Employment

Mental Capacity Ltd, Director

December 2021 to Present

Co-director of Mental Capacity Ltd, providing training and support for health and care professionals in all aspects of the Mental Capacity Act and its application. Also providing Mental Capacity Assessments for complex cases.

We have built up a strong list of regular clients, including solicitors and other legal professionals, providing assessments for Testamentary Capacity, Litigation Capacity and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to name but a few. We also conduct Court of Protection (CoP) assessments for Mental Capacity, and work closely with Circle Case Management and Lancashire County Council DoLS office.

LAPIS EU project, Advisory board member

The LAPIS project is working across a number of areas to support health care innovations and communication, in order to optimise the service user/patient experience, boosting recovery, access to services and wellbeing. Within this role, I have been requested to complete questionnaires, an interview and attend quarterly meetings regarding the LAPIS project.

The Advocacy People

October 2021 to Present

I support vulnerable people by acting in the legal role of Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR). I also work as an Independent Health Complaints Advocate (IHCA) and non-statutory advocate.

I am extremely well regarded within the organisation, and have supported tender applications with presentations and report writing. I have also chaired the[MR1]   IHCA focus group, and supported induction of new staff and student trainees. 

Perhaps my proudest achievement, I acted as sole advocate for the entire Shetland Islands for a year and a half, working closely with senior managers to meet the requirements of the short-term tender.

Occupational therapist – Ribble View, Exemplar

September 2021 to March 2022

Ribble View is a complex needs care home near Preston. In my time at Ribble View I led the Occupational Therapy rehabilitation for adults and older adults with a range of needs, including but not limited to: traumatic brain injuries, Huntington’s Disease, schizophrenia, spinal injuries and BPD. This work included providing assessments, equipment and other interventions, and also setting up group-based programmes to support maintenance and development of skills, while promoting wellbeing and quality of life.

In addition to which, I offered support to the wider organisation that owns Ribble View (Exemplar), providing, mentoring for colleagues at other home, and facilitating discussion groups. I also supported an Occupational Therapy student, and ran in-house training sessions for all staff on topics such as ‘What is Occupational Therapy?’ and ‘How can we support rehabilitation?’.

Occupational therapist – Adult inpatient Mental Health Unit

July 2021 to August 2021

In this short-term temporary position, I supported two Occupational Therapy Assistants to grow in their roles, while establishing initial Occupational Therapy Assessments for a baseline outcome measure (MOHOST). I also supported 1-to-1 and group-based activities.

seAp advocacy/ The Advocacy People

January 2020 to July 2021

I worked as a voice for our clients within this role, ensuring care and support provided is inclusive of the individual’s rights and wishes, actively using the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act and Human Rights Act amongst others. Working specifically as an Relevant Person’s Representative and Non Statutory Advocate.

Specialist Mental Capacity Assessor

TSF Consultants

January 2019 to August 2021

Within this role I completed Mental Capacity Assessments for specific decisions our clients were considering, such as Court Of Protection (for a deputy to be assigned), Lasting Power of Attorneys s, litigation, testamentary, property and finance and health and welfare. Using my Occupational therapy skills, I therapeutically graded and adapted the assessments to the individual’s needs to support maximum opportunity to demonstrate capacity on decisions and upholding the core principles of the Mental Capacity Act.

Occupational Therapist, band 5

KMPT NHS – Thanet, December 2017 to November 2019

In this specialist role on a Dementia Inpatient Unit I used the Model of Human Occupational therapy (expLOR ) to assess then provide therapeutic treatment to each patient who was admitted to the ward, alongside supporting their recovery journey and other complex assessments including ACE III, SMMSE, Mental State Exam, Sensory profiles, PADL, mobility/transfers, 72 hour follow-ups and formal reports.

On top of which I supervised one of our OTA’s, supported research and present evidence-based proposals for developments on the ward such as Pets as Therapy and Reminiscence rooms, as well as beginning to speak at Allied health professional conferences and support students as a part of my continual professional development, Masters and team skills.

I have actively taken part in training available through the trust, covering PSTS, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, ACE III, Safeguarding level 3, Supervision and Appraisal etc. In addition to which I have completed the Edward Jenner award.

St Lawrence CEO Junior Academy- Specialist 1:1 Teaching Assistant

October 2014 to December 2017

Within this role, I had the pleasure to work alongside two different children who had complex needs requiring specialist support. During this time I was required to work alongside health care professionals to provide therapeutic treatment as instructed, as well as grade and adapt lesson plans to enable maximum engagement and independence. Through specialist training, I used augmentative communication technology to assist one of the children, preparing and supporting Clicker 7 programmes for lessons on a daily basis.

 
Other interventions I provided included, pre-teaching, Read write inc, Sensory Circuits, Fizzy, teaching social skills, following speech and language/occupational therapy/physio treatment plans amongst many others.

Retail Assistant, Mountain Warehouse, Whitstable

August 2013 to October 2014

Support Worker, Night staff, Cleveland House, Broadstairs

September 2011 to August 2013

Within this role I worked alongside adults with learning disabilities and a range of comorbid conditions to support their personal goals, health needs, social inclusion and therapeutic treatments provided by health professionals.

Support Worker, RNID, Roper House, Canterbury

October 2010 to June 2011

I worked with RNID prior to their change of name to Action on Hearing loss, supporting in many additional roles, such as their preparation and implementation for the centenary celebrations, proposals for their activities and day centre, role as a key worker providing personalised reminiscence pieces, care plans and communication aids on top of my daily roles as a support worker such as medication rounds, insulin administration and blood checks, PEG feeds and supported meals

Support Worker, Night Staff, Cleveland House, Broadstairs,

September 2009 to September 2010