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Job overview

In the Bay Network, our mental health in-patient services have had an exciting investment   initiative, which has led to the creation of new posts within the Allied Health Professional (AHP) services. This provides an opportunity for successful applicants to deliver specialist  therapeutic input to the mental health team for Dietetics, Speech and Language Therapy, 
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and forward thinking Occupational  Therapist, to join our expanding inpatient adult mental health inpatient services, based at Dane  Garth in Barrow. We are seeking an individual who has the desire to build upon their  transferable clinical and leadership skills and embed a culture of learning and development  within the Allied Health Professionals. Whilst working to high standards of professional patient centred care, you will be supported to progress and to achieve your potential as both a leader  and a clinician.
At Dane Garth there are currently two mental health inpatient wards based in Furness General  Hospital, which can take admissions from across the country. Ramsey Unit is a mental health inpatient service for predominantly older adults with an organic illness, such as Dementia. Dova Unit is an acute mental health inpatient service, for predominantly working age adults. The  goal is to re-establish the person's optimum independence and make sure that there is provision of support to facilitate a safe and efficient discharge. 

Main duties of the job

As an autonomous and specialist therapist, you will prioritise the planning, delivery and evaluation of occupationally focused interventions for people whose mental health problems and/or cognitive impairments have a marked impact on their occupational participation and wellbeing. These clients will often have complex occupational needs. They will deliver a range of assessments and evidence-based interventions informed primarily by the Model of Human Occupation, or other 
appropriate OT best practice models. They will demonstrate highly developed skills in clinical assessment, formulation, goal setting, treatment and the evaluation of clinical outcomes. They will be able to support clients and colleagues to understand and resolve complex issues. They will often work with people with challenging needs, and will work to empower clients and their support networks, at the same time promoting positive risk taking. 

The post holder will be responsible for an occupational therapy caseload with mental health problems e.g. psychosis, severe depression, severe anxiety disorders and/or cognitive impairments/dementia.

The therapist will use their specialist occupational therapy knowledge and skills to work with clients, relatives, carers (both informal and formal) and other professionals to support the diagnostic process, assess the impact of mental health and other comorbidities on clients’ occupational lives and support them to set and achieve person-centred SMART occupational goals. 

Working for our organisation

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services including low and medium secure care.

The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria and Sefton area.

Lancashire & South Cumbria Foundation Trust encourages flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as; term time, part time, compressed hours, flexi-time and career breaks. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.