Job summary
The Plymouth Dementia
Pathway are looking to recruit a Senior Occupational Therapist for 22.5
hours per week on a 6-month fixed term contract.
The Plymouth
Dementia Pathway provides a specialist service for adults living in Plymouth
who present with progressive memory decline and difficulties associated with
this and everyday activities. The aim of the service is to comprehensively
assess, diagnose, and provide post diagnostic follow up and treatment. It supports
people with dementia, their carers and family through their dementia journey.
Main duties of the job
Within the Dementia Pathway, the Occupational Therapy team is a secondary service, providing specialist assessment, treatment, and enablement to service users at any stage of their journey from early investigations, diagnosis, to those with more advanced and complex needs. This is provided through individual community assessments as well as therapeutic group work. The outcome of our intervention is to promote engagement, optimum functioning / independence with an individuals daily life and to promote safety and positive well-being levels.
The post holder will be based at Mount Gould Hospital and running groups onsite and completing patient assessments in their own homes across the city of Plymouth.
In line with Livewell Southwest Hybrid Working policy, the post holder may also be required to work remotely on occasion.
This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility.
Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity.
All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.
About us
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social
enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across
Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of
Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports
centres, and health hubs.
As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values,kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and
collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while
empowering staff and those we serve.
We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in
shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right
time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead
healthy, independent lives.
We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training
pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care
Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship
programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.
Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all
sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental
health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the
application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Summary
of Job Description:
As
an Occupational Therapist within this service, you will be expected to be
involved with the following areas:
Be responsible
for leading and implementing occupational therapy services; including both
individual and group activities and treatments in accordance with identified
needs, in the community. This will include developing additional, specialist
therapeutic interventions and opportunities in line with service need.
Promote
non-pharmacological treatments for people with dementia and mild cognitive
impairment. Reinstate and promote the value placed on improving social and
cognitive function. Reduce social isolation and improve patients sense of
well-being. The post holder will be expected to complete outcome measures based
on therapeutic treatments with a view to collate data to evidence the patient
experience and benefit to the carer / family.
The post holder
is to support the wider pathway in achieving MSNAP accreditation by expanding
therapy services to meet these criteria. This will include maintenance Cognitive
Stimulation Therapy (CST), which will include art / creative therapies and
reminiscence.
The post holder
will need to work within Dementia NICE guidelines to offer a range of
activities to promote well-being that are tailored to the patients
preferences.
The post holder
will be required to offer cognitive rehabilitation to patients with a diagnosis
of mild cognitive impairment including memory strategies and delivering the Memory
Strategy Group (MSG) with the psychology team.
The post holder
will be required to lead Cognitive Stimulation Therapy group sessions to
patients given a dementia diagnosis as part of the treatment pathway within the
service with our OTA.
The post holder
will need to also manage a small caseload of patients, using evidence-based
principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions. Providing a community-based
specialist occupational therapy service for older adults with a mild cognitive
impairment or diagnosis of dementia. There may also be an additional history of
a mental illness, a dual diagnosis, complex physical health needs and possible
related social engagement issues.
Work
collaboratively with key partner organisations, including the voluntary sector,
people with dementia, carers, clinicians, and other practitioners within a
multi-disciplinary team in delivering services.
Assess risk and
respond in an appropriate and timely manner alongside formulation of risk
management plans and monitoring the effectiveness of any treatment plan.
Actively
participate in the planning, development, evaluation, and maintenance of
occupational therapy services within Livewell Southwest as a whole,
participating where appropriate in emerging projects, research, and audits.
To work with
the Band 6 OT Assessment Lead for the Dementia Pathway, drawing on evidence-based
interventions and ensuring support staff are guided in developing their skills
and knowledge within the Dementia Pathway
The post holder
will be responsible for managing a Band 3 OT Assistant and volunteer.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Summary
of Job Description:
As
an Occupational Therapist within this service, you will be expected to be
involved with the following areas:
Be responsible
for leading and implementing occupational therapy services; including both
individual and group activities and treatments in accordance with identified
needs, in the community. This will include developing additional, specialist
therapeutic interventions and opportunities in line with service need.
Promote
non-pharmacological treatments for people with dementia and mild cognitive
impairment. Reinstate and promote the value placed on improving social and
cognitive function. Reduce social isolation and improve patients sense of
well-being. The post holder will be expected to complete outcome measures based
on therapeutic treatments with a view to collate data to evidence the patient
experience and benefit to the carer / family.
The post holder
is to support the wider pathway in achieving MSNAP accreditation by expanding
therapy services to meet these criteria. This will include maintenance Cognitive
Stimulation Therapy (CST), which will include art / creative therapies and
reminiscence.
The post holder
will need to work within Dementia NICE guidelines to offer a range of
activities to promote well-being that are tailored to the patients
preferences.
The post holder
will be required to offer cognitive rehabilitation to patients with a diagnosis
of mild cognitive impairment including memory strategies and delivering the Memory
Strategy Group (MSG) with the psychology team.
The post holder
will be required to lead Cognitive Stimulation Therapy group sessions to
patients given a dementia diagnosis as part of the treatment pathway within the
service with our OTA.
The post holder
will need to also manage a small caseload of patients, using evidence-based
principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions. Providing a community-based
specialist occupational therapy service for older adults with a mild cognitive
impairment or diagnosis of dementia. There may also be an additional history of
a mental illness, a dual diagnosis, complex physical health needs and possible
related social engagement issues.
Work
collaboratively with key partner organisations, including the voluntary sector,
people with dementia, carers, clinicians, and other practitioners within a
multi-disciplinary team in delivering services.
Assess risk and
respond in an appropriate and timely manner alongside formulation of risk
management plans and monitoring the effectiveness of any treatment plan.
Actively
participate in the planning, development, evaluation, and maintenance of
occupational therapy services within Livewell Southwest as a whole,
participating where appropriate in emerging projects, research, and audits.
To work with
the Band 6 OT Assessment Lead for the Dementia Pathway, drawing on evidence-based
interventions and ensuring support staff are guided in developing their skills
and knowledge within the Dementia Pathway
The post holder
will be responsible for managing a Band 3 OT Assistant and volunteer.
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- Undertaking clinical assessments / information gathering
- Able to build constructive relationships with warmth and empathy using excellent communication skills.
- Demonstrate values of being open, compassionate, and empowering.
- Ability to organise and prioritise workloads.
- Ability to manage waiting lists.
- Ability and confidence lead groups.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Ability to manage and hold difficult situations and cope with stress.
- Able to provide supervision & support to junior staff & students.
- Committed and open to innovative ideas and experiences
- Good administration and IT skills
- Driving; an up-to-date UK Driving Licence - Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act will be taken into account for the successful applicant.
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge or experience in the delivery of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy or the completion of relevant training courses.
- Experience of running groups with dementia patients.
- Experience in developing Occupational Therapy group programmes.
- OT process and philosophy
- Knowledge of Dementia types, assessment, and diagnosis process
- Knowledge of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia
- Able to demonstrate person-centred, creative problem-solving approaches working with people with dementia and their carers.
- Knowledge of therapeutic techniques - non pharmacological interventions
- Knowledge of the Mental Health Act,
- Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberties Safeguards. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children Principles
Desirable
- Knowledge of standardised OT assessments for older adults/dementia
- National Dementia Strategy
- NICE Guidelines appropriate to service
- Care Act and service provisions for people with dementia and their carers.
- Advocates including IMCA/IMHA
- CPA including integrated care planning.
- Pharmacological interventions in Dementia
- Dementia friendly environments
Experience
Essential
- Experience as an OT in Older Adult Mental Health
- Experience of working with people with dementia
- Undertaking comprehensive, evidence-based assessments, information gathering
- Group work
- Assessing risk and positive risk management
- Managing referrals, transfers, and discharges
- Multi-disciplinary work
Desirable
- Cognitive assessment and Mood Tools
- Managing/ supervising other staff
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Occupational Therapist
- Evidence of Continued Professional Development
- Maths and English GCSE Grades 4 and above or equivalent
Desirable
- Evidence of further learning and development specifically in the area of Dementia
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- Undertaking clinical assessments / information gathering
- Able to build constructive relationships with warmth and empathy using excellent communication skills.
- Demonstrate values of being open, compassionate, and empowering.
- Ability to organise and prioritise workloads.
- Ability to manage waiting lists.
- Ability and confidence lead groups.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Ability to manage and hold difficult situations and cope with stress.
- Able to provide supervision & support to junior staff & students.
- Committed and open to innovative ideas and experiences
- Good administration and IT skills
- Driving; an up-to-date UK Driving Licence - Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act will be taken into account for the successful applicant.
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge or experience in the delivery of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy or the completion of relevant training courses.
- Experience of running groups with dementia patients.
- Experience in developing Occupational Therapy group programmes.
- OT process and philosophy
- Knowledge of Dementia types, assessment, and diagnosis process
- Knowledge of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia
- Able to demonstrate person-centred, creative problem-solving approaches working with people with dementia and their carers.
- Knowledge of therapeutic techniques - non pharmacological interventions
- Knowledge of the Mental Health Act,
- Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberties Safeguards. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children Principles
Desirable
- Knowledge of standardised OT assessments for older adults/dementia
- National Dementia Strategy
- NICE Guidelines appropriate to service
- Care Act and service provisions for people with dementia and their carers.
- Advocates including IMCA/IMHA
- CPA including integrated care planning.
- Pharmacological interventions in Dementia
- Dementia friendly environments
Experience
Essential
- Experience as an OT in Older Adult Mental Health
- Experience of working with people with dementia
- Undertaking comprehensive, evidence-based assessments, information gathering
- Group work
- Assessing risk and positive risk management
- Managing referrals, transfers, and discharges
- Multi-disciplinary work
Desirable
- Cognitive assessment and Mood Tools
- Managing/ supervising other staff
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Occupational Therapist
- Evidence of Continued Professional Development
- Maths and English GCSE Grades 4 and above or equivalent
Desirable
- Evidence of further learning and development specifically in the area of Dementia
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
