Job summary
We are recruiting to a part timePaediatric Occupational Therapy Technician, Band 4 position based in Ipswich
Occupational Therapists work with children and young people who have difficulties or a disability, providing assessment, advice and intervention to enable children from birth to 19 years to participate safely and as fully as possible in activities and education as part of their daily life.
We work closely with other NHS therapy services, education, social care and a wide range of other care providers to ensure that children receive the support they need.
As a technician with the Paediatric OT Team the role will focus on undertaking specific skilled support work directed by the therapists to aid the management of complex children with a wide range of physical, long term and deteriorating disabilities. All necessary training will be offered to the new post holder.
The role is based in the community working within homes, clinics, special and mainstream schools and nurseries with children aged 0-19 years.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will be a part of the Paediatric Occupational Therapy Team, and will work independently under the supervision of qualified therapists, supporting clinicians to provide occupational therapy to children and families. Close patient contact, and communication within the Occupational Therapy and wider multi-disciplinary team is fundamental to the role. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a positive attitude to self-directed learning. Some experience in a health or care or educational environment would be advantageous. The role requires empathy, sensitivity and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
The post-holder will regularly be required to set up and adjust specialist equipment used by children and young people as part of a programme of 24 hour postural management, and will keep accurate records of work undertaken using our online electronic record keeping system.
All necessary training will be offered to the new post holder. We offer a strong supervision structure with regular training opportunities, including access to external courses.
About us
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.
With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Job description
Job responsibilities
See job description
Frequent Travel is an essential part of this role - You will need to travel across a wide area of rural Suffolk so you must either hold a full, current driving licence or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
1. oGood general level of education to GCSE level or equivalent (particularly English & Maths)
2. oComputer literate with good basic IT skills
Desirable
3. oNVQ level 3 or equivalent in a care/health related subject
4. oKnowledge of child development
5. oKnowledge of Safeguarding children
Experience and knowledge
Essential
6. oExperience of working with children and families
7. oGood communication skills with children and adults
8. oAbility to communicate with children with impaired social communication skills
Desirable
9. oAble to demonstrate an understanding of Health & Safety legislation for self and others including manual handling legislation
10. oAwareness of local services, voluntary organisations etc
Skills and abilities
Essential
11. oAbility to work in a Multi-disciplinary team
12. oAbility to work under pressure
13. oAble to use own initiative
14. oAbility to work alone
Personal qualities
Essential
15. oTeam Worker who is able to prioritise efficiently
16. oFlexible approach to working hours
17. oAble to relate to children and parents/carers with different lifestyles and values
18. oAwareness of limitations
19. oMotivated