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

We are looking for a Senior OT to join the Support to Succeed (STS) team, part of the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway in Probation Services in Devon. The OPD pathway is based in prisons and probation and aims 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.

STS is a community service providing support to probation staff through consultation, formulation and training; and psychologically-informed intervention and risk management (IIRMS) for those leaving prison, including a hub service with activities and psycho-education/skills groups. IIRMS is quite new and is continuing to grow, allowing opportunities for service development in this post.

This role is primarily in IIRMS, leading development of meaningful activity in the hub, assessing occupational need for those leaving prison, working directly with people on caseload to meet these needs and supporting colleagues to do the same where indirect OT support is appropriate.

The role is dynamic and works within a cohesive, motivated and enthusiastic team including Probation Practitioner, Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists, a Peer Support Worker and Admin Support. 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 leading on the Occupational Therapy element of the service, developing and implementing occupational groups and meaningful activity, consulting to 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 and work towards these. The role will also include providing supervision to an Occupational Therapy Assistant.

The OT role within the service is new, and you will have the exciting opportunity to shape this using your own skills and experience from prior roles.

It is important to the service to ensure the team are working cohesively and effectively together. The service dedicates time to team development and you will participate in this through reflective practice, case discussions, and regular training and space to reflect on the implementation of this. You will need excellent communication, reflection and critical appraisal skills when working alongside colleagues in this setting.

You will often work without direct supervision, so we are looking for someone confident and capable. Working with a probation population can often be intense therefore it is important that you utilise supervision and reflective practice to support your own wellbeing.

We are a bespoke service with lots to offer. If you are interested in applying please get in touch for an informal chat. Contact Janet Swift (janet.swift2@nhs.net) or Rachel Doherty (Rachel.doherty5@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.

Our values

We not only recruit employees based on their qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess and demonstrate the behaviours which underpin the core values of our organisation. These values 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 & learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader Employer.

Job description Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further information on this role.

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• BSc Hons Degree in Occupational Therapy or Diploma from COT
• Evidence of Post Graduate Courses, on-going training and development in theory and practice in mental health OT.
• IT Skills

Desirable

• APPLE or equivalent Practice Educator accreditation

Experience Essential

• Established mental health experience at Band 5
• Understanding of current issues within secure mental health services, clinical governance issues, practice education and implications for OT
• Application of health and safety and risk management policies
• Awareness of the implications of long-term institutional care
• Understanding of team dynamics

Desirable

• Clinical supervision for qualified and/or support staff
• Application of HR management policies

Knowledge and skills Essential

• Application of the OT Process
• Use of standardised /functional assessment and activity analysis
• Clear understanding of core OT skills
• Awareness of legal restraints impacting on the rehabilitation of mentally disordered offenders
• Good working knowledge of health legislation and current practice including CPA and risk assessment and management
• Computer Literacy
• Training and presentation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Group work skills
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance, professional and ethical issues
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Ability to organize and respond efficiently to complex information
• Ability to plan services according to needs
• Good self-management skills and set own priorities
• Ability to take initiative and develop new ideas
• Leadership skills
• Physically fit, and able to carry out physical interventions with reasonable adjustments if required

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

369-C9369-23-7413