Advanced Occupational Therapist

Job responsibilities

What you will do:

This advanced specialist role requires rapid assessment of the older adult pulling upon a range of tools and skills such as; advanced communication skills, negotiation, problem solving, proactive and compassionate care. We are looking for an OT with experience working not only with patients with multiple comorbidities but who gets excited by a diverse and interesting caseload where complex discharge planning plays a key role.

The therapy team within this speciality are recognised for their ability to assess patients at pace and ensure the patients voice is heard and amplified, particularly where rehabilitation and reablement is a desirable next step. The role also requires an understanding of cognitive and mental capacity assessments that would assist or inhibit independent function. We also would like you to lead and support new service initiatives such as single handed moving and handling care techniques and a move closer towards discharge to assess exploring ways to work across the acute and community interface alongside other service transformation projects that focus on improved health outcomes for patients.

We can also offer the opportunity to work on the Enhanced Dementia Care Unit a unique, specialist ward in our region. We are proud to support the Eat Drink Dress Move initiative at UHS and have won several awards including, Most Inspiring Team at the #endpjparalysis awards and the Care of the Older Person BMJ Award. The entire MDT is always striving to be at the forefront of innovation and development and we welcome new staff with fresh ideas.

What we are looking for:

To further support your personal development in this role, the Trust will support you to access both clinical and leadership opportunities such as completing masters modules specialising in frailty, coaching and an ability to practice these newly learnt skills in practice. There will also be opportunities to teach, supervise apprentice OTs in training and link with the undergraduate University programmes to invest in the next generation of OTs.

We are also passionate about co-production of new resources and better experiences for patients. This interesting piece of work, involving patients to design new ways of working for better results and greater outcomes could be incorporated into all innovation within the service; the post holder would need to have a desire to improve patient care whilst demonstrating both excellent communication and project management skills.

The MOP therapy team operates over 7 days on a rota basis and supports flexible toil days back during the week.

We would encourage you to arrange an informal virtual chat prior to interview to have a look around and meet the team. For further details, please contact:

Rachael Leyland (Division B Therapy Manager) Rachael.leyland@uhs.nhs.uk direct line 02381 206725 mobile 07585 961889 (available 23rd onwards) or Annette Purkis (Head of Therapy Services).

https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/OurServices/Occupational-therapy-physiotherapy/Physiotherapy.aspx

Qualifications

Essential

• Diploma/BSc in Occupational Therapy or equivalent
• Current HCPC registration
• Student Fieldwork Educators Course

Desirable

• Membership of an appropriate clinical specialist interest group
• Masters level study

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in an acute hospital setting
• A minimum of 5 rotations at Band 6 level, or equivalent experience, e.g. static post in relevant area, demonstrating a broad knowledge. Rotations could include Orthopaedics, Medicine, Acute Medical Unit, Surgery, Neurology, Stroke, and Medicine for Older People.
• In particular must have had adequate experience within the specific clinical speciality
• Evidence of involvement in research and audit.
• Experience of supervising staff/students on placement

Desirable

• Broad experience at band 5 level including rotations in Medicine, Acute Medical Unit, Orthopaedics, Medicine for Older People, Surgery, CardioThoracics, Neurology, Stroke, Paediatrics

Aptitudes and skills required

Essential

• Able to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner
• Knowledge of contemporary practice issues and recent research
• Presentation skills e.g. experience of formal teaching to small groups Proven time management and prioritisation skills
• Good interpersonal skills - listening/speaking
• Competent IT skills
• Ability to handle sensitive information
• Self motivated
• Ability to recognise own limitations
• Professional manner
• Ability to work as part of a close knit MDT

Desirable

• Advance IT skills
• Evidence of delegation skills
• Experience of committee membership e.g. Health and Safety representative
• Evidence of attendance at related specialist training courses
• Evidence of involvement in organising courses.

Special requirements of the post

Essential

• Able to work flexibly over 7 days, including weekends according to the rota
• Car driver, with full driving licence, or ability to travel between hospital sites or for necessary patient visits

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of: - manual handling - financial pressures within the NHS and the impact on service delivery - confidentiality and data protection - health and safety - infection control - resuscitation procedures

Values and Behaviours

Essential

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

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).