Job Description

We are looking to recruit x2 full time Occupational Therapists into the Specialised PD Probation Service at AWP. 1 will be based in Bristol with some work into Gloucester, and one will be based in North Somerset with some work into Bristol.



Specialised PD, otherwise known as OPD, is a large, community based, multidisciplinary team that has developed innovative approaches to working with high-risk offenders with Personality Disorders. These service users are seen by the National Probation Service in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire and OPD covers the caseload within these areas.



As a service we cover Probation Offices based in Bristol, Bath, North Somerset, Swindon, Chippenham, Salisbury, Gloucester, and Cheltenham. In addition, we cover 3 Male and 1 Female Approved Premises in Bristol, and 1 Male Approved Premises in Gloucester.



It is highly desired that candidates live within reasonable travelling distance from North Somerset and Bristol. Much of the work we do is in person with service users and the team.



We support a hybrid working model where we encourage staff to work from home 40% of the working week, and in an office space for 60% of their working week. Each staff member has an allocated geographical area with a central office in that area. Though this post is based primarily in either Bristol or North Somerset there will be occasional travel to other areas covered by OPD, or for training, conferences, or external meetings.



To support the delivery of community OPD by undertaking case triage and identification, case reviews, case consultations, developing formulations, designing and delivering training, providing advice and consultation to other professionals, and contributing to research within the team.



The post will also involve direct work with service users residing in the community, including providing psychological assessments, running groups, and delivering psychological interventions.



In addition, the post holder will be required to regularly assist with clinically related administration, conduct audits, process orders, collect statistics, and contribute to the development of audit and/or research projects.



The post holder is expected to work independently according to a plan agreed with the professionally registered clinical and operational lead for the area/service, and within the overall framework of the team's policies and procedures.



For professionally unregistered staff, all work will be carried out under the supervision of professionally registered clinicians. Clinical supervision and line management are in place to support all clinical staff.



Please see the attached for a full list of duties and responsibilities.



We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.



We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.



Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.



AWP is committed to support and create a positive research and evidence-based environment and culture, which can have a beneficial impact on everyone who works for the organisation and the care we provide to those who use our services.



At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.



Manage a complex/specialist OT caseload from assessment to discharge from therapy. Service users may have multiple needs, including a combination of physical and mental health conditions or learning disabilities. They may also demonstrate behaviours that challenge or have difficult family situations of relevance.



Ensure the highest professional standards and attitudes towards the care of service users are maintained at all times, and that care is delivered in accordance with evidence-based practice by all staff for whom the post holder has designated responsibility.



Undertake complex occupational therapy assessments and develop complex therapy programmes.



Assess and manage risk effectively in clinical and community settings, including the service user's own home.



Work with service users and carers to identify occupational therapy goals as part of the overall Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) plan.



Develop and implement specialist interventions for individuals or groups, in collaboration with service users and the MDT, to achieve therapeutic goals.



Use technical and creative skills to engage service users in therapeutic activities and encourage service users/carers in a compassionate manner to support them in achieving their identified goals.



Monitor and evaluate occupational therapy treatment to measure progress and modify treatment plans to ensure the effectiveness of clinical interventions.



Provide reports and make recommendations on service user progress at clinical meetings, and participate in the clinical decision-making process regarding care programmes as part of the MDT.



Provide specialist clinical advice to other healthcare professionals, including those in the acute hospital sector with limited mental health or learning disability experience.



Provide professional advice, as requested and where appropriate, in relation to subject access requests.



Provide advice, education, and training to service users and carers.



Undertake health promotion activities.



Assess service users for and fit adapted equipment in the home, as appropriate.



Act as lead professional for service users on standard care if no other professional is involved in the service user's care, and may undertake care coordination for service users on the Care Programme Approach where an occupational therapy component is identified.



Recognise the potential for or signs of service user harm, abuse, or neglect, including poor clinical practice; report all such concerns and take all reasonable steps to protect the service user. Identify and report concerns regarding the safeguarding of children who may be at risk.



Demonstrate safe moving and handling of service users, using equipment as required.



Demonstrate safe physical interventions in the management of violence and aggression as required.



Please see the attached for a full list of duties and responsibilities.