Job summary
This band 7 role is the joint team lead therapy position for our integrated medicine team alongside a band 7 physiotherapist. Together you will be responsible for the therapies intervention across 6 wards and the management of 11 staff members.
You will provide a high quality expert Occupational Therapy to a specialist caseload of medical and neurology patients which consists of patients on our acute medical wards (including cardiology and respiratory) as well as having oversight of patients within the hospital with a neurological diagnosis. You will require advanced clinical reasoning, critical thinking, reflection and the ability to analyse to support assessments.
You will be supported with induction, probation and yearly appraisals and be responsible for the maintenance and development of own continuing professional development identifying and contributing to the evidence base of occupational therapy.
You will educate occupational therapy students on practice placements and support the management of the occupational therapy service as required by the deputy therapy manager and therapy manager.
This is a full time position, including working at weekends when rostered.
Main duties of the job
To be responsible for providing individual and client centred assessments to medicine & neurology managing the most complex cases addressing occupational performance skills, patterns, context or contexts and activity demands in collaboration with patients and carers.
To undertake occupational therapy specialist multi-needs assessments using complex and advanced clinical reasoning demonstrating critical thinking, reflection and analysis to develop individual and group goal and task oriented treatment plans.
To act as a source of clinical expertise and advice providing clinical leadership within the medical team and provide a resource for other teams in regards to neurology.
To develop collaborative treatment plans with patents, carers and colleagues in the hospital and if necessary in the patients home environment, demonstrating ethical clinical reasoning and problem solving techniques to determine agreed outcomes across health and social care.
To maintain high professional standards, continuously promoting and developing quality improvements appropriate to the needs of the occupational therapy service and profession.
To be responsible for clinical and managerial caseload management ensuring clinical governance, quality assurance and occupational therapy professional standards are met.
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
- To be responsible for providing individual and client centred assessments to medicine & neurology managing the most complex cases addressing occupational performance skills, patterns, context or contexts and activity demands in collaboration with patients and carers.
- To undertake occupational therapy specialist multi-needs assessments using complex and advanced clinical reasoning demonstrating critical thinking, reflection and analysis to develop individual and group goal and task oriented treatment plans.
- To carry out specialist complex physical and functional assessments and treatments using dexterity, co-ordination, manual and sensory skills to facilitate and promote functional independence.
- Prepare and disseminate reports and data including highly sensitive information regarding clinical examination and prognostic indicators for functional performance to vulnerable patient groups.
- To act as a source of clinical expertise and advice providing clinical leadership within the medical team and provide a resource for other teams in regards to neurology.
- To develop collaborative treatment plans with patents, carers and colleagues in the hospital and if necessary in the patient’s home environment, demonstrating ethical clinical reasoning and problem solving techniques to determine agreed outcomes across health and social care.
- To maintain high professional standards, continuously promoting and developing quality improvements appropriate to the needs of the occupational therapy service and profession.
- To be responsible for clinical and managerial caseload management ensuring clinical governance, quality assurance and occupational therapy professional standards are met.
- To undertake complex risk assessments and to advise others in determining appropriate management specifically relating to moving and handling, safe use of equipment, pre-discharge access assessments and home assessments ensuring safety during occupational therapy interventions both in hospital and the patient’s home.
- To understand and apply National Guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care in occupational therapy practice.
- To take a lead in developing and implementing clinical training programmes and in- service training for occupational therapy staff and other professionals.
- Be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your work, ensuring a high standard of care for your patients and support more junior staff to do likewise. This includes the use of autonomy to work within the scope of practice and treat patients within general professional guidelines and standards as determined by the Royal College of Occupational Therapy and any other appropriate source.
Managerial
- To operationally lead and manage designated occupational therapy staff within the medical team, providing effective guidance, supervision and performance management including the education and management of students on practice placements.
- To comply with relevant legislation such as Health and Safety, Medical Devices and Data Protection Act in particular relation to provision of hoists, related accessories and manual handling equipment.
- To contribute to the Trust’s, Directorates and Teams Clinical Governance and Quality assurance programmes, setting and monitoring practice standards within the occupational therapy service and in liaison with interdisciplinary colleagues.
- To inform the occupational therapy service of changes in clinical practice which may influence occupational therapy service delivery, business planning and strategic reviews to support the delivery of the annual occupational therapy plan, meeting agreed objectives.
- To ensure accurate and up to date records of all professional judgements, decisions taken, related statistical information are kept and reported in accordance with occupational therapy policies.
- To participate as required in the recruitment selection and induction of junior occupational therapy staff.
- To participate in the operational planning and implementation of policy and service development within occupational therapy, medicine & neurology leading on delegated projects.
Communication
- To articulate and work to the value base and principles which underpin occupational therapy practice representing the unique role of occupational therapy in relation to interdisciplinary working.
- To use effective interpersonal skills to communicate complex and sometimes unwelcome news regarding prognosis where agreement and co-operation is required and where there are barriers to understanding such as vulnerable and at risk patients.
- Utilise formal and informal reporting mechanisms including electronic reporting to ensure effective communication across health and social care.
- Use effective interpersonal skills to encourage patients and carers active participation in the occupational therapy process.
- Use verbal and non-verbal communication to receive and disseminate complex clinical information in all therapeutic, educational programmes and professional contexts acknowledging sensitivity and utilising approaches appropriate to the complexity of the context or culture.
- Maintain confidentiality consistent with Trust and Service policies.
- Act as an advocate on behalf of patients and carers by adopting a client centred approach to support meaningful participation in life roles.
- To maintain and develop professional communication links across health and social care including representation at multidisciplinary collaborative forums and networks.
- To utilise advanced communication skills acting as a prime educator of other professionals including Doctors, nurses, qualified and unqualified AHP’s and students on own area of clinical expertise and on the role and scope of occupational therapy.
Professional Development
- To maintain professional status and competence at a senior level taking responsibility for keeping own knowledge and skills up to date by engaging in and directing continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
- To actively participate in internal and external post registration education programmes.
- Use supervision monitoring and performance development plans to promote clinical and personal effectiveness of self and others.
- Share expert acquired clinical knowledge and skills with colleagues and peers both at a local and national level.
Research Audit and Quality
- To commit to evidence based practice by undertaking and contributing to audit projects and research opportunities relevant to occupational therapy within the critical care & neurology service
- To participate in Therapies research and activities to develop research knowledge and skills base.
- To lead and develop designated occupational therapy service audits reporting findings and actions at local and directorate levels.
Physical Demand of the Job
- The post holder will engage in physical assessments of patients on a frequent basis
- Use manual handling techniques and equipment, and mobility aids on a regular basis
- Fit, adjust and safely use a range of equipment and tools for a variety of therapeutic activities
- Working across different wards/clinical areas on a day to day basis
Most Challenging Parts of the Job
- Working with patients and carers in distressing circumstances, facing life changing conditions
- Helping to ensure timely, cohesive and appropriate clinical and functional care planning is done by the whole MDT
- Supporting staff dealing with this particular client group
- Working in a fast-paced high-pressure environment
- Coping with working with multiple internal and external professionals and agencies on a regular basis
Systems and Equipment
- IT skills required to use various computer systems necessary for duties of the post including equipment ordering systems
- Use of electronic Patient records
- Use of equipment for patients
- Appropriate use of personal protective equipment
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 the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
- To be responsible for providing individual and client centred assessments to medicine & neurology managing the most complex cases addressing occupational performance skills, patterns, context or contexts and activity demands in collaboration with patients and carers.
- To undertake occupational therapy specialist multi-needs assessments using complex and advanced clinical reasoning demonstrating critical thinking, reflection and analysis to develop individual and group goal and task oriented treatment plans.
- To carry out specialist complex physical and functional assessments and treatments using dexterity, co-ordination, manual and sensory skills to facilitate and promote functional independence.
- Prepare and disseminate reports and data including highly sensitive information regarding clinical examination and prognostic indicators for functional performance to vulnerable patient groups.
- To act as a source of clinical expertise and advice providing clinical leadership within the medical team and provide a resource for other teams in regards to neurology.
- To develop collaborative treatment plans with patents, carers and colleagues in the hospital and if necessary in the patient’s home environment, demonstrating ethical clinical reasoning and problem solving techniques to determine agreed outcomes across health and social care.
- To maintain high professional standards, continuously promoting and developing quality improvements appropriate to the needs of the occupational therapy service and profession.
- To be responsible for clinical and managerial caseload management ensuring clinical governance, quality assurance and occupational therapy professional standards are met.
- To undertake complex risk assessments and to advise others in determining appropriate management specifically relating to moving and handling, safe use of equipment, pre-discharge access assessments and home assessments ensuring safety during occupational therapy interventions both in hospital and the patient’s home.
- To understand and apply National Guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care in occupational therapy practice.
- To take a lead in developing and implementing clinical training programmes and in- service training for occupational therapy staff and other professionals.
- Be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your work, ensuring a high standard of care for your patients and support more junior staff to do likewise. This includes the use of autonomy to work within the scope of practice and treat patients within general professional guidelines and standards as determined by the Royal College of Occupational Therapy and any other appropriate source.
Managerial
- To operationally lead and manage designated occupational therapy staff within the medical team, providing effective guidance, supervision and performance management including the education and management of students on practice placements.
- To comply with relevant legislation such as Health and Safety, Medical Devices and Data Protection Act in particular relation to provision of hoists, related accessories and manual handling equipment.
- To contribute to the Trust’s, Directorates and Teams Clinical Governance and Quality assurance programmes, setting and monitoring practice standards within the occupational therapy service and in liaison with interdisciplinary colleagues.
- To inform the occupational therapy service of changes in clinical practice which may influence occupational therapy service delivery, business planning and strategic reviews to support the delivery of the annual occupational therapy plan, meeting agreed objectives.
- To ensure accurate and up to date records of all professional judgements, decisions taken, related statistical information are kept and reported in accordance with occupational therapy policies.
- To participate as required in the recruitment selection and induction of junior occupational therapy staff.
- To participate in the operational planning and implementation of policy and service development within occupational therapy, medicine & neurology leading on delegated projects.
Communication
- To articulate and work to the value base and principles which underpin occupational therapy practice representing the unique role of occupational therapy in relation to interdisciplinary working.
- To use effective interpersonal skills to communicate complex and sometimes unwelcome news regarding prognosis where agreement and co-operation is required and where there are barriers to understanding such as vulnerable and at risk patients.
- Utilise formal and informal reporting mechanisms including electronic reporting to ensure effective communication across health and social care.
- Use effective interpersonal skills to encourage patients and carers active participation in the occupational therapy process.
- Use verbal and non-verbal communication to receive and disseminate complex clinical information in all therapeutic, educational programmes and professional contexts acknowledging sensitivity and utilising approaches appropriate to the complexity of the context or culture.
- Maintain confidentiality consistent with Trust and Service policies.
- Act as an advocate on behalf of patients and carers by adopting a client centred approach to support meaningful participation in life roles.
- To maintain and develop professional communication links across health and social care including representation at multidisciplinary collaborative forums and networks.
- To utilise advanced communication skills acting as a prime educator of other professionals including Doctors, nurses, qualified and unqualified AHP’s and students on own area of clinical expertise and on the role and scope of occupational therapy.
Professional Development
- To maintain professional status and competence at a senior level taking responsibility for keeping own knowledge and skills up to date by engaging in and directing continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
- To actively participate in internal and external post registration education programmes.
- Use supervision monitoring and performance development plans to promote clinical and personal effectiveness of self and others.
- Share expert acquired clinical knowledge and skills with colleagues and peers both at a local and national level.
Research Audit and Quality
- To commit to evidence based practice by undertaking and contributing to audit projects and research opportunities relevant to occupational therapy within the critical care & neurology service
- To participate in Therapies research and activities to develop research knowledge and skills base.
- To lead and develop designated occupational therapy service audits reporting findings and actions at local and directorate levels.
Physical Demand of the Job
- The post holder will engage in physical assessments of patients on a frequent basis
- Use manual handling techniques and equipment, and mobility aids on a regular basis
- Fit, adjust and safely use a range of equipment and tools for a variety of therapeutic activities
- Working across different wards/clinical areas on a day to day basis
Most Challenging Parts of the Job
- Working with patients and carers in distressing circumstances, facing life changing conditions
- Helping to ensure timely, cohesive and appropriate clinical and functional care planning is done by the whole MDT
- Supporting staff dealing with this particular client group
- Working in a fast-paced high-pressure environment
- Coping with working with multiple internal and external professionals and agencies on a regular basis
Systems and Equipment
- IT skills required to use various computer systems necessary for duties of the post including equipment ordering systems
- Use of electronic Patient records
- Use of equipment for patients
- Appropriate use of personal protective equipment
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 the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Professional qualification in Occupational Therapy
- Current HCPC registration
Experience
Essential
- Experience working as a senior Band 6 or preferably Band 7 level in a medical and neurology setting
- An understanding of national health and social care, regional and local (ICB and the Trust) initiatives
- A foundation in specialist knowledge and application of OT assessments and interventions relevant to the post
- Experience of supervising staff and students
- Participation in audit and service improvement projects
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Professional qualification in Occupational Therapy
- Current HCPC registration
Experience
Essential
- Experience working as a senior Band 6 or preferably Band 7 level in a medical and neurology setting
- An understanding of national health and social care, regional and local (ICB and the Trust) initiatives
- A foundation in specialist knowledge and application of OT assessments and interventions relevant to the post
- Experience of supervising staff and students
- Participation in audit and service improvement projects
Desirable
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.
