We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated occupational therapy assistant to join our team and contribute to the growth and development of a health service that is both accessible and thrilling. Clare Lodge is the sole all-female Secure Welfare unit in the nation, and as a result, the Health Team offers nationwide coverage. The removal of a child’s liberty for their own safety is a substantial welfare concern. Consequently, young individuals are only admitted if they exhibit high-risk behaviors that have persisted over time, despite the exhaustion of all other community resources available to engage and support them.
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Young people who are admitted to our secure care facility are known to have significant difficulty establishing relationships, as well as multiple unmet physical and mental health needs, as a result of the complexity that follows from disrupted attachments and multiple complex traumas. Some of the more intricate requirements may encompass learning disabilities, ADHD, and ASD.
We acknowledge the specialized nature of this position and have allocated a budget for professional development and specialist training, in addition to providing consistent and high-quality supervision.
The role entails an early and late shift pattern, and the in-reach health team offers a service from 09.00 to 21.30.
Details of Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in UK
- Job Type: Full Time
- Location; Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, United Kingdom
- Salary: 25,147 – 27,596 £ / Year
- Company: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Duties of Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in UK
- To devise and execute therapeutic activity programs that are customized to the patient population within the parameters established by the occupational therapist.
- To execute and assess occupational therapy interventions that have been delegated to patients for activities that are associated with their treatment program.
- To aid occupational therapists in the provision of care and to provide support personnel with a demonstration of occupational therapy interventions.
- To fulfill administrative responsibilities within the occupational therapy department, which include accepting full responsibility for assigned tasks.
- To improve their clinical and organizational abilities in order to accommodate the requirements of the organization and service users.
About us
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health and social care organization that is committed to the provision of high-quality care with compassion, with the goal of enhancing the health and well-being of the individuals under our care, as well as enabling and supporting them to lead a fulfilling life.
Our clinical teams provide a variety of NHS services to the community, in addition to inpatient and primary care settings. These services encompass the following: forensic and specialist mental health, learning disabilities, primary care and liaison psychiatry, substance misuse, social care, research and development, and the mental and physical health of children, adults, and older individuals.
In order to accomplish our objective, we seek to recruit exceptional candidates who align with our vision and principles. We are an equal-opportunity employer and welcome applications from all sectors of the community, with a particular emphasis on underrepresented groups such as disabled individuals, members of our ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Responsibilities of Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in UK
- To assist in the implementation of the occupational therapy pathway. This may encompass, however, but is not limited to: assessment, analysis of results, care planning, including prioritizing and grading targets and goals; interventions on a group or individual basis; grading and adaptation of activities to suit individual strengths and needs; and aspects of report-writing.
- Manage a designated caseload within your scope of practice by working independently and collaboratively.
- To facilitate group sessions within the framework established by the occupational therapist.
- To offer goal-directed treatment on an individual basis that promotes independence, with an emphasis on life skills, training, rehabilitation, community integration, and the physical and psychosocial environment.
- To collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to guarantee the effective delivery of care and communication.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs
- Job Stability and Demand: The aging population and the heightened emphasis on holistic healthcare and rehabilitation are anticipated to drive an increase in the demand for occupational therapists (OTAs). This guarantees a consistent supply of employment opportunities and job stability.
- Rewarding Work: OTAs assist patients in enhancing their daily living and working abilities, resulting in a higher quality of life and independence. This results in a task that is both highly rewarding and fulfilling.
- Competitive Salary and Benefits: OTAs frequently receive competitive salaries and benefits, such as health insurance, retirement programs, and paid time off. Compensation can be quite appealing, particularly when combined with experience and supplementary certifications.
- Diverse Work Environments: OTAs are capable of working in a diverse range of contexts, such as schools, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. This diversity enables individuals to select a work environment that aligns with their personal preferences.
- Flexible Work Hours: Numerous OTAs offer the opportunity to work part-time or with flexible hours, which can result in a more satisfactory work-life balance. Shifts that are not consistent with the standard 9-to-5 schedule may be available in certain positions.
- Opportunities for Career Development: There are opportunities for career growth within the field. OTAs have the opportunity to advance to supervisory positions, pursue a career as an occupational therapist (OT), or specialize in fields such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health with the acquisition of additional education and experience.
- Direct Patient Interaction: OTAs establish strong relationships with patients and observe the direct impact of their work on their progress and well-being through close collaboration with them.
- Collaborative Work Environment: OTAs frequently operate as members of a healthcare team, collaborating with occupational therapists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. This collaborative effort cultivates an environment that is both dynamic and supportive.
- Continuous Learning and Development: The occupational therapy field is always changing, offering OTAs the opportunity to engage in professional development and continuous learning through seminars, conferences, and continuing education courses.
- Daily Tasks: The responsibilities of an OTA are diverse, encompassing a variety of tasks such as the development of treatment plans, the maintenance of patient records, and the assistance of patients with exercises and activities. This diversity ensures that the position remains engaging and intriguing.
- Positive Community Impact: OTAs contribute positively to their communities by assisting individuals in regaining or improving their ability to perform daily activities, thereby improving the overall health and well-being of the public.
- Entry-Level Accessibility: Passing a national certification exam and earning an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program are the primary requirements for becoming an OTA. This makes it a relatively accessible career path in comparison to other healthcare professions that necessitate a more extensive education.
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- A relevant NVQ Level 3 in Care or an appropriate AVCE in Health & Social Care, or a willingness to complete within the agreed-upon timeframe.
- numeracy, literacy, and ITQ level 2 (or equivalent)
Experience
Essential
- Experience in paid or voluntary work with individuals who have cognitive disabilities or mental health conditions.
- Working experience in a team.
Desirable
Experience in an occupational therapy department or working alongside occupational therapists
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Capacity to effectively convey information in a manner that is suitable for the individual and the situation, both in writing and verbally.
- Capacity to operate independently.
- Maintaining records within the designated timeframe.
- time management and the capacity to prioritize effectively.
- Breakaway strategies (within the designated timeframe).
Desirable
- Self-assurance in the facilitation of group activities.
- Awareness of pertinent legislation
Knowledge & Understanding
Essential
- Understanding the requirements of service consumers with learning disabilities or mental health conditions.
- Understanding the potential effects of trauma-informed practice on the delivery of occupational therapy interventions.
- Understanding the requirements of individuals from a variety of social, ethnic, and cultural contexts.
- Comprehending therapeutic terminology within the designated timeframe
- Comprehending a diverse array of therapeutic methods (within the designated timeframe)
- Awareness of health and safety concerns (within the designated timeframe)
Desirable
Understanding of the most prevalent occupational therapy interventions.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Compassionate in addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals, their families, and caregivers.
- Capacity to collaborate with MDT members in order to deliver a service that is effective.
- Dedicated to the ongoing enhancement of quality and service
- Dedicated to the dissemination of a positive perception of individuals with cognitive disabilities or mental health conditions
- Dedicated to the enhancement of the Occupational Therapy Service’s reputation.
Other
Essential
Capacity to travel independently in accordance with the trust’s policies and service requirements.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) of 1975. Consequently, it will be necessary to submit a disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as the CRB) to verify any prior criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
All other applications will be considered, including those from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK. For additional information, please consult the UK Visas and Immigration website (opens in a new tab).
Since April 6, 2017, skilled worker applicants who are seeking entry clearance into the United Kingdom have been required to submit a criminal record certificate from each country in which they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past decade. This requirement also applies to adult dependents who are over the age of 18. Guidance is available at this location. Checks of criminal records for applicants from abroad (opens in a new tab).
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I get started as an occupational therapy assistant in the UK?
There are no set entry requirements for OT support workers. Employers expect good numeracy and literacy, along with some experience or qualifications in health or social care. Employers may ask for GCSEs in English and math. They may ask for a BTEC or equivalent vocational qualification in health and social care.
Is there a need for occupational therapy assistants?
Job Outlook. The projections indicate a 23 percent growth in overall employment for occupational therapy assistants and aides from 2022 to 2032, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
Is occupational therapy in demand in the United Kingdom?
Occupational therapy (OT) in the UK provides hope and help for people overcoming physical, mental, or social challenges. As the demand for these skilled professionals grows, navigating the career landscape can be exciting and challenging.
