Occupational Therapy Assistant

We have an exciting opportunity for a  Assistant Occupational Therapist to play an integral role in a friendly, dynamic and supportive multi-disciplinary team and make a significant contribution in the area of rehabilitation.

Reports To : Occupational Therapist

Hours : 37 Hours a week ( 2 Years Full time contract )

About Bloomfield:

Bloomfield Hospital provides a spectrum of neuropsychiatric services to adults with a range of serious and enduring mental health needs such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's Diseases, as well as individuals with early onset dementias, schizophrenia and mood disorders. We are the only facility in Ireland that provides high level of specialised care for people with Huntington's disease. We also provide specialist palliative care to individuals with mental health needs. In Bloomfield Hospital there is a focus on creating a therapeutic environment by using recovery oriented clinical practices and therapeutic interventions which are evidence based to enable and support patients to achieve their highest level of functioning and quality of life. This care is delivered through a Multi-disciplinary Team including colleagues in Psychiatry, Psychology, Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language, Dietetics, Physiotherapy and General Practice. Bloomfield Hospital is a 123-bed in-patient mental health service, registered as an approved centre with the Mental Health Commission. Our ethos is rooted in the principle of honouring the dignity of every person who comes through our doors.

We have over 200 multi-disciplinary team members delivering the highest standards of care in a friendly and inclusive workplace. We value each and every member of our team and believe strongly in supporting employee wellbeing and in the importance of a healthy work-life balance.

Role Summary

The post of Occupational Therapy Assistant is a pivotal post with responsibility to provide person-centered therapeutic activities across the Mental Health Services.

Job Purpose

The Occupational Therapy Assistant will work closely with the nursing, care and multi-disciplinary teams to ensure that each resident has their needs met and lives their life to the fullest. The role of the Occupational Therapy Assistant is to promote residents' wellbeing, and to provide appropriate therapeutic techniques and activities under the direction of the Occupational Therapist, and in collaboration with clinical, nursing and healthcare colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical

Develop a professional rapport with residents.

Collate information from residents and/or their families regarding their interests and skills to facilitate participation in suitable activities.

Identify and highlight the needs of the residents to the wider care team.

Assist with seating and positioning, transfers, activities of daily living practice, and enhancing independence through adaptive equipment under the supervision/guidance of the Occupational Therapist.

Organise, supervise and adapt therapeutic activities under the direction of the Occupational Therapist.

Observe general behaviour, ability and response from residents, document the information in the residents' notes, and communicate professionally to the ward staff and Occupational Therapist.

Participate in resident programme planning and work closely with members of the Occupational Therapy and Activity Co-ordinator teams, as well as outside volunteers and/or contractors who provide activity services to Bloomfield.

Provide 1:1 intervention with residents who are reluctant to leave their rooms during the day.

Maintain and manage OT equipment as advised by OT staff.

2. Professional

Participate in required supervision sessions with a designated supervisor to ensure that all Occupational Therapy Assistant competencies are being achieved and to provide an opportunity for on-going learning.

Actively participate as a member of the multi-disciplinary/healthcare team, working collaboratively with colleagues, demonstrating flexibility in assisting and supporting colleagues to enhance the wellbeing of residents.

Liaise and communicate effectively and professionally with residents and their family members.

Ensure quality of care meets the standards required by the Mental Health Commission and relevant regulatory authorities.

Attend multi-disciplinary meetings and communicate progress in a timely and professional manner.

Participate in the development and evaluation of programmes for Bloomfield.

Engage in approve training courses as appropriate to the needs of Bloomfield, and in particular complete all required mandatory training on time.

Assist in the co-ordination of an approved volunteer programme that supports the meal-time experience.

Adhere to all policies, procedures, guidelines and legislation as required by Bloomfield.

Carry out other duties appropriate to the role as may be assigned by the Occupational Therapist from time to time.

3. Administration

Maintain/clean equipment as requested and be responsible for infection control as appropriate within the parameters of occupational therapy intervention.

Complete documentation as directed by the Occupational Therapist in the residents' care plans. e.g. Pool Activity Level, information on the residents' day and activity levels.

Attend and positively participate in staff meetings, multi-disciplinary meetings and handovers on the ward in the absence of OT.

Participate in the control, ordering and tracking of relevant stock and equipment, and utilise the resources provided in an effective and economic manner, maintaining appropriate records as required.

Maintain strict confidentiality with regard to all matters concerning patients/residents, staff and business of Bloomfield. Information regarding patients/residents, staff or business of Bloomfield may not be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. Records, documents or correspondence may never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them.

4. Safety, Health and Welfare

Report all accidents/near misses within Bloomfield Hospital in line with policy and Health & Safety legislation.

Comply with all Safety Regulations and prevailing safety legislation.

Adhere to approved manual and patient handling techniques and best practices.

Person Specification:

The successful applicant will:

Be in the process of obtaining a professional qualification in Occupational Therapy, or hold a QQI Level 5 (8 modules) in Healthcare.

Have a minimum of 6 months experience as a Healthcare Assistant or Activity Co-Ordinator. 

Previous experience in a psychiatric environment is an advantage.

Experience in the provision of seating / pressure care is desirable.

Demonstrate an ability and commitment to plan and deliver a high quality, person-centred service.

Have a proven track record of working on their own initiative, effectively and independently manage caseload, and working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Provide evidence of having applied or used appropriate assessment tools and treatments with a knowledge of the implications of outcomes to patients/residents.

Possess the ability to follow line management directions appropriately and to utilise supervision effectively.

Display evidence of a commitment to continuing professional development.

Be IT proficient with knowledge of OT database and system. 

Demonstrate an ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions using sound judgement, approved by the OT.

Demonstrate a strong work ethic, with the ability to prioritise effectively, and show strong organisational and time management skills.

Be proactive and innovative in developing the service in response to changing needs.

Effectively manage and develop self and others in a positive working environment. 

Clearly demonstrate an excellent command of the English language (both written and verbal) and demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.

For further information, please email  

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and may be reviewed from time to time to reflect the needs of Bloomfield Hospital.