Company Overview
Dedham Therapy Farm CIC is dedicated to empowering individuals to develop, recover, or maintain their wellbeing through innovative nature, animal-assisted, and meaningful activities.
Mission
We provide bespoke, therapeutic services using animals and the outdoors to improve individuals wellbeing.
Summary
We are seeking a compassionate Occupational Therapist to join our team at Dedham Therapy Farm CIC in the UK. In this role, you will contribute to our mission by delivering tailored therapeutic interventions that leverage nature and animals to support our clients' wellbeing.
Responsibilities
The post holder will:
- Managing a diverse caseload and delivering high-quality occupational therapy interventions that are responsive to individual need.
- Planning, delivering and reviewing Animal Assisted Therapy and outdoor-based therapeutic interventions for Farm Assistants accessing support.
- Undertaking comprehensive assessments, formulating intervention plans, implementing therapy programmes and evaluating outcomes in line with professional and organisational standards.
- Using clinical reasoning to assess the impact of intervention on Farm Assistants and their families/carers, adapting therapeutic approaches to maximise engagement and outcomes.
- Working collaboratively with the Lead Occupational Therapist and Operations Manager to coordinate intervention timetables, inform service planning and ensure the effective allocation of support.
- Liaising with local authorities and external stakeholders in relation to referrals, commissioned provision and contract renewals.
- Ensuring that local authority agreements and associated documentation accurately reflect the intervention package delivered by the service.
- Coordinating and undertaking initial assessments in partnership with parents, carers and wider support networks.
- Contributing proactively to service development, audit activity, quality improvement initiatives and the ongoing development of Occupational Therapy provision within this specialist setting.
- Working in partnership with management to identify opportunities to strengthen service quality, improve outcomes and enhance delivery.
- Maintaining accurate, timely and professionally robust records relating to assessment, intervention, progress and outcomes.
- Providing specialist advice, guidance and support to Farm Assistants, families, carers and partner agencies, as appropriate.
- Delivering intervention on both an individual and group basis, using a person-centred
- and strengths-based approach.
- Developing and maintaining effective therapeutic relationships while working within clear professional and ethical boundaries.
- Undertaking risk assessment and promoting safe practice for Farm Assistants, staff, visitors and therapy animals across the setting.
- Acting as a positive role model and contributing to the support, supervision and development of junior or less experienced colleagues where appropriate.
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, families, external professionals and partner organisations to support cohesive, person-centred practice.
- Working autonomously and exercising sound professional judgement, while seeking advice and escalation where appropriate.
- Demonstrating flexibility in meeting the operational needs of the service, including providing cover during periods of staff absence where required.
- Maintaining a strong commitment to Continuous Professional Development and extending knowledge and practical skills relevant to the setting, including animal care, horticulture and outdoor therapeutic practice.
- Contributing to the effective resourcing of therapy provision, including the sourcing, maintenance and safe use of equipment and materials.
- Supporting student learning and practice development opportunities within the service, where appropriate and once suitably prepared.
- Participating in meetings with families, professionals and partner organisations, contributing clearly and professionally to discussion, planning and review.
- Supporting Farm Assistants to access sessions where additional practical or emotional support is required, including where anxiety may present a barrier to engagement.
- Undertaking wider responsibilities that contribute to the safe, effective and smooth running of the service, including first aid, fire marshal duties, liaison with the animal care team, and maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in Occupational Therapy or recognised equivalent qualification.
- Current HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist.
- Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
- Evidence of ongoing continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Enhanced DBS check (willingness to obtain).
- Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle.
Desirable
- First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work qualification.
- Fire Safety training.
- Health and Safety training.
- Manual Handling training.
- Safeguarding Level 2 training
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Experience of working as part of a professional team.
- Sound theoretical and practical knowledge of a range of assessment tools and their clinical application.
Desirable
- Knowledge or experience of gardening, animal care, woodwork or bushcraft.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety practice within a therapeutic or outdoor setting.
- De-escalation skills or relevant training.
Skills
Essential
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and appropriately to Farm Assistants, carers and professionals.
- Competent IT skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload, organise tasks effectively and delegate where appropriate
- Effective time management skills.
- Ability to work efficiently in a demanding environment
- Ability to work in accordance with HCPC standards and professional guidelines.
- Ability to adapt communication style to meet the needs of individuals and different situations
- Ability to follow direction and work collaboratively within a wider team.
- Ability to use initiative and work independently where appropriate
Desirable
- Experience of alternative communication methods, such as signing or Makaton.
- Ability to use reflective practice to support learning and professional development.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Motivated and enthusiastic approach to work.
- Creative and adaptable in approach.
- Ability to work autonomously and take responsibility for professional actions and decisions.
- Positive approach to risk management.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a close-knit team.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with external organisations and professionals.
Desirable
- Understanding of social enterprise.
- Strong attention to detail.
Other
Essential
- Willingness to work outdoors throughout the year.
- A genuine interest in using animals and outdoor activity to support therapeutic intervention.
- A drive to develop OT in an outdoor setting
What can we offer you?
- Personal development
- A friendly working environment.
- 28 days holiday inc 4 Bank holidays plus 4 extra bank holidays.
- Opportunity to share ideas and make a real difference to our service.
- Opportunity to have input into your own caseload.
- Variety in your working day.
- Opportunity to have input in service development.
- Paid DBS
- Pension Plan
Application Form – Fill in form
www.dedhamtherapyfarm.org.uk
Company Number 07934234
T. +44 (0)7716174334
E. [email protected]
Pay: £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health & wellbeing programme
Work Location: In person
