Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Senior Occupational Therapist

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking for the next B6 Senior Occupational Therapist on the Acute Rotation at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth. The role will provide you an opportunity to develop both your clinical and leadership skills within different clinical specialities. Be part of a range of teams who case-hold patients with complex needs to provide rehabilitation in an acute setting and are a key component of helping patients move back into the community. Come and join the therapy department of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech & Language Therapists.

Do you love working clinically, problem-solving for complex patients and being an integral part of the MDT? Are you keen to impart your knowledge as well as continue learning in the therapy teams your will be part of and the wider MDT? Are you passionate about service development projects, striving for the best possible experience for your patients? If yes, then this might be the job for you.

You will be supported by highly skilled clinical specialist staff on each rotation. You will have regular supervision from a named supervisor and will participate in regular therapy and OT in-service training as well as having access to external courses. This post is fantastic in meeting your learning needs and truly cementing a love of Occupational Therapy in the acute setting.

Main duties of the job

To participate in all rotations as required by the post
To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner. To deliver integrated care between Physio and OT
To supervise and provide clinical support Occupational therapists, OT Assistants, Technicians, Associate Practitioners and Undergraduate students.
Rotations are 12 months in duration
Will be required to work a 7 day working pattern to support weekend working

About us

Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Date posted

18 March 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£35,392 to £42,618 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

REF572I

Job locations

Southwick Hill Road

Cosham

PO6 3LY

Job description

Job responsibilities

Professional/Clinical

To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work, including the management of patients in your care.
To undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients including those with diverse or complex to formulate and deliver an individual occupational therapy treatment programme.
Recommend best course of intervention, developing comprehensive care plans in conjunction with the patient and the multi-professional team.
Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes as required to meet the patients needs
Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients who lack the capacity to consent to treatment.
To carry out PT mobility assessment and interventions to B4 level once competent to do so to provide transdisciplinary care between Physio & OT.
To plan and co-ordinate rehabilitation programmes delivered by other healthcare support workers
Manage clinical risk within own patient case load.
Sound knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment options.
To keep accurate, legible records of patient care in line with service guidelines
Work effectively with those patients whose first language is not English and take into consideration diversity issues in particular differing cultural awareness.
Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating. For example, patients may be dysphasic, depressed, deaf, and blind or who may be unable to accept diagnosis.
Work within trust clinical guidelines, HCPC standards and Royal College of Occupational Therapy guidelines, and to have a good working knowledge of national and local standards and monitor own and others quality of practice as appropriate.
A 7 day working pattern, including shift patterns, weekend working and TOIL will be adhered to.

Management and Leadership

Responsibility for ensuring that:

Staff are managed and standards of work are maintained and Trust policies for the management of staff performance are adhered to.
Appraisals of staff directly managed are undertaken and that the appraisal process is maintained throughout the team.
Staff receive appropriate health and safety and other mandatory training as prescribed and that relevant records are maintained.
Other records are maintained by the team ensuring compliance with the agreed record keeping systems of the Trust.
Informed consent is obtained where appropriate and documented in accordance with Trust procedures.
Appropriate risk and other assessments are completed and documented in a timely manner in accordance with Trust policy.
Defective equipment is reported and made safe without delay in accordance with Trust procedures
Equipment is maintained in accordance with Trust policy.
To be responsible for the safe and competent use of all equipment/aids/appliances used by patients; ensure that junior staff/assistants attain competency prior to use.
Infection prevention and control procedures are followed by all staff within their area of responsibility
All staff follow Trust clinical governance requirements
Prioritise and plan the daily management of a caseload of patients including responding to urgent referrals and occasionally unpredictable work patterns.
Be responsible for the supervision and co-ordination of junior staff, therapy support staff and students on a daily basis.
To supervise OT undergraduates as a placement supervisor as required by the Trust
Represent Occupational Therapy and / or individual patients at the multi-disciplinary team meetings, to ensure the delivery of a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary approach. This will include discussion of patient progress and involvement in discharge and transfer of care planning.
To be able to manage potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an empathic manner including.
To be involved in the proposal/development and implementation of departmental policies and the annual business plan.
To maintain and provide accurate and timely statistical information as required in consultation with senior staff.
To participate in the Trust appraisal scheme as an appraisee and appraiser
To ensure that all complaints are reported to your line manager and Senior Clinical Lead immediately to ensure that appropriate action may be taken in line with Trust Policy.

Administrative/Communication

To liaise with members of the therapy team as necessary with regard to patient care
To communicate effectively with other agencies /disciplines across the care setting to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to care.
To be able to communicate complex and sensitive information to patients, carers and other staff including imparting unwelcome news.
To ensure timely and effective communication with the Team Leader and other senior staff on all professional matters.
To maintain an accurate record keeping system in line with HCPC standards, RCOT standards and local guidelines.
To attend any ward rounds, meetings, case conferences as appropriate in order to ensure appropriate and timely management of patients through to discharge.
To attend and be an active participant in specialty, peer group and departmental staff meetings

Education

To be responsible for the supervision and training of students on clinical placement and assistant/technicians within the clinical area.
To be responsible for, and actively record your own personal development.
To keep abreast of all new developments which includes attending relevant study days and visits to specialist units in consultation with the physiotherapy team.
Organise and implement training sessions when required in the relevant department
To disseminate knowledge to physiotherapy staff through in-service training and be available for training other healthcare professionals as required.
To participate in the in-service and post registration education programme.
To be proactive with regard to learning from senior staff within the therapy service.

Research and Audit

To participate in appropriate work related audit, research/evaluation projects and to be aware of current research relevant to the specialty.
To undertake and present relevant evidence based project in each rotation if required.
In line with the Trusts commitment to Clinical Governance, to participate in clinical audit and evaluate your own clinical effectiveness.

Effort

Carry out assessments and treatments with moderate physical effort on a daily basis for patients presenting with a range of clinical presentations relevant to the specific B6 role.
To comply with the Trust Manual Handling Policy and local therapeutic handling guidance at all times. This job may require frequent handling of patients with significant mobility problems and can involve the use of hoists, wheelchairs and other mobility and manual handling equipment; it also involves regular fitting of equipment.
To deal sensitively with patients who may have high levels of anxiety and aggression caused by pain, dementia or limited mobility.
The job involves frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions on a regular (daily basis) e.g. bodily fluids including sputum, vomit, urine, and occasional exposure to verbal and physical aggression.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Professional/Clinical

To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work, including the management of patients in your care.
To undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients including those with diverse or complex to formulate and deliver an individual occupational therapy treatment programme.
Recommend best course of intervention, developing comprehensive care plans in conjunction with the patient and the multi-professional team.
Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes as required to meet the patients needs
Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients who lack the capacity to consent to treatment.
To carry out PT mobility assessment and interventions to B4 level once competent to do so to provide transdisciplinary care between Physio & OT.
To plan and co-ordinate rehabilitation programmes delivered by other healthcare support workers
Manage clinical risk within own patient case load.
Sound knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment options.
To keep accurate, legible records of patient care in line with service guidelines
Work effectively with those patients whose first language is not English and take into consideration diversity issues in particular differing cultural awareness.
Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating. For example, patients may be dysphasic, depressed, deaf, and blind or who may be unable to accept diagnosis.
Work within trust clinical guidelines, HCPC standards and Royal College of Occupational Therapy guidelines, and to have a good working knowledge of national and local standards and monitor own and others quality of practice as appropriate.
A 7 day working pattern, including shift patterns, weekend working and TOIL will be adhered to.

Management and Leadership

Responsibility for ensuring that:

Staff are managed and standards of work are maintained and Trust policies for the management of staff performance are adhered to.
Appraisals of staff directly managed are undertaken and that the appraisal process is maintained throughout the team.
Staff receive appropriate health and safety and other mandatory training as prescribed and that relevant records are maintained.
Other records are maintained by the team ensuring compliance with the agreed record keeping systems of the Trust.
Informed consent is obtained where appropriate and documented in accordance with Trust procedures.
Appropriate risk and other assessments are completed and documented in a timely manner in accordance with Trust policy.
Defective equipment is reported and made safe without delay in accordance with Trust procedures
Equipment is maintained in accordance with Trust policy.
To be responsible for the safe and competent use of all equipment/aids/appliances used by patients; ensure that junior staff/assistants attain competency prior to use.
Infection prevention and control procedures are followed by all staff within their area of responsibility
All staff follow Trust clinical governance requirements
Prioritise and plan the daily management of a caseload of patients including responding to urgent referrals and occasionally unpredictable work patterns.
Be responsible for the supervision and co-ordination of junior staff, therapy support staff and students on a daily basis.
To supervise OT undergraduates as a placement supervisor as required by the Trust
Represent Occupational Therapy and / or individual patients at the multi-disciplinary team meetings, to ensure the delivery of a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary approach. This will include discussion of patient progress and involvement in discharge and transfer of care planning.
To be able to manage potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an empathic manner including.
To be involved in the proposal/development and implementation of departmental policies and the annual business plan.
To maintain and provide accurate and timely statistical information as required in consultation with senior staff.
To participate in the Trust appraisal scheme as an appraisee and appraiser
To ensure that all complaints are reported to your line manager and Senior Clinical Lead immediately to ensure that appropriate action may be taken in line with Trust Policy.

Administrative/Communication

To liaise with members of the therapy team as necessary with regard to patient care
To communicate effectively with other agencies /disciplines across the care setting to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to care.
To be able to communicate complex and sensitive information to patients, carers and other staff including imparting unwelcome news.
To ensure timely and effective communication with the Team Leader and other senior staff on all professional matters.
To maintain an accurate record keeping system in line with HCPC standards, RCOT standards and local guidelines.
To attend any ward rounds, meetings, case conferences as appropriate in order to ensure appropriate and timely management of patients through to discharge.
To attend and be an active participant in specialty, peer group and departmental staff meetings

Education

To be responsible for the supervision and training of students on clinical placement and assistant/technicians within the clinical area.
To be responsible for, and actively record your own personal development.
To keep abreast of all new developments which includes attending relevant study days and visits to specialist units in consultation with the physiotherapy team.
Organise and implement training sessions when required in the relevant department
To disseminate knowledge to physiotherapy staff through in-service training and be available for training other healthcare professionals as required.
To participate in the in-service and post registration education programme.
To be proactive with regard to learning from senior staff within the therapy service.

Research and Audit

To participate in appropriate work related audit, research/evaluation projects and to be aware of current research relevant to the specialty.
To undertake and present relevant evidence based project in each rotation if required.
In line with the Trusts commitment to Clinical Governance, to participate in clinical audit and evaluate your own clinical effectiveness.

Effort

Carry out assessments and treatments with moderate physical effort on a daily basis for patients presenting with a range of clinical presentations relevant to the specific B6 role.
To comply with the Trust Manual Handling Policy and local therapeutic handling guidance at all times. This job may require frequent handling of patients with significant mobility problems and can involve the use of hoists, wheelchairs and other mobility and manual handling equipment; it also involves regular fitting of equipment.
To deal sensitively with patients who may have high levels of anxiety and aggression caused by pain, dementia or limited mobility.
The job involves frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions on a regular (daily basis) e.g. bodily fluids including sputum, vomit, urine, and occasional exposure to verbal and physical aggression.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent, eg Occupational Therapy Diploma
Health and Care Professions Council Registration

Desirable

Post registration training within specialist area of care
Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapy
Practice Placement Qualification

Experience

Essential

Experience of discharge planning and of working with external agencies
Experience of working with service users and their families
Documented evidence of CPD

Desirable

Leading groups
Supervising students
Undertaking literature reviews and research
18 month to 2 years of post qualification experience

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Broad based clinical occupational therapy skills consistent with those expected at B6 level
Supervisory skills
Effective written and oral communication including ability to engage service users including those with communication, sensory and behavioural impairments
Ability to plan, review and evaluate therapy treatment plans
Ability to risk assess and clinically reason decisions
Ability to delegate
Ability to set own priorities
Ability to reflect and critically analyse own performance
Ability to build effective working relationships
Computer literacy
Presentation skills/training skills
Commitment to lifelong learning
Able to work flexibly and manage pressure of work
Ability to lone work
Knowledge and application of Therapy assessments and interventions including outcome measures within specialist area of care
Sound knowledge of evidence based occupational therapy practice
Knowledge of relevant legislation and some aspects of current practice/ risk Assessment
Basic knowledge of audit/research methods
Knowledge of clinical governance framework
Knowledge of Health/Safety issues
Knowledge of professional/ethical issues in practice
Competency to carry out B4 level Physiotherapy assessment and intervention competencies to support the delivery transdisciplinary (integrated) care between Physio and OT (please note training will be given for this during your first placement with PHU)
Driving license and access to a car to travel between sites and community settings

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent, eg Occupational Therapy Diploma
Health and Care Professions Council Registration

Desirable

Post registration training within specialist area of care
Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapy
Practice Placement Qualification

Experience

Essential

Experience of discharge planning and of working with external agencies
Experience of working with service users and their families
Documented evidence of CPD

Desirable

Leading groups
Supervising students
Undertaking literature reviews and research
18 month to 2 years of post qualification experience

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Broad based clinical occupational therapy skills consistent with those expected at B6 level
Supervisory skills
Effective written and oral communication including ability to engage service users including those with communication, sensory and behavioural impairments
Ability to plan, review and evaluate therapy treatment plans
Ability to risk assess and clinically reason decisions
Ability to delegate
Ability to set own priorities
Ability to reflect and critically analyse own performance
Ability to build effective working relationships
Computer literacy
Presentation skills/training skills
Commitment to lifelong learning
Able to work flexibly and manage pressure of work
Ability to lone work
Knowledge and application of Therapy assessments and interventions including outcome measures within specialist area of care
Sound knowledge of evidence based occupational therapy practice
Knowledge of relevant legislation and some aspects of current practice/ risk Assessment
Basic knowledge of audit/research methods
Knowledge of clinical governance framework
Knowledge of Health/Safety issues
Knowledge of professional/ethical issues in practice
Competency to carry out B4 level Physiotherapy assessment and intervention competencies to support the delivery transdisciplinary (integrated) care between Physio and OT (please note training will be given for this during your first placement with PHU)
Driving license and access to a car to travel between sites and community settings

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).