Job summary
An exciting opportunity has come up for a Band 7 Occupational Therapist to join our AHP team. This is a full-time post which will be split between neonates and acute paediatric services. The neonatal caseload includes working in a level 3 neonatal surgical unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and at a level 1 unit at West Middlesex Hospital. The post holder will be working closely with the Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist and wider MDT team to provide specialist neonatal and paediatric occupational therapy services and work collaboratively with families and the wider MDT. You will be joining a dynamic, embedded team with exciting opportunities for joint working, education and training.
Main duties of the job
To establish and develop the role of occupational therapy on the in-patient paediatric wards on both sites
To provide expert assessment, diagnosis and intervention for infants and children on the units and timely appropriate onward referrals
To establish teaching for the multidisciplinary team on specialist areas of knowledge and to promote the role of the occupational therapist within neonatal and paediatric services
To work autonomously as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team providing a holistic service to the infant and their family/carers.
To work alongside wider MDT colleagues to promote the roles of AHPs in neonates and paediatrics
To work with MDT colleagues in driving developmental care and early intervention
To engage with clinical supervision and professional support delivered from outside of the Trust
To use evidence based principles/current best practice and specialist skills to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions
To participate in service development projects, particularly those that highlight the impact of a strong AHP workforce within the neonatal unit
To provide teaching for more junior staff on the neonatal unit and within the therapy teams on the occupational therapy role in neonatal care
To collect and analyse data to evaluate the impact of the post and provide recommendations for future service planning
About us
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.
We are committed to equal opportunities and believe that diversity drives innovation and excellence. As part of our dedication to equity, we actively welcome applications from individuals from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that diverse teams bring and are committed to creating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered to succeed.
If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.
Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Clinical
- To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of professional practice, including the management of patients in your care. To uphold the standards set by HCPC and RCOT. To have a good working knowledge of national and local standards and monitor own and others quality of practice as appropriate
- To support the delivery of the clinical service with the neonatal and paediatric services according to service demands and deliver a high quality service
- To identify and prioritise infants/children on the neonatal unit and paediatrics for clinical caseload and carry out highly specialised individualised assessments and interventions
- To use standardised screening tools and outcome measures specific for the neonatal and paediatric population
- To identify infants and children at risk of neurodevelopmental problems, work with families/carers and other MDT to provide appropriate early intervention and ensure onward timely referrals as appropriate
- To use evidence based and a family centred approach to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions
- To work with families/carers to identify goals and monitor, evaluate and modify treatment to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention
- To prescribe and provide individual patient equipment such as developmental equipment or splinting, seeking support as needed
- To keep up to date with new developments and changing trends in neonatal and paediatric occupational therapy
- To develop new working practices and local guidelines and keep abreast of new techniques in relation to the management of the patients in this speciality particularly in line with any national guidance
- To lead on production of appropriate clinical guidelines and local policies ensuring evidence-based, implemented and audited
- To provide guidance and advice to other professions involved in the provision of neonatal and paediatric services and to patients and families/carers
- To provide comprehensive written records of assessment and treatment according to the Trusts standards, including providing a high standard report/discharge summary as indicated.
- To be aware of boundaries of own scope of practice and to effectively manage associated clinical risk at all times
2. PROFESSIONAL
- To comply with the occupational therapy codes of professional conduct at all times
- To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of professional activities
- To participate in the appraisal system using Trust documentation
- To participate in professional and clinical supervision provided by external peers, including any network peer supervision groups. To actively seek support as required
- To build strong working relationships with the neonatal MDT, promoting the role of the occupational therapist both on the neonatal units, paediatric units and in follow-up clinics
- To deliver teaching in education & training sessions for teams including students as required
- To be responsible for own personal professional development and keep abreast of new clinical practice in the area of neonates. To support and oversee any junior staff with CPD
- To have key responsibility for clinical teaching and development of peers, medical colleagues and other health professionals within neonates, to include community based colleagues and those based in other trusts
- To understand and apply clinical governance and clinical risk management principles to the service. To effectively manage, alongside the MDT, any associated clinical risk
- To support the MDT and ensure safe practice at all times
- To initiate and carry out audits or QI projects, particularly those that promote the role of occupational therapy on the neonatal units and paediatric services
- To ensure dissemination of current research developments, evidence-based practice, and best-practice guidelines as appropriate at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and other staff within the North West London network
3. ORGANISATIONAL
To be responsible for establishing an efficient and effective occupational therapy service on the units by demonstrating good working relationships, networking, education of the role, good leadership, communication and prioritisation skills
To manage and prioritise own workload by appropriately balancing clinical and other demands to ensure all service needs are met
To effectively plan, implement and manage the occupational therapy strategy on the neonatal units and paediatric services
To formulate flexible strategies for clinical education and service development within clinical specialty
To use excellent prioritisation and time management skills to meet potential unpredictable and conflicting needs of the service
To work closely with the MDT to ensure success of the occupational therapy role on the units
To maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in line with departmental, professional and legal standards
To be aware of and implement all organisational, departmental and trust policies and to be involved in updating any as appropriate
To ensure timely communication of assessment and treatment findings to other involved disciplines such as discharge and referral letters
4. COMMUNICATION
- To persuade, motivate and explain through advanced communication skills, utilising verbal and non-verbal skills and using written and electronic information where necessary
- To promote the role of OT within the team, negotiating priorities where appropriate and influencing key stakeholders to invest in neonatal and paediatric therapies
- To demonstrate expert ability to communicate complex and sensitive information to parents, carers and other staff, where there may be barriers to effective communication
- To maintain good communication and liaison between all staff and MDT members regarding service provision and development and to promote a strong working relationship at all times
- To support and guide more junior staff in effective communication with parents/carers and the MDT, particularly with complex and/or sensitive information
- To be able to diffuse potentially hostile and antagonistic situations with staff, patients and relatives, using highly developed negotiation and interpersonal skills
- To develop strong links, good communication and liaison between all staff and people involved in patient care, student education, research and policy development as appropriate and to promote good working relationships at all times, including colleagues based in other trusts
5. RESEARCH and AUDIT
- To use specialist knowledge of current evidence to drive clinical audit to support long term investment in occupational therapy
- To identify areas of need and develop clinical guidance within the OT scope of practice
- To keep abreast of evidence based practice in neonatal care and paediatric occupational therapy as relevant to specialty by sourcing appropriate CPD such as external supervision, journals, engagement in peer supervision and external courses
6. EFFORT
To carry out assessment and treatment using manual and therapeutic handling techniques which may require moderate to high physical effort and concentration frequently during each working day
To comply with the trust health and safety policies including manual handling and infection control at all times
To work in an environment where the work patterns may be disrupted by frequent demands from patients, clinical staff and any emergency situations arising
To deal sensitively with distressing or emotional circumstances regarding patient care
To support staff when indicated in the management of challenging patients, families or situations.
To deal sensitively with patients and families who have a high level of anxiety or aggression due to, for example, fear or unrealistic expectations
To work in an environment that may include frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions.
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and their manager.
All duties must be carried out under supervision or within trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Clinical
- To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of professional practice, including the management of patients in your care. To uphold the standards set by HCPC and RCOT. To have a good working knowledge of national and local standards and monitor own and others quality of practice as appropriate
- To support the delivery of the clinical service with the neonatal and paediatric services according to service demands and deliver a high quality service
- To identify and prioritise infants/children on the neonatal unit and paediatrics for clinical caseload and carry out highly specialised individualised assessments and interventions
- To use standardised screening tools and outcome measures specific for the neonatal and paediatric population
- To identify infants and children at risk of neurodevelopmental problems, work with families/carers and other MDT to provide appropriate early intervention and ensure onward timely referrals as appropriate
- To use evidence based and a family centred approach to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions
- To work with families/carers to identify goals and monitor, evaluate and modify treatment to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention
- To prescribe and provide individual patient equipment such as developmental equipment or splinting, seeking support as needed
- To keep up to date with new developments and changing trends in neonatal and paediatric occupational therapy
- To develop new working practices and local guidelines and keep abreast of new techniques in relation to the management of the patients in this speciality particularly in line with any national guidance
- To lead on production of appropriate clinical guidelines and local policies ensuring evidence-based, implemented and audited
- To provide guidance and advice to other professions involved in the provision of neonatal and paediatric services and to patients and families/carers
- To provide comprehensive written records of assessment and treatment according to the Trusts standards, including providing a high standard report/discharge summary as indicated.
- To be aware of boundaries of own scope of practice and to effectively manage associated clinical risk at all times
2. PROFESSIONAL
- To comply with the occupational therapy codes of professional conduct at all times
- To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of professional activities
- To participate in the appraisal system using Trust documentation
- To participate in professional and clinical supervision provided by external peers, including any network peer supervision groups. To actively seek support as required
- To build strong working relationships with the neonatal MDT, promoting the role of the occupational therapist both on the neonatal units, paediatric units and in follow-up clinics
- To deliver teaching in education & training sessions for teams including students as required
- To be responsible for own personal professional development and keep abreast of new clinical practice in the area of neonates. To support and oversee any junior staff with CPD
- To have key responsibility for clinical teaching and development of peers, medical colleagues and other health professionals within neonates, to include community based colleagues and those based in other trusts
- To understand and apply clinical governance and clinical risk management principles to the service. To effectively manage, alongside the MDT, any associated clinical risk
- To support the MDT and ensure safe practice at all times
- To initiate and carry out audits or QI projects, particularly those that promote the role of occupational therapy on the neonatal units and paediatric services
- To ensure dissemination of current research developments, evidence-based practice, and best-practice guidelines as appropriate at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and other staff within the North West London network
3. ORGANISATIONAL
To be responsible for establishing an efficient and effective occupational therapy service on the units by demonstrating good working relationships, networking, education of the role, good leadership, communication and prioritisation skills
To manage and prioritise own workload by appropriately balancing clinical and other demands to ensure all service needs are met
To effectively plan, implement and manage the occupational therapy strategy on the neonatal units and paediatric services
To formulate flexible strategies for clinical education and service development within clinical specialty
To use excellent prioritisation and time management skills to meet potential unpredictable and conflicting needs of the service
To work closely with the MDT to ensure success of the occupational therapy role on the units
To maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in line with departmental, professional and legal standards
To be aware of and implement all organisational, departmental and trust policies and to be involved in updating any as appropriate
To ensure timely communication of assessment and treatment findings to other involved disciplines such as discharge and referral letters
4. COMMUNICATION
- To persuade, motivate and explain through advanced communication skills, utilising verbal and non-verbal skills and using written and electronic information where necessary
- To promote the role of OT within the team, negotiating priorities where appropriate and influencing key stakeholders to invest in neonatal and paediatric therapies
- To demonstrate expert ability to communicate complex and sensitive information to parents, carers and other staff, where there may be barriers to effective communication
- To maintain good communication and liaison between all staff and MDT members regarding service provision and development and to promote a strong working relationship at all times
- To support and guide more junior staff in effective communication with parents/carers and the MDT, particularly with complex and/or sensitive information
- To be able to diffuse potentially hostile and antagonistic situations with staff, patients and relatives, using highly developed negotiation and interpersonal skills
- To develop strong links, good communication and liaison between all staff and people involved in patient care, student education, research and policy development as appropriate and to promote good working relationships at all times, including colleagues based in other trusts
5. RESEARCH and AUDIT
- To use specialist knowledge of current evidence to drive clinical audit to support long term investment in occupational therapy
- To identify areas of need and develop clinical guidance within the OT scope of practice
- To keep abreast of evidence based practice in neonatal care and paediatric occupational therapy as relevant to specialty by sourcing appropriate CPD such as external supervision, journals, engagement in peer supervision and external courses
6. EFFORT
To carry out assessment and treatment using manual and therapeutic handling techniques which may require moderate to high physical effort and concentration frequently during each working day
To comply with the trust health and safety policies including manual handling and infection control at all times
To work in an environment where the work patterns may be disrupted by frequent demands from patients, clinical staff and any emergency situations arising
To deal sensitively with distressing or emotional circumstances regarding patient care
To support staff when indicated in the management of challenging patients, families or situations.
To deal sensitively with patients and families who have a high level of anxiety or aggression due to, for example, fear or unrealistic expectations
To work in an environment that may include frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions.
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and their manager.
All duties must be carried out under supervision or within trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- 0 - does not have any; 1 - up to 50% items present ; 2 - 50 to 100% items present
Desirable
- 0 - does not have any; 1 - up to 50% items present ; 2 - 50 to 100% items present
Trust values
Essential
- 0 if no mention, 1 if mentions without examples, 2 if relevant examples with own experience
Desirable
- 0 if no mention, 1 if mentions without examples, 2 if relevant examples with own experience
Experience
Essential
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
Desirable
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
Skills and knowledge
Essential
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
Desirable
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
Personal qualities
Essential
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
Desirable
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- 0 - does not have any; 1 - up to 50% items present ; 2 - 50 to 100% items present
Desirable
- 0 - does not have any; 1 - up to 50% items present ; 2 - 50 to 100% items present
Trust values
Essential
- 0 if no mention, 1 if mentions without examples, 2 if relevant examples with own experience
Desirable
- 0 if no mention, 1 if mentions without examples, 2 if relevant examples with own experience
Experience
Essential
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
Desirable
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
Skills and knowledge
Essential
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
Desirable
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
Personal qualities
Essential
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
Desirable
- 0 - none; 1 - up to 50% items present; 2 - 50-100% items present
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).