Assistant Practitioner

Job Description

Job Category : Social & Health Care Non-Qualified
Location : Southwark Council
Hours Per Week : 36.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:00
Salary: £17.90

To help prevent and reduce social care needs, whilst promoting recovery and independence within the community. To deliver and monitor therapy plans which maximise independence, wellbeing and resilience within the community.

Provision of practical assistance in terms of the provision of disability equipment and home adaptions to clients in order to maintain maximum independence within the community.

To work from a strength based position, building of individual skills and resources, and strengthening links with community preventative services.

Responsible to the Team Manager and Senior Practitioners

The Assistant Practitioner OT supports the OPPPD Contact Team by managing the general inbox, responding to emails, phone calls, and referrals received by phone. The role includes providing information and advice to clients and professionals within the community, completing initial OT screenings, and identifying both occupational therapy and social care needs for further assessment. The practitioner can order minor equipment as appropriate, signpost to relevant community resources, and escalate immediate risks or complex cases to the manager. Initial screening of referrals covers both OT and social work-related matters to ensure timely and appropriate responses.

Responsibilities

1. Operate effectively within own organisational frameworks and within multi-agency and inter-professional settings.

2. Undertake trusted assessment/provision functions to promote independence and, where appropriate, offer access to standard equipment, which may involve the issuing of an equipment prescription or promotion of self-funding options

3. Use judgement and authority to intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect and abuse.

4. Ensure those accessing the service, including families and carers, are at the centre of decision making over their support arrangements and that opportunities for choice and control are optimised and reflected in their assessments and reviews.

5. Maintain the Directorate’s records by recording assessments and other data accordingly ensuring that all data entered meets the relevant and stated levels of accuracy, quality and timeliness required.

6. To communicate effectively and sensitively with people and carers, regardless of their spoken language or communication status. Adapt communication techniques as the situation demands making best use of resources and other methods of communication.

Knowledge, including educational qualifications:

1. Knowledge of literacy and numeracy skills, to write factual and accurate reports to meet the needs of Agencies/ Departments
2. An appreciation and understanding of current issues affecting health and social care
3. Ability to use information technology systems to input and access data, use word processing systems and Email, or willingness to learn.
4. Applicants must demonstrate a general understanding of and commitment to the Councils Equality and Diversity policy.
5. To have some understanding of some of the common health conditions experienced by older people, and insight into the functional issues experienced.

Experience:
6. To have experience of working with multiple agencies – collaboratively support people in achieving their goals, outcomes and maximisation of independence.
7. To have experience of assessing the needs of elderly people and people with disability.
8. To have some experience of identifying safeguarding and quality of care issues.

Aptitudes, Skills & Competencies:
9. Skills to build rapport, and develop trusting constructive relationships including listening, communication and negotiation skills
10. Ability to cope with high demand and throughput. Ability to use and understand the supervisory process, work to
timescales be self-managing and proactive in caseload management.
11. A willingness to undertake continued career development.
12. Think laterally and seek out creative and innovative solutions and make clear and evidenced decisions
13. Skills to develop and sustain professional working relationships based on mutual trust, and strength based