Job summary An exciting opportunity for a full-time Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA, Band 3) has arisen within the OT team on our mental health inpatient wards at the Linden Centre in Chelmsford. The role will be covering four wards; three treatment wards and a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit. The acute inpatient service in Chelmsford provides 24-hour treatment and care in a safe and therapeutic setting, actively engaging and involving people who are experiencing an acute mental health episode. Patients receive individual care and treatment based on Care Programme Approach (CPA). Main duties of the job As an OTA you will be an integral part of the Occupational Therapy team, assisting in group work and working one to one with patients on their treatment needs. The successful applicant will also work closely with the ward MDT to ensure that a high quality, person centred service is provided for people. The AHP leadership is committed to provide ongoing and continuous professional development for all staff. We offer exceptional education, training and development opportunities as well as a wide range of benefits, which include salary sacrifice schemes and the opportunity to buy or sell up to 1 week of annual leave to support a healthy work-life balance. About us EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including; Season Ticket Loans NHS discounts for staff Excellent Training facilities and opportunities Buying and Selling annual leave scheme The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work Day One Flexible Employer The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment Join our Staff bank What is Staff Bank? Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times. All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish. If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank Date posted 30 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £24,071 to £25,674 a year per annum, pro rata if part time Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Compressed hours, Term time hours Reference number 364-A-8674 Job locations The Linden Centre Pudding Wood Lane Chelmsford CM20 1QX Job description Job responsibilities KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: To support Occupational Therapy in the implementation of treatment programmes. To carry out one to one interventions as directed by qualified Occupational Therapy staff. To plan and facilitate group activities as directed by qualified Occupational Therapist. To develop rapport with patients to encourage their interest in skills. To be aware of individual patient/patients needs through communication with Occupational Therapy and Nursing staff. To observe general behaviour, ability and response of patient/patients to activities. To have an awareness of the situations that may make patient/patients vulnerable or at risk. To report any concerns immediately to qualified staff. To respect patients/patients choices and confidentiality at all times. To record interventions in an agreed format. Any other tasks delegated by qualified staff as appropriate to grade and experience. Profession Specific Duties: Attend professional Occupational Therapy meetings as required. To undertake annual appraisal and to contribute constructively to the supervision process. To comply with policies and agreed procedures for annual leave, sickness and time owing. ADDITIONAL DUTIES In addition to the above duties you will also be expected to perform the below key activities in line with your job role; - Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures - To participate in the staff appraisal process and to undertake for any staff you manage - To keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy - To provide management supervision where appropriate Job description Job responsibilities KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: To support Occupational Therapy in the implementation of treatment programmes. To carry out one to one interventions as directed by qualified Occupational Therapy staff. To plan and facilitate group activities as directed by qualified Occupational Therapist. To develop rapport with patients to encourage their interest in skills. To be aware of individual patient/patients needs through communication with Occupational Therapy and Nursing staff. To observe general behaviour, ability and response of patient/patients to activities. To have an awareness of the situations that may make patient/patients vulnerable or at risk. To report any concerns immediately to qualified staff. To respect patients/patients choices and confidentiality at all times. To record interventions in an agreed format. Any other tasks delegated by qualified staff as appropriate to grade and experience. Profession Specific Duties: Attend professional Occupational Therapy meetings as required. To undertake annual appraisal and to contribute constructively to the supervision process. To comply with policies and agreed procedures for annual leave, sickness and time owing. ADDITIONAL DUTIES In addition to the above duties you will also be expected to perform the below key activities in line with your job role; - Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures - To participate in the staff appraisal process and to undertake for any staff you manage - To keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy - To provide management supervision where appropriate Person Specification Qualifications and Experience Essential NVQ level 3 or previous relevant experience Desirable Experience of working within mental health Further experience and skills Essential Experience of individual interventions and group work Desirable Understanding of the use of activities as a treatment tool Person Specification Qualifications and Experience Essential NVQ level 3 or previous relevant experience Desirable Experience of working within mental health Further experience and skills Essential Experience of individual interventions and group work Desirable Understanding of the use of activities as a treatment tool 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. Employer details Employer name Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Address The Linden Centre Pudding Wood Lane Chelmsford CM20 1QX Employer's website https://eput.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)