Advanced Specialist Occupational Therapist

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To undertake occupational therapy assessments for a specified caseload of service users addressing occupational performance strengths and skills deficits enabling the service user in areas of self care productivity and leisure

To assess and manage risk and monitor the mental and physical health status of service user

To collaboratively identify the goals of occupational therapy intervention with the service user as part of the overall care plan

To apply a high level of understanding of the effect of disability and provide training and advice on lifestyle changes to the clients physical and social environment

To plan and implement complex individual and or group evidence based interventions programmes of care in collaboration with the service user using graded activity to achieve therapeutic goals. These interventions may take place in a variety of settings including hospital community and patients home

To monitor evaluate and modify treatment for clients with complex needs in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention

Assist the Multidisciplinary team in reducing inappropriate interventions crisis interventions and secondary care referrals by helping patients maintain their health and wellbeing through better self care patient independence and necessary environmental adjustments

Teach and inform the public and health professionals about occupational therapies to improve

their health outcomes and ensure they live well. Delivering health promotion initiatives to the local community

To assess and actively manage individual activity and environmental risk to ensure the safety of the service user self and the wider public whilst recognising the right of the service user to take positive risks in promoting their recovery

Work closely with Social Prescribing Link Workers and wider wellbeing team to overcome barriers to engaging with these services

Lead and deliver an innovative service that improves access to mental health support in primary care and supports individuals with mental health problems to achieve their full potential

Provide access to mental health advice and promote holistic wellbeing and coping strategies to support individuals to get the help they need at the right time and closer to home

Carry out mental health risk assessments

Work with individuals presenting with personality disorder traits that may be inappropriate for primary care referrals support with emotional regulation design personalized plans and support them to then engage with Social Prescribing Link Workers and other local groups

To use the understanding of national guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care to propose and implement local changes in service provision as necessary

To lead in the implementation of evidence based practice with a focus on developing outcome measurement tools policy and clinical protocols for occupational therapy within forensic support services

Physical Health Specific Responsibilities

Provide compensatory techniques to improve an individuals ability to complete self care tasks following a change in functional abilities by improving strength and endurance

Caregiver training and advice

Periodically review evaluate and change rehabilitation programmes to rebuild lost skills and restore confidence

Where appropriate advice on home school and workplace environmental alterations such as wheelchair access adjustments technological needs and ergonomic support

Teach coping strategies and support adaptation to manage long-term conditions for physical and mental health needs

Advise on specialist equipment and organisations to help with activities of daily living

Provide expert advice in adaptive equipment and home modifications eg through home evaluations

Communication

To establish effective networks with other professionals statutory and non statutory agencies

To promote establish and maintain effective communication in complex situations with service users and their families who are experiencing difficulties

Build working relationships with other services within our care community such as leisure centres and sports clubs to ensure accessibility to physical activity for people with serious mental health problems

Education and Training

To initiate plan and implement the induction training and education of students and other staff in this setting

To regularly be responsible for the supervision and assessment of occupational therapy students on practice placement

To provide regular specialist training and education to occupational therapy staff and other disciplines to improve skills awareness and understanding of occupational therapy within this area

HEALTH AND SAFETY

All staff have a general duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and other 26 11 15 Page 3 persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions

All safety rules regulations and codes of practice relating to the work area should be observed

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Infection Prevention and Control IPC is everybody's responsibility All staff both clinical and nonclinical are required to adhere to the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection prevention at all times in accordance with The Health and Social Care Act 2008 code of practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance 2015. All staff employed by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and any contracted staff have the following key responsibilities

Staff must wash their hands or use alcohol gel on entry and exit from all clinical areas between each service user contact and after any clinical or cleaning task

Relevant staff members must attend an annual face to face training session or complete the e learning session provided for them by the Trust

Staff members who develop an infection other than common colds and illness that may be transmittable to others have a duty to contact the IPCT and Occupational Health

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

To value diversity and promote equality of opportunity ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and respected for their contribution in terms of experience knowledge and skills

COMPETENCY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS To maintain professional registration as appropriate and to act in accordance with professional codes of practice and guidelines

To follow Trust Policies and procedures and maintain up to date skills and knowledge through participation in Continuing Professional Development

STAFF INVOLVEMENT - INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

To work in partnership to achieve service objectives and promote a culture of working together through good communications openness and honesty

SAFEGUARDING

Everyone within ICN has a responsibility for and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children young people and vulnerable adults and for ensuring that they are protected from harm. Every adult has a responsibility to protect children and as employees of the Trust we are duty bound always to act in the best interest of a child about whom we may have concerns

SUPERVISION

To take responsibility for personal development by accessing appropriate supervision and personal development as per ICN supervision policy

Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Advanced clinical skills relevant to the speciality.
• Good knowledge of clinical governance and clinical audit/research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and set priorities.
• Good knowledge of effective care management and planning of treatment packages.
• Ability to manage own caseload and work as part of a team.
• Group leadership skills.
• Excellent negotiation and organisational skills, with individuals and groups.
• Good knowledge of the principles of Clinical Governance.
• Computer literacy
• Skills in handling and moving

Person Specification

Essential

• Clear understanding of equal opportunities and social inclusion principles.
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
• Problem solving and decision-making skills
• Personal Skills
• Ability to empathise with service users
• Positive attitude and flexible approach to service changes
• Commitment to equal opportunities and a positive and inclusive attitude to Service users their carers and families
• Evidence of being a highly motivated, collaborative team member both clinically and professionally
• Inspirational with ability to motivate a team
• Flexible positive problem solving approach
• Access to car for work purposes

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc in Occupational Therapy
• Registration with Health Professions Council
• Accreditation as Practice Placement Educator
• Significant postgraduate training working towards a masters degree in a speciality relevant to the post

Desirable

• Evidence of attendance on relevant courses/advanced training in Mental Health care
• Member of RCOT

Experience

Essential

• Experience
• A good level of post registration experience in Mental Health
• Documented evidence of Continued Professional Development
• Initiating and leading clinical audit
• Experience of introducing new and innovative interventions
• Analytical and judgemental skills
• Ability to manage own workload and determine priorities
• Ability to prioritise the workload of others
• Ability to apply Health and Safety Policies and to assess and manage complex risk
• Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues

Desirable

• Personal experience of learning disability mental health problems or disability
• Method of Assessment Application form Interview

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.

UK Registration

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