Apprentice Occupational Therapist

Job summary

Do you have a passion for working with people?Are you interested in a role in health or socialcare?Have you completed your A Levels / BTECs / Tlevels or a Health or Social Care qualification?Are you unsure if studying full time is rightfor you? We have a rare and exciting opportunity for amotivated individual who wants to become an Occupational Therapist. Come andjoin us at Sunderland City Council Community Therapy Service.

Occupational therapy helps you live your bestlife at home, at work and everywhere else. Its about being able to do thethings you want and have to do. An occupational therapist helps people of allages overcome challenges completing everyday tasks or activities what we calloccupations. Degree level apprenticeships are becoming apopular way to study Occupational Therapy in England. Following successfulcompletion of the course you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in OccupationalTherapy and the Apprenticeship Certificate. You will then be eligible toregister with the Health and Care Professions Council as an OccupationalTherapist.

Main duties of the job

During the apprenticeship, the successfulpostholder will work under the supervision of a workplace mentor from theCommunity Therapy Service who will support them with their learning. SunderlandCity Council has developed a thriving Community Therapy Service, encompassing arange of diverse and exciting teams and services for children and adults in thecity. The primary objective of the service is to support residents in themanagement of their disability or long-term health condition, enabling people tolead fulfilling, safe and independent lives. The post holder will attend the University ofSunderland to complete all required models of study. They will also undertakeclinical placements within different care settings, in order to gain a range ofclinical experience across varying health and social care environments.

The post holder will be subject to a disclosureand barring check.

About us

Why work for Sunderland City Council:

Automatic enrolment with a pay and reward pension scheme with Local GovernmentPension Scheme Flexi time to allow for work-life balance Working pattern Monday to Friday Annual Leave entitlement starts at 26 days, rising to 31 days after 5 yearsservice, with previous working in a local authority or NHS roles considered forannual leave entitlement, provided there is evidence of continuous service.

For an informal discussion please contact AngelaPorritt -

Job description

Job responsibilities

Service/Team: Community Therapy Service

Responsible to: Team Manager/Senior Practitioner

Main purpose of job

To assist in the efficient provision of high-quality Occupational Therapy services, undertaking assessments and developing care plans for children and adults in their own homes or other community settings who have long term health conditions, disabilities or who are experiencing frailty, to prevent, reduce or delay the need for care.

Key responsibilities

To carry an allocated caseload of customers. To support customers to achieve recovery and rehabilitation in a variety of settings, which may include community bed-based services, care homes and/or customers own homes. To provide holistic assessments of the customer identifying areas of need and ensuring that appropriate provision is made to improve quality of life. To work to service standards under the supervision of the Senior Practitioner/Team Manager.

Key tasks

To undertake assessments of needs for children and adults which may include, but not limited to, functional assessments, to prevent, reduce or delay the need for care. To make recommendations for minor and major home adaptations. To make recommendations for equipment and assistive technology to promote independence and safety at home. To carry out assessments for re-housing applications. To undertake specific assessments with customers according to their identified needs. To be adaptable and flexible within the service areas, working alongside a range of colleagues to ensure effective provision of the identified support. Work alongside Occupational Therapy & Physiotherapy colleagues, Senior Practitioners, and the Team Manager to deliver an effective, safe, high quality service. To assist in the delivery of the Adult Social Care Front Door, supporting customers and colleagues. To undertake assessment for provision of standard wheelchairs with some other enhanced prescribing rights at the direction of the Team Manager. To work in collaboration with other services. To refer customers to other services. To record all assessments and take responsibility for data input. To recognise limitations and identify to senior therapists when support is required. To take an active role in project related activities within the service under the direction of the Senior Practitioner/Team Manager. To identify learning needs and areas for development, alongside senior therapists/Team Managers. To participate in learning opportunities within the service. To participate in student education within the service. To comply with the organisations and services essential training requirements. To participate in supervision and appraisal with line manager. To develop core skills and competencies throughout the duration of contract and associated learning period, including learning about Occupational Therapy skills in other settings, for example, health or hospital

Other duties/specific policies DBS

The post holder must carry out their duties with full regard to the Councils Equal Opportunities Policy, Code of Conduct and all other Council Policies.

The post holder must comply with the Councils Health and safety rules and regulations and with Health and safety legislation.

The post holder must comply with the principles of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in relation to the management of Council records and information.

To comply with the principles and requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR in relation to the management of Council records and information, and respect the privacy of personal information held by the Council.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Evidence of recent academic study within the last four years at entry level Five passes at GCSE grade C (numerical grade 4) or above, and including Maths and English GCSE at a minimum of Grade C or numerical grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent) 2 A level passes or equivalent, which must include a health or science related subject Or combination of alternative qualifications that establish eligibility to gain entry to the Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship Degree

Experience

Essential

Experience of, or willingness to undertake training for skills in safe and effective moving and assisting vulnerable people Experience of working with vulnerable people Experience of working in an environment which requires effective communication & listening skills, including report writing

Skills, Knowledge, Ability (including ability to develop knowledge, skill or experience)

Essential

An ability to provide safe and effective Occupational Therapy assessments with support/guidance from senior staff An ability to work collaboratively and develop effective relationships with individuals and groups Ability to critically analyse information Ability to work as part of a high performing team, participating in and contributing towards team training Ability to be flexible, prioritise workload and adjust plans according to competing demands Ability to participate in projects as delegated by the Senior Practitioner/Team Manager Ability to advocate for customers and their carers Ability to communicate effectively with a range of diverse people and groups

Work Related Circumstances/ Values of the Council

Essential

Commitment to Equal Opportunities Compliance with health and safety rules, regulations, and legislation Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role. Ability to comply with the Councils values of "We innovate, We enable, We respect"

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