Occupational Therapy Assistant

• Once inducted, to work with minimal or no direct supervision of an Occupational Therapist.
• To carry own caseload of patients, with straightforward occupational therapy problems, as delegated by the Occupational Therapist.
• To assist with the care of patients including receiving them, transporting to treatment area, preparing drinks, supervising or assisting with drinking, toileting, dressing and undressing as part of their treatment programme.
• To provide treatment to patients following a pre-prescribed treatment plan utilising a variety of basic occupational therapy techniques such as assisting a patient to carryout activities of daily living.
• To be able to recognise change in the condition of a patient, decide whether to treat and watch and document the patient response/reaction to any treatment undertaken.
• To monitor patients physical and cognitive function whilst undertaking a range of activities and report changes to the occupational therapist.
• To assist with removal and application of functional/supportive aids e.g. prostheses, splints and assist in the manufacture of splints and ensuring comfort of new splints by accurate final finishing.
• To assist the occupational therapist with individual/group treatments progressing to independent routine treatment sessions and supervision of groups where maintenance of function is the objective.
• To measure, adjust and supply equipment to patients in their homes before discharge. To teach the patient and carers safe usage of equipment. Develop clinical judgement skills regarding routine supply of equipment for independence using a protocol or instruction from the occupational therapist.
• To assess the safety of patients whilst carrying out activities of daily living in line with agreed protocol, documenting safety in patients clinical notes.
• To collect data from patients for recognised outcome measures and document for the occupational therapist to interpret.
• To organise delegated work tasks and activities being flexible to the needs of the service as indicated by the occupational therapist.
• To take and relay messages accurately on the telephone and face to face with patients, relatives, health care professionals and others e.g. company representatives
• To provide and receive information from patients, carers and other professionals regarding a patients condition and treatment progress.
• To develop skills in participating in meetings and handovers, taking and receiving occupational therapy information about known patient group.
• To be able to motivate and persuade patients through effective communication skills, utilising verbal and non-verbal skills. Communication will be tailored to the patients/carers level of comprehension or cognition e.g. using interpreters
• To liaise with health care professionals and occupational therapists on a day-to-day basis in clinical area of work, with regard to patient care.
• To book transport for access visits and home visits.
• To liaise with managers, other administrative and support staff as necessary to ensure the smooth running of the department, both clinically and administratively.
• To maintain confidentiality of patient information at all times in line with Trust and departmental policies

Essential

• Experience of working with the public
• Experience of working in a health and social care setting
• Basic knowledge of occupational therapy
• Aware of the impact of illness on patient's and staff wellbeing
• Aware of need to comply with trust policies and procedures

Essential

• Ability to learn new skills and follow instructions
• Willing to participate in personal development opportunities
• Basic numerical skills
• Good standard of written and verbal English communication
• Basic problem solving skills and decision making skills