Job summary
Are you looking for a new opportunity? Are you a band 5 looking to progress into a band 6 role? Or a band 6 looking for a new challenge? Do you have an interest in working with people with learning disabilities? Do you value strong multidisciplinary, multiagency working? We have an exciting opportunity to join our service.
Due to promotions of the existing post holders, we are looking for two experienced occupational therapists to join our three borough occupational therapy team working with adults with learning disabilities.
The learning disability occupational therapy team consider the impact of a person's learning disability on their ability to perform activities of daily living, develop skills and engage in activities. Our focus is the occupational impact of the persons learning disability/
We have vacancies for band 6 occupational therapists in both the Lambeth and Southwark teams, where the new post holder will join an established occupational therapy team, who work closely with the wider multidisciplinary, multiagency team.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be a key member of the borough based team and will be required to:
- deliver an effective and efficient community based learning disability occupational therapy service to adults with learning disabilities living in the community within the borough of Lambeth/Southwark.
- take responsibility for an appropriate clinical caseload, working in partnership with people using the service and their carers / support network as appropriate.
- facilitate positive engagement, development of skills, maintenance of skills or adapting the environment to enable those using the service to live as independently as possible and lead balanced lives as valued members of their local community. This includes supporting people in their own homes and in other relevant community settings.
- promote the role of occupational therapy within the team and with wider agencies.
About us
In exchange for your professional skills, passion, commitment to the highest standards of client-centred care, we can offer you:
- A supportive working environment where clients come first.
- A strong team ethos of personal and professional development where we value sharing our knowledge & skills within the team.
- Opportunities to access both internal and external training in line with personal development plan
- Direct supervision, peer supervision, and regular appraisal.
The posts offer excellent opportunities to work jointly with other occupational therapists who specialise in Adults with Learning Disabilities as well as other members of a multi-disciplinary health team and other multi- agency colleagues.
Applications for part time hours will be considered.
The recruitment process is combined for both vacancies, so applicants only need to submit one application to be considered for both posts. If you have a preference as to which team you would like to work with please note that within your application form.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To provide client centred/client focused occupational therapy assessment and intervention to adults with learning disabilities living in the borough.
- To undertake comprehensive assessments of occupational therapy need to formulate individual goal plans to meet identified needs.
- To monitor, evaluate and modify interventions in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.
- To ensure that all interventions are communicated to the person with learning disabilities in an accessible format based on their assessed communication needs.
- To liaise with support workers, carers, families and other agencies to ensure the clear transfer of information and programmes, and to provide guidance and training regarding teaching methods and techniques.
- To effectively communicate with people with learning disabilities, using a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools e.g., Makaton signing, symbols, photographs, pictures and objects of reference.
- To be accountable for clinical decision-making pertaining to own caseload and to demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures.
- To adapt practice to meet individual circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences.
- To provide occupational therapy-based advice, teaching and training to other members of the multidisciplinary team, carers and other health/social care professionals.
- To have a sound knowledge of, and commitment to, the principles of the legislation and policy related to adults with learning disabilities.
- To be aware of indicators relating to adults at risk of abuse and harm (vulnerable adults) and the procedures for adults and children at risk of abuse, responding appropriately in situations where abuse is suspected.
- To work to agreed risk management strategies and remain aware of the additional risks pertinent to people with learning disabilities e.g. increased incidence of mental illness, increased incidence of physical illness, communication difficulties and presence of behaviours that may challenge services.
- To keep accurate, evaluative and contemporaneous confidential clinical records in accordance with service policy, RCOT, HCPC and employer guidelines. The post holder should also be cognisant of the communication of confidential information.
- To be able to participate in a wide range of meetings, taking responsibility for those on caseload, e.g. CPA, MDT, client reviews, clinical meetings.
- To represent community learning disability occupational therapy within multi-disciplinary team meetings and specific multi-disciplinary clinical service development forums as agreed and appropriate.
- To participate in supervisory relationships (both as supervisor and supervisee) to include a programme of regular clinical supervision and appraisal, using reflection and analysis to inform practice and identify development needs.
- To participate in research and development activities including audit and surveys as appropriate.
- To work to the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act.
- To initiate, participate and lead on occupational therapy service development, as appropriate, in liaison with the wider occupational therapy team.
- To contribute to the development of clinical and non-clinical policies and protocols for the community learning disability occupational therapy team that ensure that the specific needs of people with learning disabilities are met.
- To support and co-facilitate a rolling programme of training for paid and unpaid carers regarding engagement and skills teaching for adults with learning disabilities.
- To liaise with other health and social care professionals to ensure that the occupational needs of adults with learning disabilities are being met effectively.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To provide client centred/client focused occupational therapy assessment and intervention to adults with learning disabilities living in the borough.
- To undertake comprehensive assessments of occupational therapy need to formulate individual goal plans to meet identified needs.
- To monitor, evaluate and modify interventions in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.
- To ensure that all interventions are communicated to the person with learning disabilities in an accessible format based on their assessed communication needs.
- To liaise with support workers, carers, families and other agencies to ensure the clear transfer of information and programmes, and to provide guidance and training regarding teaching methods and techniques.
- To effectively communicate with people with learning disabilities, using a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools e.g., Makaton signing, symbols, photographs, pictures and objects of reference.
- To be accountable for clinical decision-making pertaining to own caseload and to demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures.
- To adapt practice to meet individual circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences.
- To provide occupational therapy-based advice, teaching and training to other members of the multidisciplinary team, carers and other health/social care professionals.
- To have a sound knowledge of, and commitment to, the principles of the legislation and policy related to adults with learning disabilities.
- To be aware of indicators relating to adults at risk of abuse and harm (vulnerable adults) and the procedures for adults and children at risk of abuse, responding appropriately in situations where abuse is suspected.
- To work to agreed risk management strategies and remain aware of the additional risks pertinent to people with learning disabilities e.g. increased incidence of mental illness, increased incidence of physical illness, communication difficulties and presence of behaviours that may challenge services.
- To keep accurate, evaluative and contemporaneous confidential clinical records in accordance with service policy, RCOT, HCPC and employer guidelines. The post holder should also be cognisant of the communication of confidential information.
- To be able to participate in a wide range of meetings, taking responsibility for those on caseload, e.g. CPA, MDT, client reviews, clinical meetings.
- To represent community learning disability occupational therapy within multi-disciplinary team meetings and specific multi-disciplinary clinical service development forums as agreed and appropriate.
- To participate in supervisory relationships (both as supervisor and supervisee) to include a programme of regular clinical supervision and appraisal, using reflection and analysis to inform practice and identify development needs.
- To participate in research and development activities including audit and surveys as appropriate.
- To work to the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act.
- To initiate, participate and lead on occupational therapy service development, as appropriate, in liaison with the wider occupational therapy team.
- To contribute to the development of clinical and non-clinical policies and protocols for the community learning disability occupational therapy team that ensure that the specific needs of people with learning disabilities are met.
- To support and co-facilitate a rolling programme of training for paid and unpaid carers regarding engagement and skills teaching for adults with learning disabilities.
- To liaise with other health and social care professionals to ensure that the occupational needs of adults with learning disabilities are being met effectively.
Person Specification
Professional/ Statutory Registration
Essential
- Registered with Health Professions Council (HCPC)
Desirable
- Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
- Membership of Royal College of Occupational Therapists - Specialist Section People with Learning Disabilities
Qualifications/ Education
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
Desirable
- Evidence of further study relevant to clinical speciality (e.g. AMPS trained)
- Undertaken some post graduate Sensory Integration training
Previous experience
Essential
- Minimum 2 years of post-qualification work as an occupational therapist
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of working with adults with learning disabilities
- Experience of working in the community
Desirable
- Experience of supervision of other occupational therapy staff/students
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of current legislation relating to adults with Learning Disabilities
Desirable
- Ability to create documents that are accessible to adults with learning disabilities
Skills/Ability
Essential
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to effectively utilise supervision: both as supervisor and supervisee
- Ability to reflect upon own performance
- Ability to work autonomously as well as effectively with team members and other agencies
- Ability to administer and interpret a range of standardised and non-standardised assessments
- Ability to make judgements involving complex issues/situations which require analyses and synthesis of a wide range of information
- Ability to adapt practice to meet individual needs
- Ability to use knowledge to contribute to policy and service development.
- Ability to develop and deliver training and training packages independently
- Ability to work collaboratively with team members and other agencies.
- Ability to represent occupational therapy service in MDT meetings and working parties
- Computer literate and confident in using a range of technology and applications
Desirable
- Ability to use broader technology e.g. digital cameras, video cameras, symbol packages and other accessible information software.
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel independently using own or public transport across the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham as required
Person Specification
Professional/ Statutory Registration
Essential
- Registered with Health Professions Council (HCPC)
Desirable
- Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
- Membership of Royal College of Occupational Therapists - Specialist Section People with Learning Disabilities
Qualifications/ Education
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
Desirable
- Evidence of further study relevant to clinical speciality (e.g. AMPS trained)
- Undertaken some post graduate Sensory Integration training
Previous experience
Essential
- Minimum 2 years of post-qualification work as an occupational therapist
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of working with adults with learning disabilities
- Experience of working in the community
Desirable
- Experience of supervision of other occupational therapy staff/students
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of current legislation relating to adults with Learning Disabilities
Desirable
- Ability to create documents that are accessible to adults with learning disabilities
Skills/Ability
Essential
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to effectively utilise supervision: both as supervisor and supervisee
- Ability to reflect upon own performance
- Ability to work autonomously as well as effectively with team members and other agencies
- Ability to administer and interpret a range of standardised and non-standardised assessments
- Ability to make judgements involving complex issues/situations which require analyses and synthesis of a wide range of information
- Ability to adapt practice to meet individual needs
- Ability to use knowledge to contribute to policy and service development.
- Ability to develop and deliver training and training packages independently
- Ability to work collaboratively with team members and other agencies.
- Ability to represent occupational therapy service in MDT meetings and working parties
- Computer literate and confident in using a range of technology and applications
Desirable
- Ability to use broader technology e.g. digital cameras, video cameras, symbol packages and other accessible information software.
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel independently using own or public transport across the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham as required
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).
