Occupational Therapy Assistant

To be part of a multi-disciplinary team member for the newly developed Intensive Outreach Service for Eating Disorders based at The Redwoods Centre, Shrewsbury.
The post holder will be responsible for delivering intensive outreach interventions for this patient group. Interventions will include supported eating in the patient’s home and in the community, shopping, meal preparation and psychoeducation.
The post will provide the opportunity to engage patients in a range of therapeutic activities carried out in appropriate community settings and in the patient’s home under the direction of the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and Operational Manager. The post holder will be part of a multidisciplinary team.
The post holder will carry out intensive outreach programmes set up by the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and Service Manager and will be expected to implement and evaluate, prioritise and contribute to these programmes under supervision and will be expected to liaise closely with the qualified nurse therapists.
By joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities and in return for this, we will support you by;
Supporting your career development and progression
Excellent NHS Pension scheme
Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave
Options for flexible working
Up to 27 days annual leave (increasing with service up to 33 days)
Extensive Health and Wellbeing support and resources
If you work in our community teams, we pay for your time travelling between patients
Lease car if you complete more than 500 business miles per annum, fully insured and maintained (including tyres), mileage paid at lease car rate
Salary sacrifice car - fully insured and maintained (including tyres), your gross pay is reduced by the cost of the vehicle before tax, NI and pension deductions are calculated, mileage paid at business rates
Salary sacrifice bikes up to £2k
Free car parking at all trust sites
Free flu vaccinations every year
Citizens Advice support linked with a Hardship Fund for one off additional support up to £250 (if the criteria is met)
We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people.
- To work as part of a team providing intensive outreach for the patients and carers referred to the designated area of work. This will involve implementing and modifying programmes which encompass areas which will include self-help, supported eating, communication, independent living and psychoeducation. The Occupational Therapy Assistant will also observe and feedback any relevant information concerning patients and carers to the allocated nurse therapist. To use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills and observation and evaluation of the patient’s progress.
- To be part of a patient centered service where the needs of the individual will determine the types of intervention. This will mean that the post holder will work across a variety of therapeutic activities, supported eating; food preparation; shopping, snacks out, psychoeducation (this is not an exclusive list) to determine appropriate treatment pathways for the patient under the supervision of the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist.
- To ensure that materials / stocks are ordered in line with plans for future / new group needs and developments.
- To support patients to practice their skills / re gain their confidence within the community which may be done in conjunction with other members of the multidisciplinary team. The staff member will not be expected to undertake these duties alone until the competency to do so has been confirmed and an assessment of risk has been completed by the qualified staff / team.
- To implement treatment programmes according to individual needs and in conjunction with qualified staff. This will entail the use of encouragement, motivation, negotiation reassurance and training skills as well as discussing with patients / carers their progress, as appropriate.
- To work as part of a team and in conjunction with other professionals, statutory agencies and any associated service provision for the patient or carer.
- To develop a professional relationship that is conducive to the patient reaching their full potential, within stated goals.
- Where applicable to engage with families, carers and advocates with a view to supporting them in maintaining consistency with the work undertaken by the patient.
- To be involved in relevant meetings / reviews related to patient’s treatments and service.
- To work within multidisciplinary team / multi-agency in conjunction with the Nurse Therapist and Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist.
- To receive clinical and managerial supervision to maintain best practice. This will include discussion of caseload, reflective practice, and the ability to receive and act on constructive feedback.
- To ensure effective and appropriate face to face, telephone, electronic and written methods of communication a