We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 5/6 Occupational Therapist, based at Pyrland wards 1 & 2 working alongside the Multidisciplinary Team to provide an Occupational Therapy service for Older Adults with a range of mental health problems requiring in-patient admission.

Pyrland wards in Taunton take acute mental health admissions from across Somerset. We aim to provide high quality, patient centred care working closely with family carers to produce comprehensive, evidence-based assessments and interventions.

You will receive professional support and supervision from the Band 7 clinical lead OT and in turn will provide support and supervision for the band 5 OT and Activity Organisers.

Both wards have a strong multi-disciplinary ethos, and the skills and professional identity of occupational therapists are highly valued within our friendly and inclusive nursing and medical teams.

We are currently working towards gaining accreditation for our wards through the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and the postholder would form a key part of any service improvements/projects associated with this.

You will be responsible for planning and organising the Occupational therapy care for our patients across the two wards.

You will be fully supported and encouraged to complete any identified professional development i.e. mental health specific learning which will assist you in your role.

Main duties of the job

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust we are seeking individuals who want to contribute to our vision of providing patient centred and compassionate care. We are interested in hearing from people who can make a difference with their positive outlook, dedication, expertise and compassion.

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist with an interest in Older persons mental health care to join our growing dynamic and innovative team across the Wellsprings site to provide meaningful activity and engagement. As part of the wider multi-disciplinary team, you will undertake specific needs assessments to support goal setting and treatment planning. You'll be able to promote and enable independent living and support clients to meet their goals as they move towards discharge.

We are heavily committed to quality improvement and innovation. We underpin our service values with those of recovery, involvement, reducing restrictive interventions and teamwork.

The successful candidate will be confident, robust, approachable, and sensitive to the issues faced by people who are in the most acute and challenging phase of their journey towards recovery.

Relocation packages are also available.

About us

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, fantastic pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular career conversations, not to mention the Blue Light and NHS exclusive discounts.

The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still being only a stones throw away form bustling cities like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, hose prices are reasonable. You will get to expwerience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan, there is truly something for everyone!

Job description Job responsibilities

• Effective communication with patients, families and carers and professionals via a range of methods.
• Providing supervision and leadership to junior staff including band 5 OT and Activity Organisers.
• To effectively contribute, promote and uphold the values of Occupational therapy within our wards, encouraging and inspiring others.
• To assist and support the Team to achieve agreed targets.
• Identify and address areas for improvement/service development, escalating need where appropriate.
• lead in individual and/or group therapies as required
• According to the needs of the service/individual patient needs, provide co-key working support to nursing colleagues
• To ensure that the methods of treatment, frequency and review are appropriate to the diagnosis/ needs of the patient and within the priorities of the service.
• To ensure all interventions are untaken in line with Trust Policy
• Participate in the clinical education of occupational therapy students
• To understand the range of interventions available, the evidence base ad potential outcomes for servicer users
• maintain and keep patient records up to date and accurate

Person Specification QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING Essential

• Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy
• HPC registration
• CPD - evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position

Desirable

• Membership of the College of Occupational Therapists

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE Essential

• To have gained effective experience of rehabilitation from student placements or post-graduate experience

Desirable

• Experience of lone working.
• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience of service development and review

SKILLS & ABILITIES Essential

• Compassionate - Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with patients, carers and relatives about complex and sensitive issues remaining sensitive and empathetic.
• Listens to others' views respecting and valuing individual patient needs.
• Professional and patient focussed approach with inspirational skills, acting as a role model to colleagues and junior staff members.
• Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time and plan timed activities for staff and patients.
• Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to lead a team, demonstrating teaching and mentorship skills and work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work autonomously and Independently.
• Experience of carrying out supervision to junior staff, coordinating the care of clients and delegating tasks.
• Ability to record and retrieve information on charts/paper and electronic patient records
• High standards of written communication skills with the ability to use email and internet.
• Ability to undertake PMVA training to required level for role.
• Understands the legal responsibilities of the profession at all times
• To be up to date with professional and evidence based practice and new research
• Able to work under own initiative within boundaries of role.
• Demonstrates an understanding of recent legislation and guidance and its impact on the NHS

Desirable

• Able to supervise Rehabilitation staff (Band 3 and 2) and students effectively when required

PERSONAL QUALITIES Essential

• Compassionate - Open minded, treats colleagues, patients, carers and relatives with dignity and respect.
• Intuitive and caring nature.
• To be able to demonstrate an awareness and responsibility whilst recognising the impact frequent exposure to distressing circumstances has on care and compassion.
• Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the patients.
• Sympathetic and considerate towards patients, carers and relatives.
• Ability to inspire hope, support recovery and make a difference.
• Act in a ways that support equality and diversity.
• Ability to reflect on and critically appraise own performance
• Desire to work with older people within a rehabilitation setting in

OTHER Essential

• Flexible working hours
• Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the needs of the service.
• Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

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