Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner / Activity Coordinator - The Ayrshire Hospice

About the Role

This newly created opportunity puts you at the centre of making today matter for people using the Hospice. The Living Well service aims work with people to help them live well with their illness when they need support, information and interventions. The Living Well Hubs are the foundation of our service, this role is at the heart of the hubs. In the position of facilitator you will deliver these groups across Ayrshire, supporting goal achievement through information sharing, signposting and therapeutic activity. Your occupational therapy skills will also be used with out-patients and in-patients with the support of our Specialist Occupational Therapist. As activity co-ordinator, you will work with volunteers to support them to deliver the non-specialist therapeutic timetable for patients, families and public. Occupation brings meaning and purpose to all our lives and you will be instrumental in achieving this for our people.

About You

We would be looking for you to have experience of working in a health or social care setting, an HNC level education is desirable. We need someone who can work Monday to Friday and is flexible to the service needs. There may be an occasional ask to work later in the day dependent on events planned.

You should be passionate about people and have knowledge of palliative care. This role requires effective communication and interpersonal skills as you will work with people using the service, colleagues and external organisations. You will co-ordinate the work in our Hubs and support our voluntary staff within them and so being organised, empathetic and enthusiastic is a must. The Ayrshire Hospice is undergoing transformational change within an evolving landscape and we require people within this position to have an enthusiasm to improve services and facilitate change.

Job Summary

The post holder will support the work of the Living Well Service. They will primarily work with our OT to support the therapeutic interventions of patients in the In-Patient Unit and the Living Well Service.

The post holder will support the provision and ongoing programmes of therapeutic activities, events and art projects, this includes managing and timetabling volunteer led activity. The post holder will maximise the range of therapeutic activity that can be provided to enhance the quality of life of people and their loved ones and will work closely with the Living Well team in identifying new developmental opportunities for complementary and therapeutic activity.

Main Responsibilities:

Clinical

• To support registered Occupational Therapist by assessing and treating patients within professional scope to maximise the patients rehabilitation potential.

• To undertake specific skilled support work within a range of clinical areas, undertaking supervised and unsupervised routine therapeutic interventions, but within the set parameters of the work as delegated by the occupational therapist.

• To inform occupational therapist or other relevant professional of any changes in the patients presentation or response to treatment enabling the appropriate care to be given.

• To work without direct supervision with a specified patient group following initial screening by occupational therapist.

• To communicate effectively with patients relatives / carers to provide guidance and resources on a range of appropriate treatments

• To manage and prioritise own delegated caseload of patients effectively and efficiently

• To plan, manage and coordinate the activities of therapeutic practitioners/volunteers relating to creative activities and therapies in the community Hubs, based on MDT referral in consultation with Living Well registered practitioners

• To assist the Living Well team with marketing, promotion and fundraising work for the service

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers/relatives, external practitioners/volunteers and all multi-professional colleagues

• To work with IPU care assistants to support their understanding and delivery of a rehabilitative approach to palliative care.

• To maintain all equipment in line with infection control standards.

• To provide a service to suit needs, including evenings when necessary

• To evaluate the activities provided and satisfaction levels against organisational outcomes.

• To be aware of and observe all Health and Safety, Fire and Food Hygiene regulations

• Maintain confidentiality, working within hospice policies

• To comply with the Hospice equal access policy and recognise that no patient is disadvantaged or suffers adverse discrimination in any aspect of their care as a consequence of their age, sex, diagnosis or social circumstances.

• To be responsible for own safety and will take due regard to his/her own welfare and that of others who may be affected by his/her actions during the performance of Hospice activities.

Management

• Provide direct supervision for a delegated group of volunteers, this will involve an annual catch up. Escalating to the Lead Practitioner when necessary.

• Participate in recruitment, selection, induction and ongoing development of volunteers in the Living Well team

• Co-ordinate activities including arranging venues, catering, entertainment and transport

• Undertake risk assessments pertinent to the activities and environment with support from the Lead practitioner.

• Ensure safe management of photography and experience recording.

• Exercise good personal time management, punctuality, consistent reliable attendance, and day to day management of own workload.

• Aware of own role and scope of practise and the contribution within the Living Well team and be able to seek supervision and support where appropriate.

• To liaise with fundraising colleagues and assist in grant applications to enhance the activities budget and implement new projects and programmes of work.

Education

• Participate in professional supervision, reflective practice and be responsible for integrating into everyday practice for self and delegated team members.

• Support a learning environment for students

• Take active role in self-development, extended skills & knowledge as opportunities arise.

• Provide support and training to staff within the Hospice, community, care homes and community hospitals as well as patients, family members and students

• Participate in staff inductions and development programmes within the Hospice.

• Actively participate in wider local and national educational experiences promoting Living Well development and services.

Research and Audit

• Maintain professional practice through continuing education, professional updating, e.g. by attending relevant study days/conferences

• Continually evaluate practice by actively taking part in ongoing audit, quality assurance projects and research in order to improve the service.

Person Specification 

Education / Qualifications 

• Experience of working in Health or Social Care: Essential (A/I)
• Good level of general education: Essential (A/I)
• HNC/SVQ3 or equivalent experience: Essential (A/I)

Knowledge / Experience

• Ability to manage a team and demonstrate leadership qualities: Essential (A/I)
• Experience of organising activities: Essential (A/I)
• Experience of working with volunteers: Desirable (A/I)
• Experience of working in palliative care: Desirable (A/I)

Skills / Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills: Essential (A/I)
• Computer and information literacy: Essential (A/I)
• Effective time management skills with the ability to prioritise effectively and accomplish tasks within deadlines: Essential (A/I)
• Excellent interpersonal skills to achieve positive outcomes and establish sustainable relationships and partnerships: Essential (A/I)
• Research skills: Desirable (A/I)

Personal Qualities

• High levels of integrity trustworthy, discreet, and able to maintain confidentiality: Essential (A/I)
• Constructive flags issues and focuses on solutions to meet objectives: Essential (A/I)
• Professional manner: Essential (A/I)
• Sets high standards and is committed to high quality delivery: Essential (A/I)
• Access to a car and valid driving license: Essential (A/I)

Key:

• E = Essential
• D = Desirable
• A = Application
• I = Interview