An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join the team on G1 Ward (specialist dementia unit), full-time (37.5 hours per week). We are supportive of flexible working patterns.
As a member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team you will undertake functional and occupational assessments, formulations and care planning and provide one to one and group interventions to achieve therapeutic goals which are appropriate to individuals needs. You will also provide supervision for the Band 5 Occupational Therapist and be involved in service related projects.
You will be provided with supervision from the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and supported with you continuing professional development.
To manage a defined caseload of service users, using evidence based, service user centred occupational therapy skills to assess, formulate, implement, and evaluate specialist interventions.
To provide effective guidance, supervision and leadership for junior staff, as delegated by the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist.
To regularly supervise Occupational Therapy students on practice placement.
To participate in the development and evaluation of Occupational Therapy Services within a designated team, under the supervision of the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist.
The Trust is a major employer and provider of services. We are committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of and meets the needs of the local community.
We oppose all forms of discrimination on legal and moral grounds and recognise that discrimination creates barriers to achieving equality for everyone.
The Trust is committed to making equality of opportunity and fair treatment a reality whereby an individual can seek, obtain and continue employment without unfair discrimination.
As an equal opportunities employer, we will ensure that all job applicants and employees receive fair and equal treatment and will not be disadvantaged by unjustified conditions or requirements.
The Trust’s Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work Policy underpins the Trust’s commitment to achieve equality and fairness at work and to ensure that individuals or groups are not unfairly discriminated against.
We are committed to improving our practice through signing up to initiatives such as Stonewall Champions, the Disability Standard/Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.
Domain
Duties/Responsibilities
Clinical
- To select and apply occupational therapy assessments for a designated caseload, addressing occupational performance and skill deficits, enabling the service user in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.
- To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of work.
- To undertake the OT assessment of service users using investigative and analytical skills to formulate individual treatment plans.
- To accept clinical responsibility under supervision for a designated caseload some with complex presentations prioritising need and taking on the role of co-ordinator where relevant.
- To plan and implement service user centred individual and group interventions, using clinical reasoning and a range of treatment interventions to achieve therapeutic goals.
- To monitor, evaluate and modify treatment for service users in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.
- To demonstrate an understanding of the effect of disability and recommend adaptations to the service user’s social and physical environment.
- To provide occupational therapy services in working conditions which may be hazardous e.g., exposure to body fluids, aggressive persons, visits to high-risk areas and associated travel risks.
- To assess capacity gain valid informed consent and work within a legal framework with service users who lack capacity to consent to treatment.
- To undertake therapeutic moving and handling of service users and equipment, utilising moderate physical effort within clinical and non clinical settings.
- To work with service users, carers and relatives who may have distressing social/clinical circumstances.
Communication
- To demonstrate effective communication skills with service users, carers, other health workers and agencies.
- To develop presentation skills in a variety of settings.
- To develop skills in communicating complex sensitive and contentious information to service users and carers as appropriate.
- To promote awareness of the role of Occupational Therapy within the team and locally.
Documentation
- To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional and trust standards.
Professional ethics
- To comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and national and local policies and procedures.
- To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of service users and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.
Leadership supervision & appraisal
- To review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.
- To undertake the supervision and appraisal of junior staff as delegated by a senior member of staff.
- To demonstrate basic leadership skills through involvement in designated projects.
- To support volunteers and Peer Support Work staff whilst on the ward.
- To deputise for the Clinical Lead OT as required.
Training staff & students
- To participate in the planning and implementation of the induction, training and education of students and other staff.
- To be regularly responsible for the supervision and written assessment of occupational therapy students on practice placement within the trust.
Service development & delivery
- To participate in the planning, evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the service area.
- To participate in the delivery of the occupational therapy/ AHP development plan.
Professional development
- To apply skills and knowledge to establish professional competence and fitness to practise as a senior occupational therapist.
- To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio.
Clinical governance, quality, standards
- To contribute to the trust and team’s clinical governance arrangements.
- To demonstrate understanding of national guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care in mental health service provision.
- To demonstrate an understanding of clinical governance and risk management and apply to the work situation.
Management
- To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
- To co-ordinate day-to-day activities of junior staff where applicable.
- To be actively involved in the collation of appropriate data and statistics as required.
- To deputise for the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist as required.
Research & practice development
- To demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate current research, apply to practice and disseminate findings at a local level.
- To broaden research and development skills through participation in local audit and research projects.
Person Specification
Knowledge and skills
Essential:
Knowledge of Occupational Therapy models of practice
Application of the Occupational Therapy process with designated service user group
Assessment and planning of therapy intervention
Group process skills
Computer literacy
Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance
Ability to work as part of a team
Effective written and oral communication skills
Ability to manage own workload and determine priorities.
Ability to work effectively under pressure
Knowledge of relevant National Service Frameworks and current Government Guidelines
Application of Health, Safety and Risk Management policies
Desirable:
Knowledge and application of standardised assessments
Knowledge of current best practice in Occupational Therapy for relevant area
Training skills
Supervisory skills
Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
Understanding of team dynamics
Ability to work with people from a variety of cultures
Knowledge of the principles of Clinical Governance
Training and qualifications
Essential
Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy
Practice Placement qualification within 12 months of appointment
Experience
Essential:
Documented evidence of continuing professional development
2 years post registration experience as an Occupational Therapist
Team working
Desirable:
Post registration experience in relevant clinical setting.
Experience of research and audit
Supervision of junior staff and/or students
Other
Essential:
State registration with HCPC
Commitment to service-user centred, non-discriminatory practice
Commitment to lifelong learning
Willingness and ability to work flexibly this may include work outside of normal working hours in accordance with service need
Desirable:
Membership of Professional Body
