Occupational Therapy Assistant, Taunton

We are looking to recruit three enthusiastic individuals to join our team of Occupational Therapy. The Acute Occupational Therapy Service will support patients presenting with an acute change to their independence in engaging in activities that are important to them. The core aim of service delivery is to enable people to be able to leave hospital as soon as possible, with or without the need for additional support. We have two vacant posts in our Care of Older People team and one post in our Stroke Team. Main duties of the job The Occupational Therapy Assistants will be responsible for a small caseload of patients under the overall supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist. This will involve completing a series of treatments to improve or maintain patients' abilities, progressing their rehabilitation goals, liaising with patients and relatives, and the multidisciplinary team to optimise the patient's function in preparation for leaving hospital. About us As an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development. You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts. We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still being close to bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter. Somerset offers excellent educational facilities and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. There is truly something for everyone! Job responsibilities To obtain appropriate information from medical and care plan notes and through verbal information from patients regarding their personal, domestic, social, and medical situation and communicate this to the Occupational Therapist. To ensure all patients understand the Occupational Therapy treatment; the post holder will need to gain valid, informed consent for any proposed intervention. Where a patient is unable to provide consent for treatment, the post holder will work within Trust guidelines and Occupational Therapy Codes of Conduct. To observe patients' behaviour, ability, and responses during Occupational Therapy intervention. The post holder will identify the requirements for the provision of adaptive equipment and/or techniques during treatment sessions. These observations and recommendations will be communicated verbally to the Occupational Therapist and details recorded in the patient's ward notes. The Occupational Therapy Assistant will be responsible for following through recommendations with patients allocated to them, under the overall supervision of the Occupational Therapist. To prepare for and complete patient treatments independently, by setting up the appropriate equipment and gathering items required to be able to carry out the treatment as prescribed by the Occupational Therapist. Under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist, the post holder will need to plan appropriate intervention with patient participation in the goal planning process and ensure these goals are documented. The post holder will be able to progress the set goals and recognise when it is appropriate to discharge a patient from Occupational Therapy. Qualifications Essential Good basic educational background. Willingness to undertake Level 3 or 4 Health and Social Care or equivalent training. 3 A-Levels or Health and Science T-Level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) and Functional Skills (level 2). Desirable NVQ or equivalent in Social Care/Nursing. Experience of working in the health service. Experience Essential Experience of working as a member of a team and ability to demonstrate team working skills. Experience of working with older people with frailty and disability. Additional Criteria Essential Evidence of a good standard of literacy and English language skills. Able to develop rapport with patients. Ability to teach practical skills and demonstrate daily living products to patients. Understanding of the Occupational Therapy process.

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