Occupational Therapy Assistant

Priory Group is the UK’S leading independent provider of mental health care and education services. We have an outstanding reputation both for the service we deliver and for the investment we make in our people and in our environment

The male psychiatric intensive care units at Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal provide a model of care that has been designed to meet the needs of individuals suffering from an acute phase of severe mental illness, which cannot be managed in an open setting. People that are admitted to our PICU service have typically exceeded, exhausted or failed to benefit from local resources and require a safe and secure environment to engage in a therapeutic programme. We are looking for an OT Assistant to join our skilled, multidisciplinary PICU team.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our Occupational Therapy team. The post holder will also work as part of the ward multi-disciplinary team, facilitating therapeutic activities and interventions on a group and individual basis, under direction of the Occupational Therapist. They will assist the Occupational Therapist in the assessment of patients’ functional needs and in the planning of group and individual therapeutic programmes.

**The right person for the role**:
Suitable applicants should have at least one year’s work experience (either paid, voluntary or community work) of which at least 6 months must relate to working with individuals with mental health problems.

It is desirable to display competency in one or more leisure/creative/practical activity and possess the ability to teach practical skills. Good communication skills, both written and verbal are required, as are good time management skills, and interested applicants must have the confidence and ability to work independently of a qualified Occupational Therapist.

1. Support senior staff with patient screening and assessments as part of the care and therapy planning process.

2. Prepare, plan and deliver group and individual recreational and occupational activities, observing, recording and reporting patient responses to the assigned clinician as appropriate.

3. Ensure the effective, timely and accurate updating of clinical records, case files and computerised information systems as directed.

4. Contribute to surveys, audits and clinical research projects assisting with collection, analysis and presentation of data and information as directed.

5. Observe and monitor the well being of patients ensuring that any unusual physical, mental or emotional occurrences are promptly referred to more senior staff and documented as appropriate.