---

Job description

The post-holder will provide effective, evidence-based Occupational Therapy, enabling optimum occupational participation and performance during pregnancy and 12 months post-partum for women: with an existing mental illness who are at risk of relapse in the perinatal period who develop mental illness during the perinatal period whose functioning is significantly affected e.g. parenting or employment. They will support service users to maintain existing valued roles, routines and identity, and support them to develop new skills and adjust to new roles and routines. They will use advanced clinical skills, including standardised assessment, complex occupational formulation, treatment planning and intervention, to address the needs of individuals with significant mental health needs in the perinatal period. This will include a focus on employment/vocational issues and complex cases with combined physical and mental health issues. The post-holder will be responsible for the development and implementation of Occupational Therapy group-work based on the needs of service users. They will be an active member of the multidisciplinary team, offering consultation and advice on Occupational issues. They will act as a resource to other professionals, being recognised as a clinical expert in the regional Perinatal Mental Health service, providing advice on complex cases to staff regarding prioritisation criteria and appropriate referral to the service, to ensure effective integrated clinical practice and timely intervention. The post holder will liaise with both the operational professional management team to plan, implement, monitor, evaluate and improve Perinatal Mental Health Services..

Responsibilities

• To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own clinical and professional work including the management of client care
• To prioritise, assess and treat clients within the Perinatal Mental Health Service, enabling service users to achieve optimum Occupational participation and performance to lead full and meaningful lives

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• A minimum of 5 years post registration experience as an Occupational Therapist which must include at least 3 years in adult mental health with 2 years at a Band 6 or equivalent level.
• Hold a Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapists or a Degree in Occupational Therapy recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy
• Currently registered with the Health and Care professions Council (HCPC) or be registered in advance of appointment

Desirable Skills

• Masters module in perinatal mental health
• Experience working with individuals with perinatal mental health problems
• Relevant training in subjects such as: RCOT perinatal mental health training

Further Information

Location: Braid Valley Site, Cushendall Rd, Ballymena.