Occupational Therapy Apprentice- Frailty
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Are you interested in becoming an Occupational therapist? Are you keen to work, learn and do training alongside your day job? Do you want to work in a friendly and welcoming environment? If so, this may be for you.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust (MCHT) has a rare and exciting opportunity for someone to join the team to embark on their journey to become an Occupational Therapist. The apprenticeship will involve the completion of a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy, whilst working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant practitioner, and being employed by MCHT.
This position would be based at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, with studies at Keele University. Commitment to both the job role and academic study is essential.
To be considered for this role, the candidate will need to meet the educational minimum job requirements to support the level of training at the University. The Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship Programme at Keele University typically requires: 3 A-level equivalents to 'BBC' or 112 tariff points, and GCSE Maths and English, Grade C (4) or equivalent, relevant experience, and a satisfactory DBS and occupational health clearance.
The apprenticeship academic programme will start in September 2025 and will complete in September 2028. We would aim for you to start within the therapy team prior to this.
Main duties of the job
The successful applicant will be required to work 3 days per week onsite at the hospital and engage in academic study 1 day per week. This will include attendance at the University, online, remote, and self-directed teaching and learning.
Within the hospital and clinical role, the therapy team aims to promote a timely therapy assessment on admission and facilitate discharge from the acute care of the elderly wards.
The role will include taking a small caseload under supervision, gathering information from patients or families, completing functional assessments of their activities of daily living, education and practice with everyday tasks, and implementation of treatment plans and interventions. The role will require you to assist with moving and handling of patients using appropriate equipment.
The wards are in an acute and very busy setting. Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they have contributed to assessments, treatments, and discharge planning for patients with a range of medical problems and conditions, ideally within a hospital setting or acute field.
The candidate should have excellent communication skills, being confident in working and liaising with MDT at all levels and across the wider service. You will have skills in organization, time management, and be able to work under pressure, which are key to efficiently managing caseloads. Being flexible is also a key skill in this setting.
Job responsibilities
* To assist in the management and treatment of patients under the guidance of a qualified clinician.
* To follow departmental protocols and guidelines referring to a qualified clinician who is available for advice.
* To independently carry out specified assessments, interventions, and programmes as planned and discussed with a qualified clinician.
* To monitor and report progress of patients during the implementation of planned interventions and programmes.
* To hold a caseload as delegated by a qualified clinician, reporting back at agreed timescales, highlighting any necessary actions.
* To work with an individual or group in a variety of settings appropriate to the patients' needs.
* To modify interventions and programmes within defined parameters and within practice scope.
Person Specification
Experience
* Acute ward experience
* Worked as a Band 3 therapy assistant for 12 months or more
* Worked in the NHS for at least 12 months
* Previous Band 4 experience
Skills
* Generic Physio and OT competencies
Knowledge
* Knowledge of Acute care and national guidelines
* Minimum academic requirements as per Person Spec
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.
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