Are you looking for something completely new, different, exhilarating and challenging?

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist to join the Outside the Box (OTB) team, part of the offender personality disorder (OPD) pathway in Devon, based at HMP Channings Wood.

The OPD pathway is based in prisons and probation, with NHS and HMPPS staff working together to increase the wellbeing and reduce the risk of those screened into the pathway, whilst also improving the knowledge and attitudes of wider staff working with them.

OTB is an intervention service for those screened into the pathway who are stuck in the system (e.g. not able to engage, multiple releases and recalls) or displaying behaviours that mean they arent able to access other services they would benefit them (e.g. self-harm, substance use). The service provides individual and group interventions with a focus on the relational. This includes developing a shared formulation and goals with each personon caseload, as well as pro-social groups (e.g. gardening, bee-keeping), psycho-educational groups (e.g. healthy self-esteem), skills groups (DBT skills) and more therapeutic groups (MBT).

The role is dynamic and works within a cohesive, motivated and enthusiastic team including Prison Officers, Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists and an Arts Therapist. There is lots of space given to supervision, reflective practice and opportunities for training, in acknowledgement of how challenging this work can be.

Main duties of the job

The role will include working alongside the Senior OT to provide Occupational Therapy input to the service, developing and implementing occupational groups and meaningful activity, supporting other members of the team regarding the OT needs of those on caseload, holding a caseload and working in a psychologically-informed way to develop formulations/goals & work towards these.

The OT role within the service is still developing, and you will have the opportunity to be part of this, using your own skills & experience to contribute to what this will look like.

You will be working in an enthusiastic team made up of Prison Officers, Governors and clinical staff alike. It is important to the service to ensure the team are working cohesively & effectively together. The service dedicates time to team development and you will participate in this through reflective practice, team activities & mindfulness sessions. You will need excellentcommunication, reflection & critical appraisal skills when working alongside colleagues in this setting.

This is an autonomous role so we are looking for someone confident & capable. Working within a prison setting can often be intense therefore it is important that you utilise supervision & reflective practice to support your own wellbeing.

If you are interested in applying, please contact us for an informal chat or arrange a visit to meet the team. Please contact Janet Swift (janet.swift2@nhs.net) or Emma Boswell (eboswell@nhs.net).

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile making time for people challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further information regarding this role.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

• Clear understanding of core OT skills
• Awareness of the implications of long-term institutional care
• Understanding of team dynamics
• Basic knowledge of health legislation and current practice including CPA and risk assessment management
• Awareness of legal restraints impacting on the rehabilitation of mentally disordered offenders

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Word Processing and internet skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Group work skills

Desirable

• Training and presentation skills

Experience

Essential

• Application of the OT Process
• Use of standardised / functional assessment and activity analysis

Desirable

• Prior Mental Health or Learning Disability experience
• Previous Band 5 post
• Forensic placement or work experience

Qualifications

Essential

• Bsc Hons Degree in Occupational Therapy or Diploma from COT

Desirable

• Evidence of Post Graduate Courses

Employer details

Employer name

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address

HMP Channings Wood

Denbury

Newton Abbot

Devon

TQ12 6DW

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

C9369-24-0868-2