Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Band 7 Chronic Pain Occupational Therapist

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Job summary

This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship.

All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.

Band 7 Chronic Pain Outpatient Occupational Therapist

15 hours per week

The Chronic Pain Service is a multidisciplinary service based at Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford with outpatient clinics, MDT meetings and Education Groups at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup.

Main duties of the job

Work as the Lead Occupational Therapist (OT) for the Chronic Pain service to provide highly specialist outpatient care.

Provide Occupational Therapy triaging service in collaboration with Chronic Pain Service multidisciplinary team, and as autonomous practitioner.

Provide comprehensive and specialised Chronic Pain OT service, including assessments, interventions and advice for patients and relatives, using evidence based client-centred principles to maximise patient recovery and function.

Within the speciality of the assessment and treatment of chronic pain deliver group based and individual, diagnosis and speciality specific education sessions as necessary and/or planned, using all available platforms.

To work as a member of the chronic pain MDT and hold weekly clinics and programmes of group education sessions, as organised, at Queen Marys Hospital, Sidcup.

To take a lead in promoting the role of Occupational Therapy within the chronic pain specialist inter-professional team ensuring good communication exists at all times.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all of our staff are double vaccinated against COVID-19, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Date posted

15 June 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£45,753 to £52,067 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

252-5376611

Job locations

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA

Job description

Job responsibilities

To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work, including the management of patients. To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under your management, and support OT staff to do likewise.

To interpret and analyse clinical and non-clinical facts to form accurate diagnosis and prognoses in a wide range of highly complex conditions, to recommend and implement the best course of intervention, and to develop comprehensive rehabilitation goals and care plans.

To deliver as necessary or as planned, group based and individual education sessions differentiating appropriately dependent on diagnosis, speciality and patient needs, using all available and appropriate platforms and means of communication.

To work as a senior specialist clinical practitioner OT holding responsibility for own OT case load and be responsible for defined areas of the service and particular patient type, working with out supervision. Supervision takes the form of regular formal training and clinical reasoning sessions, 1:1 supervision, peer review, caseconferences. Clinical work is not routinely evaluated.

To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner

To represent the Trust externally regarding the Chronic Pain Occupational Therapy Outpatient services provided to patients as delegated by the Head of Occupational Therapy or Head of Therapies.

To undertake the comprehensive assessment of patients, including those with diverse and complex presentations/multi-pathologies; using investigative and analytical skills, and to formulate individualised management and treatment plans, using advanced clinical reasoning, and utilising a wide range or treatment skills and options to formulate a specialised programme of care.

Formulate and deliver an individual Occupational Therapy treatment programme based on a sound knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment options using clinical assessment, reasoning skills and knowledge of treatment skills e.g. Occupational Therapy treatment techniques, cognitive assessment, patient education individual and group, exercise classes and other alternative options.

Formulate accurate prognoses and recommend best course of intervention, developing comprehensive discharge plans.

To fabricate complex static/dynamic splints, adhering to splinting principles of design and construction, which require fine manipulation of tools and materials and a high level of dexterity.

To accept clinical responsibility for designated caseloads of patients, and to organise them effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time.

To provide assessment and reports on patients where litigation is pending or where reports are required, guided by departmental and RCOT and HCPC standards of practice.

Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication and digital platforms 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.

Develop specialist programes of care. Continually monitor and evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes as required.

Provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, carers and other professionals, to promote understanding of the aims of Occupational Therapy, and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.

Manage clinical risk within the scope of the responsibilities of the role.

Work within Trust clinical guidelines and RCOT and Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) guidelines and to have a good working knowledge of national and local standards and monitor own and others quality of practice as appropriate.

To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient treatment records in line with Trust Documentation policy, HCPC and Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT) standards of practice for documentation.

To supervise occupational therapists, occupational therapy students andapprentices documented record keeping according to OT service, HCPC and RCOT professional standards.

To be responsible for the safe and competent use of all occupational therapy equipment, appliances and assist junior staff, assistants and apprentices in attaining competency prior to use.

Carry out assessments and treatments of chronic pain; musculo-skeletal and other medical conditions which will require moderate physical effort on a daily basis.

To comply with the Trust Manual Handling Policy and local therapeutic handling guidance at all times.

To deal sensitively with patients who have high levels of anxiety and aggression caused by pain, dementia or limited mobility.

The job involves exposure to unpleasant working conditions on an occasional basis,e.g. bodily fluids including sputum, vomit, urine, fleas and lice and occasional exposure to verbal and physical aggression. It also requires working in a stressful environment on a daily basis.