Occupational Therapy Assistant

1. To maintain concentration in student therapy for prolonged periods on a daily basis. 2. To be flexible to meet the competing demands of the caseload and to meet changes in timetabling and attendance at school, e.g. class-based working, supporting lunch and break duty etc. 3. To deal with situations of a potentially distressing nature as part of the school/sixth form and Post 19 team. 4. To be involved in frequent moderate physical effort, carrying equipment and facilitating movement of students when applicable. Duties and Responsibilities Clinical Practice 1. To deliver and implement interventions to students both individually and in small groups as directed by the Occupational Therapist. 2. To record face to face contacts and any other information relevant to the overall care/management of the students. 3. To liaise with staff and parents as directed by the Occupational Therapist and at liaison meetings. 4. To undertake administration tasks to support the team. 5. To maintain confidentiality of all students. 6. To attend and contribute to staff meetings. 7. To be accountable for own professional actions and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate. 8. To work within defined departmental and national policies/protocols and professional code of conduct to ensure quality of provision. 9. To safeguard young people and adhere to the schools Child Protection Policy. 10. To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. 11. To contribute to the School improvement planning including data collection, and supporting effective team working. Professional development 1. To identify personal/professional development evidenced by personal development plan/professional portfolio developed within an appraisal framework as appropriate to role. 2. To participate actively in clinical supervision. 3. To demonstrate an increasing ability to reflect on practice with peers, supervisors and identify own strengths and development needs alongside an Occupational Therapist. 4. To attend relevant training and development in order to develop skills and knowledge required of an OTA working in the field of paediatric occupational therapy and with specific reference to language and communication difficulties. Teaching, training and research 1. To participate in departmental audit and research projects. 2. To participate in the development and delivery of training to others in areas of practice related to Occupational Therapy. 3. To explain the role of Occupational Therapy to visitors, students and volunteers. 4. To provide some observation sessions to students on interview placement as part of the therapy team. Policy and service development 1. To be aware of, and adhere to, national and local policies, particularly with regard to SEN, safeguarding children and other legal frameworks. 2. To adhere to policies and procedures of the school including health and safety and safeguarding. 3. To comment on proposed service/policy developments as appropriate. 4. To participate in innovations in areas of risk management, the setting of quality standards and clinical effectiveness. Administration, monitoring and auditing 1. To maintain up-to-date and accurate case notes in line with school policy. 2. To share information with others, observing data protection guidelines. 3. To gather activity data accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of such information promptly in line with St Catherines guidelines. 4. To organise and prioritise own workload with support in conjunction with the Occupational Therapists, Head of Occupational Therapy and the School Principal. 5. To manage and prioritise a defined caseload with support from the Occupational Therapist. 6. To participate in surveys and audits as necessary in order to meet statutory requirements. 7. To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.