Location: Highfield House - Purley
Shifts Available: Permanent, full time - 38 hours a week - Monday - Wednesday 9am - 5pm, Thursday & Friday 9am - 4pm
Pay Rate: From PS11.25 h weekdays to PS11.75 h weekends.
We are currently seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our exceptional multidisciplinary team at one of our purpose-built homes. With the direction of Occupational Therapists, you will also be providing specific & general therapeutic care for patients with long-term neurological conditions. Once you join our hard-working team, you'll discover an open, welcoming environment where staff and residents are empowered to achieve their best every day.
What will I be doing?
You will be responsible for a wide range of duties and responsibilities and these include:
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Supporting and assisting registered occupational therapists both clinically and administratively in the provision of a high-quality clinical service.
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Working with colleagues of all disciplines in the provision of a multidisciplinary intervention.
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Working with professional standard of the College of Occupational Therapist.
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Following research and evidence-based practice as they are introduced to the service implementing change as requested by registered occupational therapist.
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Developing and maintaining their skills and knowledge as required according to the post holder's grade and post. Also, to be responsible for all clinical responsibilities in all aspects in their own practice.
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Observing and documenting a patient's participation, reactions, and progress from therapy session. And they should be able to demonstrate high standard of report writing in English.
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Escorting and planning patients' for out -patient appointments and ability to carry out basic nursing care (e.g. emptying urinary bag, feeding) during appointments.
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Recognising and respect patient as an individual with the same rights, needs and emotions as everyone else. And to promote the dignity and self-esteem of patients at all times.
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Own time-management around the demands of therapists from a number of different disciplines, by maintaining an efficient diary, whilst ensuring effective delivery of day-to-day services.
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Using a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes, i.e patients will regularly have difficulties with communication such as dysphasia, cognitive problems or dementia.
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Demonstrating tact and empathy when communicating sensitive information to patients, caregivers and relatives regarding prognosis, treatment and discharge, where this may be unwelcome or the information cannot be easily accepted, e.g. no further treatment can be offered.
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Attending management or service development meetings as a representative of the occupational therapy service.
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Assisting the therapists with assessment and treatment of patients and, where appropriate, with patients' continued management including implementation, supervision and progression of therapy interventions whilst under distant supervision from the therapist.
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Maintaining his / her own competency to practice through CPD activities, and maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development.
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Providing training to other assistants, including assessing and ongoing evaluation of therapy assistants' performance.
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Demonstrating therapeutic handling of patients (e.g. positioning, stair practice) dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory skills often with the need for prolonged physical effort. This will include patients with complex and highly specialist needs.
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Provide training to caregivers (such as CAs), nursing staff and patients' families e.g 24-hour postural management, transfer techniques, handling skills, ADL, IADL walking.
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Assessing and demonstrate the safe use of equipment, including wheelchairs / dynamic chairs in a variety of settings including the community.
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Demonstrating computer skills to maintain patient records, other documentation activity, e-mail and order equipment etc.
What do I need to succeed in this role?
Essential
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GCSE education level or equivalent
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Minimum of 1 years' experience within health & social care
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Evidence of CPD / post-graduate courses
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Excellent communication in English and interpersonal skills
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Valid Right to Work and DBS
Benefits:
Paid Breaks
Free meals whilst working on shift
Company Pension Scheme
Refer a Friend Bonus
Employee Assistance Programme
Excellent new starter induction programme
Excellent Comprehensive on the job training & support
No lone working, so you'll always have the support of another team member
Excellent progression opportunities on our new and improved career pathway.