Due to internal development, an opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join the Bedfordshire and Luton Early Intervention Service, based in Twinwoods Health Resource Centre, Milton Road, Clapham, Beds MK41 6AT.

Main duties of the job

The Early Intervention in Psychosis service aims to provide early and sustained engagement to people experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The service works with these people to achieve their social and personal recovery goals by delivering a range of evidence-based interventions within a collaborative framework. This helps to reduce the impact of a first episode of psychosis, foster hope that recovery is possible and maximises the quality of life of service users and their families. This is an area where you can really make a difference to the lives of others.

The post holder will be responsible for the care coordination of a defined caseload of service users experiencing a first episode of psychosis in the community and will work closely with them and their families. The post holder will be required to complete specialist and comprehensive assessments of needs and develop and implement an evidence based plan of care. They will work as part of and be supported by a multi-disciplinary team focusing on recovery and social inclusion. The role will include the use of a range of psycho-social interventions and raising awareness initiatives. You will also have dedicated OT-specific time within each week where you can utilise those skills unique to your profession. Occupational Therapists work as an integral part of Community Teams providing specialist bio-psycho-social interventions.

About us

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Job description Job responsibilities

As well as all of the benefits offered by ELFT, we will offer you a supportive induction, regular supervision and access to training opportunities identified through the appraisal process. We also have a regularCPD session/forum to which every OT in the service is invited, where you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow OTs and share resources and learning.

All enquiries welcome. For more information, please contact Danielle Maule, Head OT for Working Age Community Mental Health Services in Luton & Bedfordshire, on danielle.maule@nhs.net or 07827939209 or Alice Brady, EIS Team Manager (North), on alice.brady1@nhs.net or 07983477160

Person Specification Education/ Qualification/ Training Essential

• Diploma or degree in Occupational Therapy
• State Registration
• UK Driving license with access to a car
• Fieldwork Educator Training or willingness to complete

Desirable

• Member of the British Association of Occupational Therapy

Experience Essential

• Demonstrable post-qualification experience highly related to the clinical field
• Experience of working in a community setting
• Experience of using evidence based assessment tools
• Experience of CPD and role development activities
• Experience of staff/student supervision
• Evidence of working as part of a MDT.
• Evidence of previous service development activities and role development.

Knowledge and Skills Essential

• Ability to independently manage a complex clinical caseload.
• Applied social, health and medical sciences required for the practice of Occupational Therapy including psychology, anatomy, physiology and sociology
• Applied psychological perspectives relevant to OT in mental health including behavioural, cognitive, psychoanalytic and humanistic perspectives
• Understanding of the impact of mental health difficulties upon occupational functioning (self-care, productivity and leisure) and performance components (i.e. inter and intra personal, cognitive, physical)
• The theory and practice of occupational therapy including occupational science and holistic models of OT practice
• Clinical skills in order to carry out OT interventions (e.g. psychotherapeutic, interactive and activity based interventions, cognitive behavioural interventions, psychosocial and psycho-educational interventions )
• Theoretical and working knowledge of holistic models of OT practice and skills in group work, teaching and counselling.
• Current legislation and National Guidelines and their application and be able to impart this to others
• Working application of risk assessment and safeguarding issues and their application to practice
• Equal Opportunities related to staff and Service Users
• Understanding of research, audit and quality improvement and their application to clinical practise

Desirable

• Integrated ways of working, including the assessment of social care needs and setting up care packages.
• Understanding of the needs and rights of service users and/or carers in planning and service development

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

363-BED9795-D