Job summary
32 hours per week.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Occupational therapist to join the Community Learning Disability Team.
This is a team who is forward thinking and wants the best care for people with a learning disability.
The role purpose is to provide a community based specialist occupational therapy service to
adults with a learning disability in accordance with the principles set out in
Valuing People.
Referrals to learning disability occupational therapy team
are made when the primary reason for referral, relates to the effect of the
learning disability, upon the persons occupational performance and engagement.
The Occupational Therapy team liaise with colleagues in other health
services to ensure fair access to mainstream health services. The
occupational therapy team is part of a multi-disciplinary learning disability
team working across the city.
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.
Main duties of the job
To manage a caseload of clients with complex needs, including those with
complex distressed behaviour / dual diagnosis, using evidence based/client
centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions. This
will include lone working for long periods of time.
To be responsible for implementing occupational therapy intervention
through both individual and group therapy.
To work closely with other clinicians within the learning disabilities
team. Additionally with appropriate other persons within the
independent/voluntary sector. To be a point of contact and advice for
Occupational Therapy for adults with a Learning Disability.
To be responsible for the planning, development, evaluation and
maintenance of Occupational Therapy services within the Learning Disabilities
team/Livewell Southwest holding additional responsibility for defined projects.
To provide leadership for junior staff and occupational therapy students
through supervision and appraisal.
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
1
CLINICAL
1.1
To manage autonomously,
an individual caseload of clients with complex needs. This may include clients
with additional physical health needs, behaviours that challenge and mental
health needs.
1.2
To be
responsible for assessing, planning and implementing, monitoring and evaluating
client centred individual and/or group interventions using specialised occupational
therapy assessments and approaches, such as environmental and sensory assessments.
1.3
To develop
individual programmes of care working with the client, carers and other members
of the multi-disciplinary team.
1.4
To provide
advice to staff, clients and carers relating to clinical interventions, policy
and service development.
1.5
To actively
engage in the training of staff, families and carers.
1.6
To be
responsible for the supervision and written assessment of occupational therapy
students on practice placements within the organisation.
1.7
To contribute
to the recruitment, induction and training of other staff and students both
within or external to the organisation.
1.8
To provide supervision including practice, caseload,
line management and appraisals to junior staff as agreed with clinical lead.
1.9
To ensure that
contemporaneous, written and electronic records, specialist occupational
therapy reports and activity data are maintained in accordance with
professional and organisation standards.
1.10
To liaise and
communicate with clients, carers, other disciplines, professionals and other
agencies using appropriate and accessible methods.
1.11 To actively
promote awareness of the role of the occupational therapist within the team. To
liaise, plan, coordinate with and refer to other professional staff and
agencies as appropriate, to provide an integrated service to the client.
1.12 To actively
engage in line-management, clinical, professional and peer supervision both as
a supervisor and supervisee.
1.13 To assess and
order appropriate materials/equipment when necessary. Demonstrate and teach the
safe use of materials/equipment in an appropriate manner to clients and/or
carers. Maintain equipment
inventory and ensure equipment is used and stored inline with infection control
policies.
2ADMINISTRATION
2.1
To adhere to
all policies and standards of Livewell Southwest in general and of the learning
disabilities team in particular. To comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and
Professional Conduct and national policies and procedures.
2.2 To plan and
prioritise own workload in accordance with point 2.1.
2.3
To co-ordinate,
attend and contribute to clinical
meetings as appropriate including staff meetings.
2.4
To be
responsible for the planning and implementation of policy and service
development within the occupational therapy team, leading on delegated
projects.
2.5
To be
responsible for contributing to policy development in line with Government
directives including the setting and monitoring of practice standards.
2.6
To be aware of,
and adhere to, the correct procedures for ordering, maintaining and using
materials and equipment.
3SELF DEVELOPMENT
3.1
In line with
local guidelines review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective
use of clinical, professional, peer and line management supervision and
appraisal.
3.2
In line with
HCPC Standards of Proficiency, to demonstrate ongoing personal development
through participation in internal and external development opportunities,
reflecting and recording learning outcomes.
3.3
To undertake
research and/or audit projects relevant to occupational therapy and/or the
learning disability service and to disseminate findings.
3.4 To
broaden research and development skills through participation in local audit
and research projects.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1
CLINICAL
1.1
To manage autonomously,
an individual caseload of clients with complex needs. This may include clients
with additional physical health needs, behaviours that challenge and mental
health needs.
1.2
To be
responsible for assessing, planning and implementing, monitoring and evaluating
client centred individual and/or group interventions using specialised occupational
therapy assessments and approaches, such as environmental and sensory assessments.
1.3
To develop
individual programmes of care working with the client, carers and other members
of the multi-disciplinary team.
1.4
To provide
advice to staff, clients and carers relating to clinical interventions, policy
and service development.
1.5
To actively
engage in the training of staff, families and carers.
1.6
To be
responsible for the supervision and written assessment of occupational therapy
students on practice placements within the organisation.
1.7
To contribute
to the recruitment, induction and training of other staff and students both
within or external to the organisation.
1.8
To provide supervision including practice, caseload,
line management and appraisals to junior staff as agreed with clinical lead.
1.9
To ensure that
contemporaneous, written and electronic records, specialist occupational
therapy reports and activity data are maintained in accordance with
professional and organisation standards.
1.10
To liaise and
communicate with clients, carers, other disciplines, professionals and other
agencies using appropriate and accessible methods.
1.11 To actively
promote awareness of the role of the occupational therapist within the team. To
liaise, plan, coordinate with and refer to other professional staff and
agencies as appropriate, to provide an integrated service to the client.
1.12 To actively
engage in line-management, clinical, professional and peer supervision both as
a supervisor and supervisee.
1.13 To assess and
order appropriate materials/equipment when necessary. Demonstrate and teach the
safe use of materials/equipment in an appropriate manner to clients and/or
carers. Maintain equipment
inventory and ensure equipment is used and stored inline with infection control
policies.
2ADMINISTRATION
2.1
To adhere to
all policies and standards of Livewell Southwest in general and of the learning
disabilities team in particular. To comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and
Professional Conduct and national policies and procedures.
2.2 To plan and
prioritise own workload in accordance with point 2.1.
2.3
To co-ordinate,
attend and contribute to clinical
meetings as appropriate including staff meetings.
2.4
To be
responsible for the planning and implementation of policy and service
development within the occupational therapy team, leading on delegated
projects.
2.5
To be
responsible for contributing to policy development in line with Government
directives including the setting and monitoring of practice standards.
2.6
To be aware of,
and adhere to, the correct procedures for ordering, maintaining and using
materials and equipment.
3SELF DEVELOPMENT
3.1
In line with
local guidelines review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective
use of clinical, professional, peer and line management supervision and
appraisal.
3.2
In line with
HCPC Standards of Proficiency, to demonstrate ongoing personal development
through participation in internal and external development opportunities,
reflecting and recording learning outcomes.
3.3
To undertake
research and/or audit projects relevant to occupational therapy and/or the
learning disability service and to disseminate findings.
3.4 To
broaden research and development skills through participation in local audit
and research projects.
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of government law and policy with regards to services for people with Learning Disabilities including those with complex needs (Mental Health Act; Mental Capacity Act; Safeguarding).
- Knowledge of a range of therapeutic approaches and assessments applicable to people with a learning disability and underlying causes of distressed behaviour.
- Knowledge and understanding of risk assessments.
Desirable
- Evidence of specialist knowledge, e.g.
- Model of Human Occupation
- Specialist Occupational Therapy Assessments and interventions
- Knowledge and training in Breakaway techniques
- Specialist Knowledge of government law and policy with regards to services for people with Learning Disabilities including those with complex needs (Mental Health Act; Mental Capacity Act; Safeguarding).
- Understanding of group processes /dynamics.
- Undertaking risk assessments.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Good organisational, leadership and motivational skills.
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to communicate complex information well both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to communicate sensitive information to clients and carers with reassurance.
- Ability to adapt information into an accessible format.
- Analytical and problem solving skills.
- Ability to work alone and on own initiative working within the Occupational Therapy code of practice and professional guidelines, seeking guidance when necessary.
- Ability to frequently travel independently and in a timely manner between Livewell Southwest sites and community locations including areas not served by public transport.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to build effective working relationships.
- Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
- Adaptable, flexible and innovative.
- Good concentration.
- Ability to work under pressure in unpleasant and unpredictable environments when necessary.
- Commitment to person centred, non-discriminating practice.
- Ability to maintain HCPC registration including compliance with fitness to practices, including ability to recognise and manage stressful and demanding situations.
Desirable
- Experience of using Total Communication Principles i.e Pictures, symbols, Makaton etc.
- Involvement in service development.
- Experience of audit procedures.
- Presentation and training skills.
- Membership of Professional Body and/or Specialist Interest Group
- Excellent assessment skills, including undertaking an holistic and/or eligibility assessment of a persons needs to inform decision making by the MDT.
- Ability to provide case management for people who are health funded, where identified appropriate.
- Using an SBARD format to summarise written information to share with MDT.
- Experienced in using Total Communication Principles i.e. Pictures, symbols, Makaton etc.
- Multi-media skills
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
- Valid registration with the HCPC
- Evidence of on-going training/ development in the theory and practice of Occupational Therapy.
Desirable
- Postgraduate training in theory and application of Sensory Integration
- Formal training in Sensory Processing
- Other post graduate training relevant to post.
- Food Hygiene certificate.
Experience
Essential
- Relevant & significant post graduate experience.
- Experience of working with adults with complex needs.
- Experience of working within a community setting.
- Experience of working as an autonomous practitioner managing a caseload and working within identified priorities.
- Documented evidence of continuing professional development.
- Experience and understanding the different types of supervision.
- Experience of using a range of computer applications (including Microsoft or equivalent) and recording systems.
- Experience of change management, understanding the need and supporting changes within practice etc...
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with dementia, autism, mental health issues, behaviours that challenge and physical disabilities.
- Planning and implementing groups.
- Practice Educator training.
- Experienced in using patient recording systems, incident recording systems and Microsoft applications or equivalent.
- Experience of providing supervision to junior staff and students. Experience of providing clinical supervision.
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of government law and policy with regards to services for people with Learning Disabilities including those with complex needs (Mental Health Act; Mental Capacity Act; Safeguarding).
- Knowledge of a range of therapeutic approaches and assessments applicable to people with a learning disability and underlying causes of distressed behaviour.
- Knowledge and understanding of risk assessments.
Desirable
- Evidence of specialist knowledge, e.g.
- Model of Human Occupation
- Specialist Occupational Therapy Assessments and interventions
- Knowledge and training in Breakaway techniques
- Specialist Knowledge of government law and policy with regards to services for people with Learning Disabilities including those with complex needs (Mental Health Act; Mental Capacity Act; Safeguarding).
- Understanding of group processes /dynamics.
- Undertaking risk assessments.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Good organisational, leadership and motivational skills.
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to communicate complex information well both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to communicate sensitive information to clients and carers with reassurance.
- Ability to adapt information into an accessible format.
- Analytical and problem solving skills.
- Ability to work alone and on own initiative working within the Occupational Therapy code of practice and professional guidelines, seeking guidance when necessary.
- Ability to frequently travel independently and in a timely manner between Livewell Southwest sites and community locations including areas not served by public transport.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to build effective working relationships.
- Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
- Adaptable, flexible and innovative.
- Good concentration.
- Ability to work under pressure in unpleasant and unpredictable environments when necessary.
- Commitment to person centred, non-discriminating practice.
- Ability to maintain HCPC registration including compliance with fitness to practices, including ability to recognise and manage stressful and demanding situations.
Desirable
- Experience of using Total Communication Principles i.e Pictures, symbols, Makaton etc.
- Involvement in service development.
- Experience of audit procedures.
- Presentation and training skills.
- Membership of Professional Body and/or Specialist Interest Group
- Excellent assessment skills, including undertaking an holistic and/or eligibility assessment of a persons needs to inform decision making by the MDT.
- Ability to provide case management for people who are health funded, where identified appropriate.
- Using an SBARD format to summarise written information to share with MDT.
- Experienced in using Total Communication Principles i.e. Pictures, symbols, Makaton etc.
- Multi-media skills
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
- Valid registration with the HCPC
- Evidence of on-going training/ development in the theory and practice of Occupational Therapy.
Desirable
- Postgraduate training in theory and application of Sensory Integration
- Formal training in Sensory Processing
- Other post graduate training relevant to post.
- Food Hygiene certificate.
Experience
Essential
- Relevant & significant post graduate experience.
- Experience of working with adults with complex needs.
- Experience of working within a community setting.
- Experience of working as an autonomous practitioner managing a caseload and working within identified priorities.
- Documented evidence of continuing professional development.
- Experience and understanding the different types of supervision.
- Experience of using a range of computer applications (including Microsoft or equivalent) and recording systems.
- Experience of change management, understanding the need and supporting changes within practice etc...
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with dementia, autism, mental health issues, behaviours that challenge and physical disabilities.
- Planning and implementing groups.
- Practice Educator training.
- Experienced in using patient recording systems, incident recording systems and Microsoft applications or equivalent.
- Experience of providing supervision to junior staff and students. Experience of providing clinical supervision.
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).
