Are you passionate about supporting people with Learning Disabilities and committed to improving their quality of life? An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Occupational Therapist (Band 6) to join the Wakefield Intensive Support Team (IST) on a permanent, full-time hours basis (i.e. 37.5 hrs per week).

The IST is a small multidisciplinary team with a Psychologist, Nurses, SLT and Support Workers working proactively and intensively with individuals with behaviours that challenge. We provide specialist assessments and interventions to support service users to remain in their home, our work is informed by the principles of Positive Behaviour Support.

We work closely with carers, support networks and wider agencies to develop their understanding of service users needs. Further post qualification is not essential, as there will be opportunity to undertake an accredited qualification in PBS. Professional development is actively encouraged and supported.

The IST is part of the Community Learning Disability Health Team, a friendly and welcoming MDT including Allied Health Professionals, Nurses, Healthcare Support staff, Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists.

The team are committed to delivering the Transforming Care agenda and your input will be highly valued. The Trust is committed to staff development and as an OT you will have access to the OT Forum, which support and CPD opportunities.

Main duties of the job

You will be a highly motivated and conscientious individual who has the desire to work creatively with people with learning disabilities within the community, providing the highest standards of safe and compassionate care to clients to maximise their potential.

You will be required to use your specialist OT skills to support the assessment and delivery of high-quality therapeutic interventions to address the occupational needs of service users. This will require effective MDT working skills, close liaison with other agencies and use of excellent communication skills.

The successful applicant will manage a community caseload of service users who have a variety of presentations, enabling activity participation and independence in a community setting, including training of family carers and paid carers in different settings. You would be required to evaluate treatment outcomes and contribute to service development.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. We strongly discourage this and will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be part of a cohesive and enthusiastic multi-disciplinary team and work closely with the other parts of the locality health team and In-Patient team where required. You will be involved in providing specialist assessment, support and treatment for individuals receiving intensive support and care, enabling service users to engage in a wide range of individual and group based treatment activities.

The post holder will promote a positive behavioural approach which will be underpinned by professional skills and additional training as required.

The post holder will be part of a well recognised service that places emphasis of staff support and professional development and you will be expected to participate in staff training and supervision.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent.
• Registration with Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• RCSLT Registration.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Enthusiastic, motivated, professional, resourceful, flexible and adaptable
• Able to self direct and have good time management skills.
• Able to use tact/diplomacy and common sense.
• Committed to team working and providing the best possible patient care.
• Able to adapt to change and lead others as a positive change agent.
• Act as a positive role model to other members of the team.
• Able to provide leadership to the team and encourage reflection on practice.
• Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.

Physical Attributes

Essential

• Ability to implement all of the 6C values & behaviours expected of health care professionals.
• Values contribution of others.
• Ability to motivate self and others.
• Organisational skills.
• Effective communication skills, verbal and written.
• Willingness to work flexibly.
• The ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.

Experience

Essential

• Post registration experience including in learning disabilities.
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development
• Supervision of staff and / or students.

Desirable

• Leadership / first line management experience.
• Experience of a range of learning disability settings.
• Supervision of staff and / or students.

Training

Essential

• Post graduate Dysphagia training or ability to successfully complete the training within 2 years.
• Evidence of ongoing training and relevant post graduate courses in communication and dysphagia.

Desirable

• Post graduate training relevant to Learning Disability.

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

• Specialist knowledge and application of Speech & Language Therapy assessments and interventions relevant to learning disability.
• Extensive clinical practice skills including individual and group work.
• Understanding of and ability to use appropriate outcome measures.
• Ability to work autonomously and set own priorities.
• Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
• Supervisory / appraisal skills.
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
• Ability to organise and respond efficiently to complex information.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to build effective working relationships.
• Detailed knowledge of clinical governance and its application.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
• An understanding of the specific contribution of Speech and Language Therapists in Learning Disability Services.

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Block 9, Fieldhead Hospital

Ouchthorpe Lane

Wakefield

WF1 3SP

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

C9378-W1186