Learning Disabilities Occupational Therapy Assistant

As an OTA, you will work under the guidance and supervision of registered Occupational Therapists to:

• Support the delivery of occupational therapy programmes for adults with learning disabilities.
• Assist people to develop and maintain skills for daily living, self-care, community access, leisure and meaningful occupation.
• Support individuals to work towards goals identified within their occupational therapy plans.
• Help people, families and support providers understand and implement occupational therapy strategies.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and contribute to outcome monitoring.
• Communicate using accessible and appropriate formats to ensure people with learning disabilities can participate fully in decisions about their care.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across health, social care and partner organisations.

• Has experience supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities or other vulnerable groups.
• Is passionate about promoting independence, choice and inclusion.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Is organised, adaptable and able to manage a varied workload.
• Values person-centred approaches and understands the importance of accessible communication.
• Is committed to supporting people to live healthy, meaningful and independent lives.

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Essential: - Has a UK driving licence and car

knowledge, skills and training:

Essential: - NVQ level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or other relevant health or social care qualification and previous working within a learning disabilities setting in a supportive role with service users; - Experience relevant to community care; - Understanding of occupational therapy

Desirable: - Other relevant learning; - Other relevant experience

Essential: - Experience of initiating and facilitating social, leisure and enabling activities with service users.; - Basic IT skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training; - Ability to work within a multi disciplinary team

Desirable: - Experience of coordinating, facilitating and running group work sessions.

Essential: - Willingness to undertake training relevant to role

Essential: - Ability to work as part of a team; - Good organisation and observation skills; - Ability to work unsupervised in a range of settings; - An ability to act calmly in emergencies and to respond in a professional manner to stressful and challenging behaviour; - Excellent communication skills (listening, verbal and written)