working knowledge of the importance of grading therapeutic activities to meet patients' needs.
• Evidence in mental health awareness.
• To have knowledge of clinical models/treatments used in the hospital.
• Knowledge of wider NHS papers or policies or CQUIN's relevant to Mental Health.

Personal Qualities

• Able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels.
• Ability to work autonomously if directed by band 5.
• Clear effective session planning.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude to change.
• To have an enquiring approach to service development.

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.

£28,622 to £30,225 a year per annum inclusive of allowances.