Job summary
Occupational Therapist (Team Lead)
Speciality: Hand Therapy (Plastic, Reconstructive, Orthopaedics and Burns)
Salary: Band 7
Hours: 37.5 hours (1 wte) - across 5 days - Full-time only
Base: Derriford Hospital: Plymouth
A full-time, enthusiastic and energetic Occupational Therapist is required to lead the OT Out-patient service for Plastic, Reconstructive, Orthopaedics and Burns. The post holder will carry a caseload in these areas and must be able to work across 5 days to cover clinics.. The post holder will also carry out a Team Lead role for Rheumatology.
The applicant will manage the day-to-day running of a team of OT staff. You will be responsible for providing clinical leadership to the Occupational Therapists within the team, and be able to support clinicians with more complex cases.
A motivational and forward thinking leader with excellent communications skills, time management skills and a flexible approach will be essential. The post holder will support and stand in for the deputy OT manager with some aspects of day to day management of the department, as required.
The applicant must be able to take an active part on the 7-day working rota when in place.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
To lead a Team of Therapists to provide a quality Occupational Therapy service to the Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery Department and Rheumatology. To be a highly skilled clinician within the area of specialism.
As a team leader, the post holder will manage two clinical teams of Occupational Therapists; hand therapy and rheumatology. The post holder is responsible for the day-to-day management of two clinical areas, including planning, co-ordinating, developing and evaluating of the services.
Post holder is responsible for the supervision and the performance management of all staff line managed by this post.
Post holder is responsible for continuity of service in this acute area, being ready to respond rapidly to provide the necessary treatment for patients.
The post holder will ensure a highly specialist splinting service is provided within the team.
Post holder will be required to maintain his/her own caseload within either hand therapy or rheumatology, including highly complex cases
To stand in for Head of Service in their absence and to represent Occupational Therapy at Trust wide and other meetings, as required (both within and outside the Trust).
Post holder is professionally and legally accountable for his/her own action.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
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Job description
Job responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
- Undertake assessments, including for highly complex patients, use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients with a variety of barriers to communication e.g. hearing or sight impairment, learning disability, psychiatric problems, alcohol/drug abuse, difficult to persuade / explain.
- To be accountable for the treatment of patients, including those with highly complex needs, utilising interpersonal skills, demonstrating empathy and involving patients in their treatment, in order to achieve the treatment goal, providing appropriate written patient information. Ensure effective liaison with other hospitals and therapists as necessary when patients are transferred or discharged.
- To apply a comprehensive and highly developed level of clinical specialist understanding, clinical reasoning and knowledge of conditions presented within clinical specialism. Ensure that these skills are present within both clinical teams.
- To ensure the provision of a highly specialist splinting service within the team, providing expert advice to other areas within the hospital.
- To ensure the provision of a highly specialist rheumatology service within the team, providing expert advice to other areas within the hospital.
- Ensure the provision of a highly specialised scar management service for burns patients both adult and paediatric. Good communication with referring burn centres will be required.
- To encourage extended competencies within the team, ensuring appropriate training, competency assessment and review are in place (e.g. removal of stitches)
- Enable the team to act as a resource, providing advice to colleagues in the community, PCT and other hospitals in the South West region; organise and teach workshops and courses as required.
- Responsible for teaching/training medical, nursing and other staff on the role of Occupational Therapists, including the provision of appropriate splints, assessment and rehabilitation.
- To provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to patients/relatives, carers and other professionals, to promote understanding of the aims of occupational therapy, and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care
- To be responsible for the efficient and effective operational management of the OT service for Hand therapy and Rheumatology.
- To be responsible for ensuring all HR process and procedures are delivered according to the Trust policies.
- To be responsible for ensuring team compliance with the departments Clinical Governance processes, ensuring that the team has good systems in place to deliver safe and effective care of patients within their specialities, according to the standard of the setting and the College of Occupational Therapy, Trust, local and team policies / guidelines / standards of practice.
- Responsible for the provision of regular appraisal, supervision and support for the Team. Individual and group, through formal and informal team support.
- In conjunction with the Head of Clinical Professions, be responsible for contributing to operational planning, implementation and development of the OT service within the Hand therapy and rheumatology, through meetings and consultation.
- Facilitate representation at Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery department and Rheumatology department meetings.
- Responsible for provision of Occupational therapy to Private Patients as referred by Consultants within these specialities ensuring all costing and relevant paperwork is completed and forwarded to the General Office for billing.
- Undertake such other duties as and when required by the Head of Clinical Professions.
ORGANISATIONAL
- Responsible for the effective use of the Tiara information system, providing and maintaining accurate team Patient Statistics, to the required standards to receive the maximum income permitted.
- Responsible for collecting ensuring efficient and effective use of OP resources by monitoring and maximising the use of the Tiara information system.
- Responsible for maintenance of departmental records and rendering returns, as appropriate.
- Responsible for stock control relevant to team speciality, and arranging for orders to be made on the EPROC system.
- Responsible for general housekeeping, ensuring all work areas meet the cleanliness requirements under the Hygiene code, are kept tidy and for the appropriate use of resources within the Team.
- Utilise the PIMS and TIARA system to retrieve appropriate patient information and track patient medical notes.
- Responsible for general administrative duties, including filing patient notes, retrieving clinic lists etc.
PROFESSIONAL
- To maintain own clinical professional development (CPD) by keeping abreast of any new trends and developments, and incorporate them as necessary into your work.
- Maintain a high professional standard at all times, according to the College of Occupational Therapists and the Trust and Departmental Policies.
- Responsible ensuring good induction of Occupational Therapy staff and Occupational Therapy students within the Team.
- Demonstrate leadership skills through the management of team and designated projects.
- Take a lead in the planning, evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within speciality area.
- Responsible to monitor and evaluate outcomes of intervention in order to ensure the effectiveness of the Occupational Therapy service, and use of resources.
- Contribute to the Trusts, Directorates and Service clinical governance arrangements and quality agenda.
- Take a lead in clinical governance activities within the team, which include audit, survey, research and the use of the Internet and library to keep up-to-date with evidence-based practice.
- Demonstrate understanding and application of national guidelines and legislation relating to health in service provision.
- Exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
- Broaden research and development skills through participation in local and regional audit and research projects.
- To participate in the staff appraisal scheme and Personal Development Plan (PDP) as both appraiser and appraisee.
- Responsible for ensuring OT Manager is aware of any training requirements. Ensure personal attendance at mandatory courses.
- Responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality and security of patient and staff records.
- Actively assist in the recruitment of relevant grades of staff and to act as a member of the interview panel as required.
COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Within the organisation:-
Head of Clinical Professions, OT Deputy Manager, OT colleagues, Physiotherapists, SALTs, Dieticians, adult and paediatric Clinical Psychologists, Social Workers, Patients and carers, Medical staff, Psychiatric Service, Related Directorate Manager and personnel, Nursing staff, Ward clerks, Appointments clerks, Operating theatres, Day case Theatres, Out patients staff, Secretaries, Psychiatric Service, EPROC/procurement and Logistics Department, General Administration and Finance Department, IM & T Department
Outside the organisation:-
Manufacturers Representatives, Private sector Hospitals and Clinics, GPs, Health Visitors, GPs, District, Specialist and Practice Nurses, Social Services, Reablement teams, Disablement Services Centre, Residential and Nursing Homes, Housing Departments, Community Psychiatric Service, SEPACS, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists within the South West region and Nationally.
OTHER
Post holder may encounter patients whose behaviour is adversely affected by head injuries and drug / alcohol excesses.
- Post holder may frequently encounter patients or relatives who may be uncooperative, and/or have language barriers, hearing/sight problems; mental health problems; and/or be confused or disorientated, non-English speaking patients and prisoners under 24-hour surveillance. The post holder may also be subjected to verbal or physical aggression.
- Post holder will be required to use keyboard and VDU for short periods daily.
- Post holder will frequently be required to support/handle heavy upper/lower limb for a short period of time.
- Post holder will frequently be exposed to body fluid/blood As part of their clinical role.
- Post holder may be exposed to obnoxious smells when in close proximity to patients with necrotic tissue; wound infections; burns; or whilst fabricating splints with feet/hands which have been enclosed by dressings or POP for long periods.
- Post holder will occasionally be exposed to emotional distress when coming into contact with patients managing a long term chronic condition or recently surviving a traumatic incident; domestic violence; attack; mutilation; self harm; tragic accidents etc.
- Post holder will frequently be required to explain the nature of injuries, rehabilitation implications and expected recovery / prognosis / disease progress to patients, parents or carers.
- Post holder may frequently be required to cut, handle and mould hot thermoplastic materials, which have only a workable time of 3 minutes, in a precise and accurate manner.
- Post holder may frequently be required to work in hot and humid environment when fabricating splints.
- Post holder may occasionally be required to use pliers, wire cutters, saws and other implements in the manufacture of specialised splints.
This post based in Derriford Hospital, but may require to work on other sites to cover other clinics
Working Conditions
Post holder usually works within standard hours but may be required to have occasional flexible lunch hours or finishing times to meet treatment needs or home visits.
This post is based at Derriford Hospital, but occasionally post holder may be required to visit patients or deliver equipment to their home.
Job description
Job responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
- Undertake assessments, including for highly complex patients, use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients with a variety of barriers to communication e.g. hearing or sight impairment, learning disability, psychiatric problems, alcohol/drug abuse, difficult to persuade / explain.
- To be accountable for the treatment of patients, including those with highly complex needs, utilising interpersonal skills, demonstrating empathy and involving patients in their treatment, in order to achieve the treatment goal, providing appropriate written patient information. Ensure effective liaison with other hospitals and therapists as necessary when patients are transferred or discharged.
- To apply a comprehensive and highly developed level of clinical specialist understanding, clinical reasoning and knowledge of conditions presented within clinical specialism. Ensure that these skills are present within both clinical teams.
- To ensure the provision of a highly specialist splinting service within the team, providing expert advice to other areas within the hospital.
- To ensure the provision of a highly specialist rheumatology service within the team, providing expert advice to other areas within the hospital.
- Ensure the provision of a highly specialised scar management service for burns patients both adult and paediatric. Good communication with referring burn centres will be required.
- To encourage extended competencies within the team, ensuring appropriate training, competency assessment and review are in place (e.g. removal of stitches)
- Enable the team to act as a resource, providing advice to colleagues in the community, PCT and other hospitals in the South West region; organise and teach workshops and courses as required.
- Responsible for teaching/training medical, nursing and other staff on the role of Occupational Therapists, including the provision of appropriate splints, assessment and rehabilitation.
- To provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to patients/relatives, carers and other professionals, to promote understanding of the aims of occupational therapy, and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care
- To be responsible for the efficient and effective operational management of the OT service for Hand therapy and Rheumatology.
- To be responsible for ensuring all HR process and procedures are delivered according to the Trust policies.
- To be responsible for ensuring team compliance with the departments Clinical Governance processes, ensuring that the team has good systems in place to deliver safe and effective care of patients within their specialities, according to the standard of the setting and the College of Occupational Therapy, Trust, local and team policies / guidelines / standards of practice.
- Responsible for the provision of regular appraisal, supervision and support for the Team. Individual and group, through formal and informal team support.
- In conjunction with the Head of Clinical Professions, be responsible for contributing to operational planning, implementation and development of the OT service within the Hand therapy and rheumatology, through meetings and consultation.
- Facilitate representation at Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery department and Rheumatology department meetings.
- Responsible for provision of Occupational therapy to Private Patients as referred by Consultants within these specialities ensuring all costing and relevant paperwork is completed and forwarded to the General Office for billing.
- Undertake such other duties as and when required by the Head of Clinical Professions.
ORGANISATIONAL
- Responsible for the effective use of the Tiara information system, providing and maintaining accurate team Patient Statistics, to the required standards to receive the maximum income permitted.
- Responsible for collecting ensuring efficient and effective use of OP resources by monitoring and maximising the use of the Tiara information system.
- Responsible for maintenance of departmental records and rendering returns, as appropriate.
- Responsible for stock control relevant to team speciality, and arranging for orders to be made on the EPROC system.
- Responsible for general housekeeping, ensuring all work areas meet the cleanliness requirements under the Hygiene code, are kept tidy and for the appropriate use of resources within the Team.
- Utilise the PIMS and TIARA system to retrieve appropriate patient information and track patient medical notes.
- Responsible for general administrative duties, including filing patient notes, retrieving clinic lists etc.
PROFESSIONAL
- To maintain own clinical professional development (CPD) by keeping abreast of any new trends and developments, and incorporate them as necessary into your work.
- Maintain a high professional standard at all times, according to the College of Occupational Therapists and the Trust and Departmental Policies.
- Responsible ensuring good induction of Occupational Therapy staff and Occupational Therapy students within the Team.
- Demonstrate leadership skills through the management of team and designated projects.
- Take a lead in the planning, evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within speciality area.
- Responsible to monitor and evaluate outcomes of intervention in order to ensure the effectiveness of the Occupational Therapy service, and use of resources.
- Contribute to the Trusts, Directorates and Service clinical governance arrangements and quality agenda.
- Take a lead in clinical governance activities within the team, which include audit, survey, research and the use of the Internet and library to keep up-to-date with evidence-based practice.
- Demonstrate understanding and application of national guidelines and legislation relating to health in service provision.
- Exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
- Broaden research and development skills through participation in local and regional audit and research projects.
- To participate in the staff appraisal scheme and Personal Development Plan (PDP) as both appraiser and appraisee.
- Responsible for ensuring OT Manager is aware of any training requirements. Ensure personal attendance at mandatory courses.
- Responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality and security of patient and staff records.
- Actively assist in the recruitment of relevant grades of staff and to act as a member of the interview panel as required.
COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Within the organisation:-
Head of Clinical Professions, OT Deputy Manager, OT colleagues, Physiotherapists, SALTs, Dieticians, adult and paediatric Clinical Psychologists, Social Workers, Patients and carers, Medical staff, Psychiatric Service, Related Directorate Manager and personnel, Nursing staff, Ward clerks, Appointments clerks, Operating theatres, Day case Theatres, Out patients staff, Secretaries, Psychiatric Service, EPROC/procurement and Logistics Department, General Administration and Finance Department, IM & T Department
Outside the organisation:-
Manufacturers Representatives, Private sector Hospitals and Clinics, GPs, Health Visitors, GPs, District, Specialist and Practice Nurses, Social Services, Reablement teams, Disablement Services Centre, Residential and Nursing Homes, Housing Departments, Community Psychiatric Service, SEPACS, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists within the South West region and Nationally.
OTHER
Post holder may encounter patients whose behaviour is adversely affected by head injuries and drug / alcohol excesses.
- Post holder may frequently encounter patients or relatives who may be uncooperative, and/or have language barriers, hearing/sight problems; mental health problems; and/or be confused or disorientated, non-English speaking patients and prisoners under 24-hour surveillance. The post holder may also be subjected to verbal or physical aggression.
- Post holder will be required to use keyboard and VDU for short periods daily.
- Post holder will frequently be required to support/handle heavy upper/lower limb for a short period of time.
- Post holder will frequently be exposed to body fluid/blood As part of their clinical role.
- Post holder may be exposed to obnoxious smells when in close proximity to patients with necrotic tissue; wound infections; burns; or whilst fabricating splints with feet/hands which have been enclosed by dressings or POP for long periods.
- Post holder will occasionally be exposed to emotional distress when coming into contact with patients managing a long term chronic condition or recently surviving a traumatic incident; domestic violence; attack; mutilation; self harm; tragic accidents etc.
- Post holder will frequently be required to explain the nature of injuries, rehabilitation implications and expected recovery / prognosis / disease progress to patients, parents or carers.
- Post holder may frequently be required to cut, handle and mould hot thermoplastic materials, which have only a workable time of 3 minutes, in a precise and accurate manner.
- Post holder may frequently be required to work in hot and humid environment when fabricating splints.
- Post holder may occasionally be required to use pliers, wire cutters, saws and other implements in the manufacture of specialised splints.
This post based in Derriford Hospital, but may require to work on other sites to cover other clinics
Working Conditions
Post holder usually works within standard hours but may be required to have occasional flexible lunch hours or finishing times to meet treatment needs or home visits.
This post is based at Derriford Hospital, but occasionally post holder may be required to visit patients or deliver equipment to their home.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registration
- Degree in Occupational Therapy
Desirable
- Aligned M.Sc.
- Healthcare Leadership qualification
- Service improvement qualification.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Extensive post graduate demonstrable experience of skill within Burns & Plastics condition
- Previous demonstrable experience at a senior level within field of MSK outpatient care, with broad/ complex caseloadpatient care, with broad / complex caseload.
- Proven evidence of leadership and team working abilities
Desirable
- Proven evidence of involvement with research. Ability to apply research to practice.
- Proven evidence of specific Burns / plastics, hand or tendon courses.
Aptitude and Abilities
Essential
- Able to deal with a broad range of personalities, demonstrable experience of dealing with HR Issues
- Professional Manner
Desirable
- Membership or honorary office with professional or special interest groups
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registration
- Degree in Occupational Therapy
Desirable
- Aligned M.Sc.
- Healthcare Leadership qualification
- Service improvement qualification.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Extensive post graduate demonstrable experience of skill within Burns & Plastics condition
- Previous demonstrable experience at a senior level within field of MSK outpatient care, with broad/ complex caseloadpatient care, with broad / complex caseload.
- Proven evidence of leadership and team working abilities
Desirable
- Proven evidence of involvement with research. Ability to apply research to practice.
- Proven evidence of specific Burns / plastics, hand or tendon courses.
Aptitude and Abilities
Essential
- Able to deal with a broad range of personalities, demonstrable experience of dealing with HR Issues
- Professional Manner
Desirable
- Membership or honorary office with professional or special interest groups
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).
