Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship opportunity

Location: Sefton and various Placements as required for the degree

Contract: Fixed term for the apprenticeship period of 3 years

Working Pattern: Full Time

Hours: 36 hours per week.

Closing Date: 11/09/2022

Sefton is a diverse and exciting borough where people can enjoy a great work / life balance. It encompasses world renowned nature reserves, accessible business and retail centres, top class leisure facilities and some of the best coastal and countryside positions in the country. With excellent transport networks to Liverpool and links to Manchester, it is an ideal location for accessing the Northwest and beyond by road, rail or air.

Sefton is pleased to offer two Occupational Therapy apprenticeship degree opportunities in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University to suitable candidates.

Occupational therapists play a critical role in providing practical care and supporting recovery for those who struggle performing day-to-day tasks. Their role is powerful in promoting everyday activities to enable people to live independently, enjoy a good quality of life and reach their potential.

BSc Occupational Therapy | Sheffield Hallam University (shu.ac.uk)

The successful candidates will be supported in working whilst training to become a registered Occupational Therapist, completing the Occupational Therapy degree apprenticeship course, which is a 3 year course, starting March 2023

Interviewing will take part in two phases:

interviews will take place with Sefton Council as the employer on the 19^th or 21^st September

• A further interview will take place with Sheffield Hallam University Dates to be confirmed

Candidates must be available for interviews with Sefton and SHU and successful in both to then receive a conditional offer of employment, which is subject to recruitment checks by both Sefton and Sheffield Hallam University.

The contract is fixed for the duration of the degree apprenticeship and is dependent on successful completion of the full course within 3 years.

The post will be terminated if the post holder fails to complete or leaves the course.

The post offered is as a Community Care Practitioner grade with the expectation and willingness to complete the apprenticeship.

Closing date for applications is 23:59 Sunday 11^th September

 About You

It is a requirement that you have Maths and English GSCE Grade C or equivalent to be able to apply - we will need evidence of these qualifications at the application stage. 

Previous experience of working in Children's or Adult Services or in an OT support role in the NHS will be beneficial.

You must have a reasonable level of competency of computer skills, as much of the degree is undertaken online using the universities computer systems.

You will  be part of the Occupational Therapy and Sensory Team and will receive  induction, training and support to enable you to hold your own caseload, working under the supervision of a dedicated OT Team member. You will be trained to complete all OT tasks, including client visits, assessments, reviews and support plans and work with a variety of clients, colleagues and external agencies.

Apprentices will be contracted at full time with day release to university and 4 days with the Occupational Therapy and Sensory Team.

The apprenticeship will be run over 3 years and will involve a significant amount of learning undertaken outside the normal day to day working environment, such as – taught classes at university, online learning, reflective portfolios and practical training

It is expected that apprentices will be away from the workplace on clinical placements for between 4 and 12 weeks depending on the course and syllabus. The apprentice will be expected to work the hours agreed with their placement supervisor as the placement may be outside of their normal workplace for example in a hospital placement or another Community Team.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship will allow you to register with the Health Care Professionals Council (SWE) as an Occupational Therapist.

Equal Opportunities

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.