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Apprentice Occupational Therapist

Employer
NHS England Apprenticeships
Location
Blackpool
Salary
Competitive salary
Closing date
31 Jan 2023

View more

Job Details

Job summary

This full-time job combines gaining 'on the job' experience whilst working in the multidisciplinary team and undertaking the Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship Programme. No fees and you earn while you learn. The course is delivered by Sheffield Hallam University at a North West satellite location.

The starting salary of our Occupational Therapy Degree Apprentices will be at a Band 3. On completion of the agreed competency package apprentices will be eligible for a Band 4 salary. Eligibility will be reviewed at the time of enrolment onto the apprentice programme and at 6 month intervals until all competencies are complete

Main duties of the job

This Degreehas been designed to prepare you not only for an academic qualification, but also to become a qualified health professional.Thehonoursdegreeprogrammeextends over4academic yearsand involves face to face academic learningaswell as on-the-job training.The degree uses the Institute for Apprenticeship's standard for occupational therapists and ensures that the knowledge, skills andbehavioursare developed throughout all levels of theprogramme.Graduates from thisprogrammeare eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and become qualified Occupational Therapists.Both the academic and practice-based components of theprogrammeare integrated to reflect current practice, based on the best available evidence. The integration is facilitated by a problem-solving, student-centredapproach to learning that is designed to equip you with the life-long learning skills necessary for the continued professional development required following graduation.

About us

ABOUT THE TRUST:

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the west coast of

Lancashire, and offers a full range of district hospital services and community health services to a population of 1.6 million in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology services across the wider region.

We employ more than 6,500 staff, with a turnover in excess of £370m in 2014/2015 and have approximately 900 beds.

Our main activities are:
  • Cardiovascular care at our Cardiac centre.
  • Accident and Emergency at Blackpool Teaching Hospital.
  • Community Midwifery and Women and Children's Services.
  • Clinical research with an 80-strong team of nurses and doctors.
  • Community nursing and school nursing.
  • Recovery and rehabilitation for a variety of conditions including brain injury, stroke and elderly care.
  • Sexual health and family planning services.
  • Wellbeing and lifestyle including mental health services, heart health campaigns, and smoking cessation services.
  • End of life and palliative care.

The Trust houses a state-of-the-art Simulation & Skills Facility that provides training for all grades of staff to improve the safety and quality of the service that we offer our patients.

Date posted

27 January 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

Depending on experience Starting salary band 3 with progression to band 4.

Contract

Apprenticeship

Duration

4 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

382-FICC021-23

Job locations

Wyre Locality base at Fleetwood and Blackpool

Broadway

Fleetwood

FY7 8GU

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapy programmes as part of the multidisciplinary team. The post holder will have the knowledge to interpret information and be skilled in taking appropriate action(s) to achieve the planned outcomes.

The post holder will be expected to practice in accordance with the Trust policies, guidelines, standards and statutory requirements, contribute to the maintenance of a safe clinical environment and operate within defined competency boundaries

The post holder will be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop their own knowledge and skills, achieving clinical competencies and a Degree (Level 6) qualification within agreed timeframes. They are also expected to seek support and guidance in a timely manner if any difficulties are encountered.

It is requirement that the post holder commits to undertake the formal education of the course and successfully complete all components of the training programme within the contract period.

Freedom to Act:

Working under the guidance of a qualified therapist, within specified clinical areas or with specific patient groups, to undertake a variety of clinical tasks to support the delivery of therapy to patients, in accordance with agreed guidance/care pathways.

Working without direct supervision to undertake a variety of non-clinical tasks to support the therapy service.

The post-holder will undertake the basic assessment of patients.

The post-holder will be able to make minor adjustments to the therapy programme in accordance with agreed guidelines, but all major changes will be made in conjunction with qualified staff.

At all times the post-holder will have access to qualified staff for support if any deviations from agreed guidelines need to be discussed or are outside required level of competency.

To be flexible and able to offer support to other therapy clinical areas as required in line with business continuity plans, escalation policy and major incident.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical:

The post-holder will undertake the assessment of allocated patients in line with service guidelines.

To complete treatment sessions, as prescribed by the qualified clinician.

To assist in organising & completing group programmes as part of an agreed treatment plan, in line with departmental guidelines.

On direction from the clinician, to undertake community visits to: fit equipment, issue walking aids &/or practice transfers, and to assess the patients functional safety within their home environment. The post holder will be facilitating cognitive rehabilitation programmes in patients home environments using a functional and impairment-based training approach.

The post-holder will be able to make minor adjustments to the therapy programme in accordance with agreed guidelines, but all major changes will be made in conjunction with qualified staff.

To prioritise and manage allocated caseload using established departmental criteria.

To demonstrate a basic understanding of clinical principles & practice & apply this to all interventions, recognising when to refer complex issues back to a qualified clinician.

Have a sound knowledge of relevant guidelines & criteria when assessing for & issuing equipment.

To assess risk & manage it effectively within clinical & community settings.

To have a sound basic knowledge of clinical presentations within the designated speciality.

To complete referrals to other services as directed by the therapist.

To be able to communicate discharge plans to patients.

To adhere to the departments lone working policy to ensure patient and own safety at all times.

To carry out assessments as directed by the qualified staff which may include exercise programmes, transfer practice, personal care assessments, kitchen assessments, mobility practice, step and stair practice, group work and speech and language interventions.

Communication:

To present oneself in a professional manner at all times.

To document accurately and comprehensively in the medical notes assessment details and progress of the treatment programme in accordance with departmental standards

To complete all documentation in a timely manner as per Trust policy

To communicate effectively with the team regarding the patients performance, progress & discharge plans.

To form professional relationships with clients / carers & communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy & culture.

To instruct & guide individuals in the use of equipment both in the hospital & in their own environments.

To liaise with colleagues across hospital & community teams in order to facilitate an effective discharge planning process and ensure ongoing rehabilitation needs are met.

To communicate effectively with outside agencies when the health and well-being of the patient requires it after discussion with a qualified member of the team

To be able to motivate and persuade patients to actively engage in their individualised therapy programme.

Management of Resources:

To effectively use local systems for accessing equipment, liaising (fax/phone) with community services as necessary.

To ensure that accurate activity data statistics are maintained in accordance with departmental and trust standards.

To actively participate in data collection for research / audit / service reviews within the department.

To carry out routine administration duties to support the effective operation of the department as requested.

To assist in induction/orientation, education & support of departmental visitors &/or students on placement.

To exercise good personal time management, punctuality & a consistently reliable attendance record.

To maintain stock & advise on resources necessary to carry out the job.

To be responsible for checking of equipment, ensuring the safety, cleaning and maintenance in accordance with local guidelines.

Education, Training and Professional Development:

To actively participate in own annual appraisal & regular supervision sessions with senior member of the team.

To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities and maintaining a portfolio which reflects personal development and provides evidence.

To attend all mandatory training sessions & actively participate in departmental in-service training.

Prepare & provide feedback to colleagues on any courses / training sessions attended.

To commit to undertaking an NVQ, or relevant qualifications, as deemed necessary by the Department.

Effort:

Routinely move / transport adaptive equipment within the community &/or in/out of car.

Regular exposure to bodily fluids & infection hazards.

Occasional exposure to challenging behaviour &/or verbal aggression, plus hazardous environments in the community.

To ensure areas are well maintained & comply with health & safety guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment & storage of materials.

To assist in the moving, handling and treatment of heavily dependent patients who require the use of hoists and patient handling equipment. This includes supporting and stabilising patients as part of their rehabilitation programme.

To frequently use moderate effort for long periods when providing support and rehabilitation of patients.

To occasionally be able to adapt to provide support and rehabilitation in cramped conditions or extreme temperatures.

This job description in subject to regular reviews dependent on the needs of the service and the developmental needs of the post holder, and should always be revisited as part of the appraisal process.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

To work closely alongside the MDT and other assistants within the team.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapy programmes as part of the multidisciplinary team. The post holder will have the knowledge to interpret information and be skilled in taking appropriate action(s) to achieve the planned outcomes.

The post holder will be expected to practice in accordance with the Trust policies, guidelines, standards and statutory requirements, contribute to the maintenance of a safe clinical environment and operate within defined competency boundaries

The post holder will be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop their own knowledge and skills, achieving clinical competencies and a Degree (Level 6) qualification within agreed timeframes. They are also expected to seek support and guidance in a timely manner if any difficulties are encountered.

It is requirement that the post holder commits to undertake the formal education of the course and successfully complete all components of the training programme within the contract period.

Freedom to Act:

Working under the guidance of a qualified therapist, within specified clinical areas or with specific patient groups, to undertake a variety of clinical tasks to support the delivery of therapy to patients, in accordance with agreed guidance/care pathways.

Working without direct supervision to undertake a variety of non-clinical tasks to support the therapy service.

The post-holder will undertake the basic assessment of patients.

The post-holder will be able to make minor adjustments to the therapy programme in accordance with agreed guidelines, but all major changes will be made in conjunction with qualified staff.

At all times the post-holder will have access to qualified staff for support if any deviations from agreed guidelines need to be discussed or are outside required level of competency.

To be flexible and able to offer support to other therapy clinical areas as required in line with business continuity plans, escalation policy and major incident.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical:

The post-holder will undertake the assessment of allocated patients in line with service guidelines.

To complete treatment sessions, as prescribed by the qualified clinician.

To assist in organising & completing group programmes as part of an agreed treatment plan, in line with departmental guidelines.

On direction from the clinician, to undertake community visits to: fit equipment, issue walking aids &/or practice transfers, and to assess the patients functional safety within their home environment. The post holder will be facilitating cognitive rehabilitation programmes in patients home environments using a functional and impairment-based training approach.

The post-holder will be able to make minor adjustments to the therapy programme in accordance with agreed guidelines, but all major changes will be made in conjunction with qualified staff.

To prioritise and manage allocated caseload using established departmental criteria.

To demonstrate a basic understanding of clinical principles & practice & apply this to all interventions, recognising when to refer complex issues back to a qualified clinician.

Have a sound knowledge of relevant guidelines & criteria when assessing for & issuing equipment.

To assess risk & manage it effectively within clinical & community settings.

To have a sound basic knowledge of clinical presentations within the designated speciality.

To complete referrals to other services as directed by the therapist.

To be able to communicate discharge plans to patients.

To adhere to the departments lone working policy to ensure patient and own safety at all times.

To carry out assessments as directed by the qualified staff which may include exercise programmes, transfer practice, personal care assessments, kitchen assessments, mobility practice, step and stair practice, group work and speech and language interventions.

Communication:

To present oneself in a professional manner at all times.

To document accurately and comprehensively in the medical notes assessment details and progress of the treatment programme in accordance with departmental standards

To complete all documentation in a timely manner as per Trust policy

To communicate effectively with the team regarding the patients performance, progress & discharge plans.

To form professional relationships with clients / carers & communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy & culture.

To instruct & guide individuals in the use of equipment both in the hospital & in their own environments.

To liaise with colleagues across hospital & community teams in order to facilitate an effective discharge planning process and ensure ongoing rehabilitation needs are met.

To communicate effectively with outside agencies when the health and well-being of the patient requires it after discussion with a qualified member of the team

To be able to motivate and persuade patients to actively engage in their individualised therapy programme.

Management of Resources:

To effectively use local systems for accessing equipment, liaising (fax/phone) with community services as necessary.

To ensure that accurate activity data statistics are maintained in accordance with departmental and trust standards.

To actively participate in data collection for research / audit / service reviews within the department.

To carry out routine administration duties to support the effective operation of the department as requested.

To assist in induction/orientation, education & support of departmental visitors &/or students on placement.

To exercise good personal time management, punctuality & a consistently reliable attendance record.

To maintain stock & advise on resources necessary to carry out the job.

To be responsible for checking of equipment, ensuring the safety, cleaning and maintenance in accordance with local guidelines.

Education, Training and Professional Development:

To actively participate in own annual appraisal & regular supervision sessions with senior member of the team.

To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities and maintaining a portfolio which reflects personal development and provides evidence.

To attend all mandatory training sessions & actively participate in departmental in-service training.

Prepare & provide feedback to colleagues on any courses / training sessions attended.

To commit to undertaking an NVQ, or relevant qualifications, as deemed necessary by the Department.

Effort:

Routinely move / transport adaptive equipment within the community &/or in/out of car.

Regular exposure to bodily fluids & infection hazards.

Occasional exposure to challenging behaviour &/or verbal aggression, plus hazardous environments in the community.

To ensure areas are well maintained & comply with health & safety guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment & storage of materials.

To assist in the moving, handling and treatment of heavily dependent patients who require the use of hoists and patient handling equipment. This includes supporting and stabilising patients as part of their rehabilitation programme.

To frequently use moderate effort for long periods when providing support and rehabilitation of patients.

To occasionally be able to adapt to provide support and rehabilitation in cramped conditions or extreme temperatures.

This job description in subject to regular reviews dependent on the needs of the service and the developmental needs of the post holder, and should always be revisited as part of the appraisal process.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

To work closely alongside the MDT and other assistants within the team.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Car Driver/access to a vehicle
  • Three GCSE passes at grade C / grade 4 or above including maths, English and science or equivalent
  • HEI (Higher Education Institute) entry requirements for Pre Reg Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship jobs


Desirable

  • Working towards or completed NVQ Level III or Health & Social Care qualification or previous degree
  • ECDL or formal qualifications in word processing and spreadsheets


Experience

Essential

  • Previous or current employment in health / social care / vocational / rehabilitation setting


Desirable

  • Team working
  • Experience of working weekends.
  • Previous Occupational Therapy Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant/ Speech and Language/ Dietetic Assistant, Rehab Assistant or Healthcare Assistant experience


Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work independently within a supportive environment
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Good communication skills (written & verbal)
  • Good personal organisational skills including time management
  • Ability to work as part of a team Understanding of professional conduct
  • Health / safety & risk awareness
  • Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
  • Ability to use initiative


Desirable

  • Basic IT skills
  • Awareness of the philosophy of rehabilitation
  • Basic knowledge of human biology
  • Audit and data collection/data analysis skills


Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Professional appearance & approach
  • Enthusiastic
  • Confident but aware of own limitations
  • Self motivated and flexible
  • Able to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning


Other factors

Essential

  • Must pass Occupational Health Check

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Car Driver/access to a vehicle
  • Three GCSE passes at grade C / grade 4 or above including maths, English and science or equivalent
  • HEI (Higher Education Institute) entry requirements for Pre Reg Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship jobs


Desirable

  • Working towards or completed NVQ Level III or Health & Social Care qualification or previous degree
  • ECDL or formal qualifications in word processing and spreadsheets


Experience

Essential

  • Previous or current employment in health / social care / vocational / rehabilitation setting


Desirable

  • Team working
  • Experience of working weekends.
  • Previous Occupational Therapy Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant/ Speech and Language/ Dietetic Assistant, Rehab Assistant or Healthcare Assistant experience


Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work independently within a supportive environment
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Good communication skills (written & verbal)
  • Good personal organisational skills including time management
  • Ability to work as part of a team Understanding of professional conduct
  • Health / safety & risk awareness
  • Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
  • Ability to use initiative


Desirable

  • Basic IT skills
  • Awareness of the philosophy of rehabilitation
  • Basic knowledge of human biology
  • Audit and data collection/data analysis skills


Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Professional appearance & approach
  • Enthusiastic
  • Confident but aware of own limitations
  • Self motivated and flexible
  • Able to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning


Other factors

Essential

  • Must pass Occupational Health Check


Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab) .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab) .

Additional information

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab) .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab) .

Employer details

Employer name

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Wyre Locality base at Fleetwood and Blackpool

Broadway

Fleetwood

FY7 8GU

Employer's website

https://www.bfwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Wyre Locality base at Fleetwood and Blackpool

Broadway

Fleetwood

FY7 8GU

Employer's website

https://www.bfwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

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