Assistant Practitioner

The post holder, reporting to the OT Team Leader or their nominated senior deputy, is responsible for participating and assisting in the delivery of assessment, care or care services to service users as part of a multi-disciplinary Mental Health Team. They will carry out a range of practical tasks, including direct patient care, identified as part of the service users' care plan or care pathways. The focus of the clinical role will be that of supporting social inclusion, recovery and service user engagement. Using specialised technical /creative or teaching skills e.g. IT/ exercise/ gardening, the post holder will develop and provide therapeutic activities to service users in the acute in-patient services as delegated by the Team Leader or OT staff. This work will form part of a flexible client centred treatment programme with and under the supervision of the OT Team. The post holder is also responsible for designated administrative tasks to support the work of the team. This includes administration tasks relating to the updating of the electronic roster, management of the Health and Safety requirements of the OT departments ensuring these are met, acting as Infection Control Lead and as First Aider. They are also required to take a lead on monitoring, allocating and completing support worker tasks with the other support workers in the team.,

• to provide a high standard of recovery focussed therapeutic activity to service users.
• To plan and evaluate groups for the particular service user group(s)
• To plan and carryout individual assessments and interventions under the supervision of a qualified occupational therapist.
• To be aware of and assist in meeting the psychological, social, physical, recreational and spiritual needs of all service users.
• To understand and follow the Trust risk assessment policy, including being aware of the need to follow all safeguarding procedures.
• To have an awareness and understanding of Mental Health Law,
• To be aware of personal accountability and responsibility for cleanliness standards and the maintenance of the clinical environment and Trust Infection control policies.
• To actively contribute to clinical or governance reviews of the teams activity and the monitoring of performance. Contributing to relevant audit practice development on research activity that may be taking place in the work area.
• To follow all Trust policy relevant to service user care and own role., · In line with plans of care to work effectively as a member of the OT team to provide a high standard of recovery focussed therapeutic activity to service users.
· To plan and evaluate groups for the service user group(s) using highly developed skills in IT, exercise, gardening and creative activities. · To plan and carryout individual assessments and interventions under the supervision of a qualified occupational therapist. · To be aware of and assist in meeting the psychological, social, physical, recreational and spiritual needs of all service users. To recognise and value service users as individuals, recognising the importance of maintaining the service users dignity at all times. To ensure that the care provided respects equality and diversity that is supportive of service users and their carers. Actively participate in the care and rehabilitation of service users as per the plan of care determined by the multidisciplinary team. Encouraging service users to accept an optimum level of responsibility for their individual programme of care and with their consent, where appropriate, seek the cooperation of friends / relatives / carers. To maintain timely and accurate patient written / electronic records under supervision and in line with Trust and service line policy and procedure To ensure that care is delivered using the recovery approach. To support the assessment and management of patient / service user care needs through initial data collection; monitoring of individual patient progress; feedback; discussion and reports and in care reviews with the team. Contributes towards the ongoing quality of service and care and to identify any risk issues in relation to the service users' health and social care. Informing the registered practitioner / team / person in charge if there are: - o any changes in the service users physical or mental state o any significant factors relevant to the service user o any incidents related to the service users To contribute towards appropriate information to service users relating to health promotion and their well-being. To take part in psychological interventions i.e. CBT or psycho-education as per individual plans of care. To recognise and respond appropriately to challenging behaviour in line with Trust policies To understand and follow the Trust risk assessment policy, including being aware of the need to follow all safeguarding procedures; being aware of the necessity to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults at all times when working with service users. To have an awareness and understanding of Mental Health Law, including the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007), the Community treatment legislation, the Care Programme Approach (1995), and the Mental Capacity Act (2005). Care Act To be aware of personal accountability and responsibility for cleanliness standards and the maintenance of the clinical environment and Trust Infection control policies. To actively contribute to clinical or governance reviews of the teams activity and the monitoring of performance. Contributing to relevant audit practice development on research activity that may be taking place in the work area. To contribute as required to reviews of policy and procedures. To follow all Trust policy relevant to service user care and own role. To be able to work and travel across a geographical area or across integrated teams To maintain confidentiality of information, in accordance with Trust Policy To contribute to effective communication process with service users, carers, family, friends and staff colleagues. Always acting in a dignified and responsible manner with service users, their family, visitors, carers and colleagues; listening carefully and responding using appropriate language and accessible communication methods and skills which acknowledge cultural differences and professional boundaries. To communicate appropriate and accurate information to and from other departments / service lines as required. To attend and participate in team meetings and contribute ideas to multi-professional team discussions as required. To use and complete care plans, pathway documents and Electronic Patient Records appropriately and in a timely manner, reporting on progress and observations in line with Trust's policies and standards. To provide information for service users and the relevant multidisciplinary team about relevant local community resources. To work in ways that support shared responsibility within the team, demonstrating support, respect and courtesy towards colleagues.

North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people. Our Five-Year Strategy: 1. We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home. 2. With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all 3. We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care. 4. We will be more effective as an organisation by pioneering research, quality improvement and technology. Why NLFT? + We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities. + We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives. + NHS Discounts, generous annual leave and NHS pension scheme + Excellent internal staff network The post holder will be aligned with our Values: + We Are Kind + We Are Respectful + We Work Together + We Keep Things Simple + We Empower + We Are Proudly Diverse In order to meet the needs of the Trust you may be required from time to time to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that fall under Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington. The Trust reserves the right to require staff to work at such other places or locations as it considers reasonable and necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.