Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time 37.5 hours band 3 Occupational Therapy Technician post within the Acute Stroke and Neurology Occupational Therapy Team.

The successful applicant will be highly motivated, enthusiastic and caring individual with excellent communication skills. The post holder will join a friendly and committed group of Therapists and Support Staff working as part of an integrated therapy team in the speciality of Stroke and Neurology.

The Occupational Therapy Department is committed to Continued Professional Development and involves all grades of staff in its In-Service Training programmes.

This post is part of a 7-day working rota within the Occupational Therapy Department, which will include weekends and bank holidays.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main duties of the job

• To support the Occupational Therapists in delivering a quality Occupational Therapy service to the Acute Stroke Unit and Neurology ward.
• To assist Occupational Therapists in the assessment, planning and implementation of individual and group treatment sessions for patients.
• Support patients with activities of daily living (ADL's) such as personal care, functional mobility, cognitive tasks and upper limb rehabilitation.
• Carry out delegated treatment plans and monitor progress, reporting changes or concerns to the supervising therapist.
• Help prepare therapy materials and equipment, ensuring safe and appropriate use at all times.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient documentation in line with Trust and professional standards.
• Assist in ordering, issuing and checking adaptive equipment and ensuring correct fitting and use.
• Liaise with wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), including nurses, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists to support holistic patient care.
• Contribute to discharge planning by providing functional assessments and feedback under supervision.
• Promote patient independence and dignity at all stages.
• To provide clerical/administration support to the Occupational Therapists.
• Participate in in-service training and personal development activities required.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job responsibilities
Clinical

• Explain to patients, relatives and those with whom they come into contact the role of Occupational Therapy on the ASU and Neurology.
• Obtain informed consent from the patient, and work within the current legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent, prior to commencing any treatment.
• Through conversation with the patient, relatives, carers and Care Homes obtain information regarding social circumstances, normal function and daily routine. Making follow-up calls and completing paperwork, as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Carry out individual treatment sessions, as instructed by the Occupational Therapist, with patients with complex sensorimotor and cognitive deficits; this will include feeding, washing, dressing, shower and kitchen assessments and outdoor mobility and safety awareness.
• Carry out remedial activities with patients who have complex sensorimotor and cognitive deficits, as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Assist the Occupational Therapist in completing standardised cognitive assessments e.g. ACE III, LOTCA, CAM, OCS, GOAT etc.
• Independently manage the Occupational Therapy intervention for specific patients following an agreed protocol.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill of how to position, handle and move patients with complex Neurological deficits.
• Order, issue and instruct patients and relatives in the safe use of prescribed Occupational Therapy equipment.
• Independently deliver and fit equipment and measure for rails in patients homes, as prescribed by the Occupational Therapist.

Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential

• To have demonstrable experience of working with people with health needs
• To understand the role of Occupational Therapy within the NHS
• IT Literate and demonstrable experience of using office equipment.
• Demonstrable experience of working with patients individually or in groups

Desirable

• To have worked in an OT Department
• To have demonstrable experience of assisting in OT interventions for patients
• Demonstrable experience of working within an acute hospital setting

QUALIFICATIONS
Essential

• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• GCSE in English and Maths (or equivalent)
• NVQ 3 or equivalent training
• Demonstrable experience of working within Health, Social or Community services setting

Desirable

• To have health care related qualification
• To have basic Food & Hygiene certificate

APTITUDE & ABILITIES
Essential

• To be interested in promoting independence for patients
• To be independent and able to accept responsibility
• Good time management skills
• To have good communication skills, and able to manage patients with cognitive impairment and aggressive / challenging behaviour
• To have proven ability to recognise own limitations and reflect on own performance

Desirable

• Proven ability to move and handle patients using appropriate recommended techniques/equipment e.g. hoists

DISPOSITION / ATTITUDE / MOTIVATION
Essential

• Team player
• Ability to build rapport
• Planning and organizational skills
• Able to identify when to seek support
• An understanding of confidentiality
• An interest in problem solving

OTHER FACTORS
Essential

• Able to travel to various parts of Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall
• Able to comply with Manual Handling policies and guidelines
• Available to work on bank holiday and weekend rotas

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.

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.

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Occupational Therapist Team Lead Stroke/Neurology
Rebecca Long
rebeccalong2@nhs.net
01752433320