Occupational Therapy Assistant

NL&SC SPCMHT covers a vast footprint including Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre, Lancaster and South Cumbria. We are seeking applications from confident and enthusiastic professionals who are passionate about working in a perinatal service. The post holder will assist the Occupational Therapist by implementing planned interventions, conducting specific observations, and performing informal assessments with service users, all under supervision. Interventions are varied and the post holder will work in various environments e.g. person's home, community settings or trust sites. The emphasis will be on creatively supporting service-users to work towards their occupational goals, minimising dysfunction in parental and personal activities of daily living, facilitating engagement in purposeful life roles and promoting participation in community or meaningful activity. The post holder will be expected to understand the principles of safeguarding and how this applies in the perinatal period. We would welcome applications from both male and female applicants and although it would be an advantage there is no requirement to have previous perinatal experience. Working pattern (hours): Part time Hours / sessions per week: 25.5 hours per week,

• To work independently with mothers or birth parents in a variety of settings under the guidance of OTs
• To meet regularly with supervising clinician to review work
• To highlight individual's changing needs or wider service issues affecting an individual's care.
• Support individuals to achieve their optimum potential by promoting independence and self-care as appropriate
• To instruct individuals and carers in safe and effective use of equipment e.g. aids and adaptations within their own area of competence
• To provide support and assist in the preparation and running of therapy groups
• To support social inclusion and occupational participation
• To act as an advocate to facilitate views and choices expressed by individuals
• To develop rapport with individuals and to encourage their interest and participation in specified therapeutic activities
• To contribute to the assessment of and adhere to risk management measures under direction of therapist
• To work within the Mental capacity act framework
• To assist in delivering a high standard of support and care to mothers or birth parents and their Carers, promoting their equality, dignity and mental well-being always
• Assist the occupational therapists to plan, implement and evaluate service user interventions by supporting mothers or birth parents to identify their needs/aspirations and make recommendations for further interventions.
  
  Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services including low and medium secure care.
The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria and Sefton area.