Occupational Therapist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical:

1. Prioritise the daily management of own caseload, delegating as appropriate.
2. Ensure the patient is aware of the role and philosophy of Occupational Therapy.
3. To use a selection of both standardised and non-standardised assessments to assist and aid diagnosis of cognitive, sensory, perceptual, behavioural, physical, psychosocial and social functioning.
4. To assess and prescribe aids. Make recommendations for minor and major adaptations to increase/enable/compensate for independent function, teaching compensatory techniques as required.
5. To assess seating and positioning needs and treat as appropriate including assessment for and prescription of standard wheelchairs and accessories.
6. To identify the need for splinting and positioning to prevent and manage deformity and improve function for the upper limb.
7. Plan and review treatment programmes in close liaison with the multi disciplinary team, patients carers and family in accordance with consent given.
8. To record and report regularly on patients progress and treatment to the multi disciplinary team or supervising OT.
9. To plan, organise and lead formal and informal treatments and health education groups for both patients and carers.
10. Education of patients and carers regarding the impact of cognitive, perceptual and physical deficits on patient safety and independence in the hospital and home, leisure and workplace. To impart sensitive information and advice to patients and carers.
11. To provide an opportunity for patients and carers to express their feelings.
12. To attend and participate in case conferences and ward meetings appropriate to the clinical setting.
13. Discharge planning and co-ordination.
14. To carry out environmental home assessments, pre discharge home assessments, discharge home visits and follow up. The assessment involves reviewing ergonomic layout of the property to maximise patient functional ability.
15. To carry out assessments with patient's within their own home. Assess, where appropriate, a patient's ability to complete functional tasks within the home. To assess for potential risks for patients/relatives/carers. Be able to accurately document/communicate the outcome of a home assessment.
16. Ensure good communication with statutory/voluntary bodies to establish a comprehensive package to ensure continuation of care.
17. Refer to follow up services.
18. To provide written communication with other agencies to support the need for services/equipment.
19. To be responsible for utilising the goal planning process and outcome measures used in the clinical area.
20. To use a range of verbal and non verbal communication methods with patients, who may have difficulty in understanding or communicating.
21. To maintain competence in the use of manual handling techniques and equipment including the prescriptions of manual handling equipment for use in the home, demonstrating the use to carers.

Departmental and Administrative:

1. To maintain an up to date record of all patient contact, whilst ensuring confidentiality at all times in line with Professional and Trust policies and procedures.
2. To take an active role in audit, research and interdisciplinary development.

Professional:

1. To apply acquired skills and knowledge of professional practice in order to develop fitness to practice as an Occupational Therapist.
2. To take responsibility for ensuring own personal and professional development and statutory training demonstrating the ability to apply increasingly complex skills/knowledge.
3. To attend and contribute to staff meetings and attend relevant professional meetings and courses as agreed with Occupational Therapy Lead and Supervising Therapist.
4. To review and reflect on own practice through effective use of professional and clinical supervision in line with Trust policies and procedures.
5. To participate in providing instruction, learning opportunities, work experience and training staff and students from other units/disciplines.
6. To participate in the planning, evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within your area.
7. Maintain high professional standards at all times as laid down in the Royal College of Occupational Therapy/Health Professional Council Code of conduct
8. To comply with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, HCPC Standards of Practice for Occupational Therapy, policies and procedures.
9. To demonstrate leadership skills through the management of designated projects.
10. To demonstrate understanding and application of professional, local and national guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care provision.

Note:This job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may be reviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job description is to be read in conjunction with all current Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust policies, procedures & guidelines.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• To have demonstrable experience within a large clinical setting
• To have an understanding of OT assessments and treatments for relevant conditions

Desirable

• To have demonstrable experience of managing own caseload

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy
• HCPC registration

Desirable

• Full driving licence

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

• To have good time management skills
• To have an understanding of confidentiality

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Derriford

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)