NHS Band 4 job interview "written assessment" test?

pinksprout

I have an interview for a Band 4 Occupational Therapy Assistant/Technician post and have been advised that this will involve a written assessment test. Can anyone take an educated guess at what this might entail? I work for a different NHS trust at the moment but I didn't have to take a test for my current post.
Thank you and a prosperous New Year to everyone

pinksprout

Can anyone help please?

ohreally

You do realise the OT assistant and the technician are distinct and separate roles so not sure why they are appearing together.

In terms of the written test, I have no idea, however the first place i would look to draw an informed opinion would be the KSF outline for the post, looking at the foundation gateway first as this will be your starting point.

killerpeaty

Hi, though I don't know about this particular test I can tell you in general what these tests have been like for me.

1. Communication test, where you are given an information pack which you must read and pick out the relevant information in a limited time.
2. Specific area competency, where you have to write a series of answers or a short essay in a limited time, this is aimed to showcase your skills.
3. (this is my favourite and best at one) the maths test, where you have to get the answer correct, simple as!

I expect you're more likely to have the first two rather than the first?
But there could well be a whole new one for you, I'm not knowledgeable about the NHS processes. Good luck regardless!

jillymit

I would assume it will be just written questions about how you might deal with certain situations such as a complaint or query to see if you are aware of and will be able to work within your scope of practice.

I have known Assistants to be known as Assistants, Technicians, Tech 4s and Technical Instructors which is all pretty irrelevant really as long as you don't call yourself an Assistant OT and they pay you as a band 4.
Although as a 'Technician' band 4 you will be expected to have more knowledge, maybe a speciality and more responsibly than other support workers they (the powers that be) still class the role as 'under supervision' of the qualified OTs (at our trust at least, even if you are a lone worker out in a community setting!)
They like to know that you are able to act independently and deal with any issues that may arise but know when to pass it up to a senior colleague.
Answers such as 'If I felt unable to deal with ...........I would reassure the patient (or service user) as best I could and seek advice from a senior colleague until I have gained sufficient experience in the role' Always goes down well :rotfl:

As you have got as far as the interview stage I assume you have all they are looking for and more than likely work in a similar role already.
A willingness to learn, being pretty flexible and fitting in (being likeable) are of course very important but I believe the interviews are supposed to be done on a points bases so getting key words in may be important.
Service user/ patient
Risk assessment
Enable
Independence
Confidentiality
Consent
Data protection
Documentation/ notes
You know the kind of thing
On the other hand I may have got it completely wrong and it could just be a simple written check you can actually manage written English.
I have heard a few horror stories about new staff applying online (with help from others), sailing through interviews and being offered jobs only to find out that they are unable to manage it.:eek:
HTH, good luck!

pinksprout

ohreally wrote: »

You do realise the OT assistant and the technician are distinct and separate roles so not sure why they are appearing together.

I'm not sure either ohreally! On the NHS job website the Job Title says "OT Technician" and the job description says "Occupational Therapy Technician 2 / OT Assistant. We are looking for an enthusiastic and well organised Occupational Therapy Assistant with a particular interest in ..."


Thank you all for replying. The advice and suggestions offered are extremely helpful and I am grateful for the time you have taken to reply.

jillymit your tips are very useful indeed, thanks. I don't work in OT at the moment, nor even in a support worker type role, so I am surprised (and encouraged) to have been invited for interview. Thank you again for your help.

help_me_pls_2

Hi pinksprout,

I recently also got invited for an interview for a similar position with the NHS. I was wondering if you remember anything about the "written test" was it more along the lines of English and maths test or scenario type of test? Any help would be much appreciated.

pinksprout

Hi, I can't remember the exact question, but the test was a scenario type question roughly along the lines of "You are attending an assessment appointment for Mrs Smith who has recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and is experiencing pain and restricted mobility in her hands. Describe what you would do at the appointment and what measures you would take to help her." or something similar.

Good luck at the interview.

help_me_pls_2

Thank you so much for your help! I was getting really nervous because I didn't know what to expect. Thanks again!