Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and creative individual to join the Community Learning Disability Team based at Willis House in Whiston, which covers the population of Knowsley and St Helens. The post holder will also be required to support individuals under the care of the Intensive Support Function, who may be in crisis and at risk of placement breakdown / hospital admission, or preparing for discharge back to the community from secure services.
Working within this established multi disciplinary team, the post holder will provide specialist Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention as part of a team approach to supporting service users with learning disabilities and complex needs.
As part of an Advanced Occupational Therapist's role, you will be in an ideal position to support and contribute to Occupational Therapy/Learning Disabilities Strategic and Team Development
Being part of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, you will be given opportunity to network across different learning disabilities services and liaise with other OT's and AHP's within the wider Trust linking into the AHP workforce.
You should have a keen interest in working with this client group and be able to demonstrate the ability to work as part of a Multidisciplinary Team, demonstrate leadership skills. You will need to demonstrate an understanding of Transforming Care and this role to support that agenda.
Main duties of the job
Undertake occupational therapy assessments, addressing occupationalperformance and skill deficits in areas of self-care, productivity and leisure.Plan and implement individual and/or group interventions, using selected and graded activity to develop the client's skills in identified areas of deficit.Undertake comprehensive risk assessment with clients, and record the rationale for therapeutic risk taking in the OT care plan.
Provide highly specialist reports to inform statutory bodiesUndertake highly specialist assessments, and compile OT reports, on behalf of the MDT to inform interventions, diagnosis and outcomes for clients with the most complex needs.Ensure ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the occupational therapy process in line with sound evidence based practice.Provide advice on issues related to ADL for other professionals and carers.Work closely with OT colleagues from other clinical settings / teams, providing individual and peer group support.
About us
Mersey Care is one of the largest trusts providing physical health and mental health services in the North West, serving more than 11 million people.
We offer specialist inpatient and community services that support physical and mental health and specialist inpatient mental health, learning disability, addiction and brain injury services. Mersey Care is one of only three trusts in the UK that offer high secure mental health facilities.
At the heart of all we do is our commitment to 'perfect care' - care that is safe, effective, positively experienced, timely, equitable and efficient. We support our staff to do the best job they can and work alongside service users, their families, and carers to design and develop future services together. We're currently delivering a programme of organisational and service transformation to significantly improve the quality of the services we provide and safely reduce cost as we do so.
Job description
Job responsibilities
CLINICAL Shared Team
- Work in a professional and collaborative manner with the multi-disciplinary team.
- Where required, to be involved in the multidisciplinary team duty system and undertake duty assessments as necessary.
- Fulfil the care-coordinator role under ECC framework, including planning and coordinating Case Conferences/Reviews.
- Ensure intervention is provided in a range of settings suitable to meet the needs of clients.
- Provide information, education and support for family members, carers and other relevant professionals
- Participate and promote positive intra-agency working.
- Participate in case load supervision to monitor the standards of service user care and ensure record keeping is in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.
- Participate in regular clinical supervision with HOS OT, as per Trust policy.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of integrated care pathways, including appropriate service user assessments/referrals and models of care.
- Contribute to client related developments and therapeutic interventions carried out by the whole team e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, psycho-social interventions.
- Compile and maintain effective client records and record outcome measures in conjunction with clients and in accordance with Professional and Trust policies, procedures and standards.
- Participate in the induction, training or education of a variety of staff, students or volunteers attached to the team/service.
CLINICAL OT
- Undertake occupational therapy assessments, addressing occupational performance and skill deficits in areas of self-care, productivity and leisure.
- Plan and implement individual and/or group interventions, using selected and graded activity to develop the clients skills in identified areas of deficit.
- Undertake comprehensive risk assessment with clients, and record the rationale for therapeutic risk taking in the OT care plan.
- Provide highly specialist reports to inform statutory bodies i.e. Mental Health Act Commission.
- Undertake highly specialist assessments, and compile OT reports, on behalf of the MDT to inform interventions, diagnosis and outcomes for clients with the most complex needs.
- Ensure ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the occupational therapy process in line with sound evidence based practice.
- Provide advice on issues related to ADL for other professionals and carers.
- Work closely with OT colleagues from other clinical settings / teams, providing individual and peer group support.
MANAGERIAL / PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
- Assist in the organisation and planning of OT service delivery e.g. OT recruitment panels, ensuring OT staff/service cover
- Ensure effective induction of new staff in accordance with Trust policy
- Ensure exit interviews are offered to staff on leaving the organisation/moving teams within the Trust.
- Provide professional advice as required, for performance management of OT staff e.g. grievances / disciplinaries, competency monitoring.
- Undertake Serious Untoward Incident investigations/reviews as required.
- Investigate complaints and incidents in accordance with Trust policy.Deputise for the Trust Appropriate Principle Occupational Therapist, as required.
- Assists the Appropriate Principle Occupational Therapist in the writing and implementation of practice guidelines, policies and procedures, and uses highly specialist knowledge to propose service changes trust wide.
- Lead and ensure staff participation in the formulation of new ideas/suggestions to improve service user care and service delivery.
- Ensure the principles of Clinical Governance are incorporated in service delivery by maintaining a high quality service based on agreed clinical standards.
- Represent the Occupational Therapy Services at designated locality / service / regional meetings.
- Assist the Appropriate Principle Occupational Therapist in the strategic development of the OT services
- Manage and prioritise occupational therapy referrals and team workload according to need, risk and service capacity.
- Provide highly specialist professional/clinical leadership to occupational therapists and support staff
- Liaise with and develop effective working links with the wider multi-disciplinary team.
- Chair professional meetings as required.
- Maintain an effective supervision structure, and provide professional supervision for designated OT staff, addressing clinical, personal and professional issues.
- Plan and coordinate OT staff induction to the service.
- Participate in the performance monitoring of services in accordance with national and local targets.
- Provide statistical information on workforce and service user activity as required.
- Be responsible for the care, maintenance and monitoring of equipment used by clients and bring any defects or deficits to the attention of the appropriate authority. E.g. ADL equipment
- Ensure requirements for health and safety and safe working practice are met through formal and regular risk assessments and communications as required. E.g. Cascade of HSA alerts.
- Assist in the maintenance and updating of the units equipment inventories and service schedules. Ensure regular servicing, maintenance, repair or replacement as required adhering to Health & Safety, COSHH and Medical Devices Agency regulations
EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
- Participate in the Performance Review/Appraisal process with the Appropriate Principle Occupational Therapist and Team/Service manager.
- Attend relevant and mandatory training courses, as required.
- Maintain knowledge of current Trust, OT and Department of Health policy, procedures and guidelines.
- Undertake Performance Reviews/Appraisals with designated occupational therapy staff, ensuring all staff have an up to date
- Individual Personal Appraisal and Personal Development Plan in accordance with Trust policy.
- Coordinate and nominate staff for appropriate courses, including mandatory training, according to service need and Personal Development Plans.
- Lead and support the implementation of evidence based practice in line with current research.
- Facilitate preceptorship and mentorship processes for all staff, and be responsible for the fieldwork education of designated occupational therapy students
- Demonstrate the acquisition and application of knowledge in line with current research and evidence-based practice, and maintain a professional portfolio for Continuing Professional Development and HPC professional registration.
- Utilise opportunities for CPD through access to internal and external resources, forums and networks as identified by self and Appropriate Principle Occupational Therapist.
- Promote a positive learning environment by contributing to teaching and training for members of the multidisciplinary team and other agencies.
- Provide evidence to support development around the Trust Appraisal system which may include the KSF or other competency profiles.
- Participate in regular supervision, engage in reflective practice and be committed to continued development.
- Develop own skills and knowledge and contribute to the development of others.
RESEARCH AND AUDIT
- Ensure staff awareness of Clinical and Corporate Governance and the need for research based practice.
- Lead the evaluation and audit of the OT service, within clinical specialty.
Job description
Job responsibilities
CLINICAL Shared Team
- Work in a professional and collaborative manner with the multi-disciplinary team.
- Where required, to be involved in the multidisciplinary team duty system and undertake duty assessments as necessary.
- Fulfil the care-coordinator role under ECC framework, including planning and coordinating Case Conferences/Reviews.
- Ensure intervention is provided in a range of settings suitable to meet the needs of clients.
- Provide information, education and support for family members, carers and other relevant professionals
- Participate and promote positive intra-agency working.
- Participate in case load supervision to monitor the standards of service user care and ensure record keeping is in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.
- Participate in regular clinical supervision with HOS OT, as per Trust policy.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of integrated care pathways, including appropriate service user assessments/referrals and models of care.
- Contribute to client related developments and therapeutic interventions carried out by the whole team e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, psycho-social interventions.
- Compile and maintain effective client records and record outcome measures in conjunction with clients and in accordance with Professional and Trust policies, procedures and standards.
- Participate in the induction, training or education of a variety of staff, students or volunteers attached to the team/service.
CLINICAL OT
- Undertake occupational therapy assessments, addressing occupational performance and skill deficits in areas of self-care, productivity and leisure.
- Plan and implement individual and/or group interventions, using selected and graded activity to develop the clients skills in identified areas of deficit.
- Undertake comprehensive risk assessment with clients, and record the rationale for therapeutic risk taking in the OT care plan.
- Provide highly specialist reports to inform statutory bodies i.e. Mental Health Act Commission.
- Undertake highly specialist assessments, and compile OT reports, on behalf of the MDT to inform interventions, diagnosis and outcomes for clients with the most complex needs.
- Ensure ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the occupational therapy process in line with sound evidence based practice.
- Provide advice on issues related to ADL for other professionals and carers.
- Work closely with OT colleagues from other clinical settings / teams, providing individual and peer group support.
MANAGERIAL / PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
- Assist in the organisation and planning of OT service delivery e.g. OT recruitment panels, ensuring OT staff/service cover
- Ensure effective induction of new staff in accordance with Trust policy
- Ensure exit interviews are offered to staff on leaving the organisation/moving teams within the Trust.
- Provide professional advice as required, for performance management of OT staff e.g. grievances / disciplinaries, competency monitoring.
- Undertake Serious Untoward Incident investigations/reviews as required.
- Investigate complaints and incidents in accordance with Trust policy.Deputise for the Trust Appropriate Principle Occupational Therapist, as required.
- Assists the Appropriate Principle Occupational Therapist in the writing and implementation of practice guidelines, policies and procedures, and uses highly specialist knowledge to propose service changes trust wide.
- Lead and ensure staff participation in the formulation of new ideas/suggestions to improve service user care and service delivery.
- Ensure the principles of Clinical Governance are incorporated in service delivery by maintaining a high quality service based on agreed clinical standards.
- Represent the Occupational Therapy Services at designated locality / service / regional meetings.
- Assist the Appropriate Principle Occupational Therapist in the strategic development of the OT services
- Manage and prioritise occupational therapy referrals and team workload according to need, risk and service capacity.
- Provide highly specialist professional/clinical leadership to occupational therapists and support staff
- Liaise with and develop effective working links with the wider multi-disciplinary team.
- Chair professional meetings as required.
- Maintain an effective supervision structure, and provide professional supervision for designated OT staff, addressing clinical, personal and professional issues.
- Plan and coordinate OT staff induction to the service.
- Participate in the performance monitoring of services in accordance with national and local targets.
- Provide statistical information on workforce and service user activity as required.
- Be responsible for the care, maintenance and monitoring of equipment used by clients and bring any defects or deficits to the attention of the appropriate authority. E.g. ADL equipment
- Ensure requirements for health and safety and safe working practice are met through formal and regular risk assessments and communications as required. E.g. Cascade of HSA alerts.
- Assist in the maintenance and updating of the units equipment inventories and service schedules. Ensure regular servicing, maintenance, repair or replacement as required adhering to Health & Safety, COSHH and Medical Devices Agency regulations
EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
- Participate in the Performance Review/Appraisal process with the Appropriate Principle Occupational Therapist and Team/Service manager.
- Attend relevant and mandatory training courses, as required.
- Maintain knowledge of current Trust, OT and Department of Health policy, procedures and guidelines.
- Undertake Performance Reviews/Appraisals with designated occupational therapy staff, ensuring all staff have an up to date
- Individual Personal Appraisal and Personal Development Plan in accordance with Trust policy.
- Coordinate and nominate staff for appropriate courses, including mandatory training, according to service need and Personal Development Plans.
- Lead and support the implementation of evidence based practice in line with current research.
- Facilitate preceptorship and mentorship processes for all staff, and be responsible for the fieldwork education of designated occupational therapy students
- Demonstrate the acquisition and application of knowledge in line with current research and evidence-based practice, and maintain a professional portfolio for Continuing Professional Development and HPC professional registration.
- Utilise opportunities for CPD through access to internal and external resources, forums and networks as identified by self and Appropriate Principle Occupational Therapist.
- Promote a positive learning environment by contributing to teaching and training for members of the multidisciplinary team and other agencies.
- Provide evidence to support development around the Trust Appraisal system which may include the KSF or other competency profiles.
- Participate in regular supervision, engage in reflective practice and be committed to continued development.
- Develop own skills and knowledge and contribute to the development of others.
RESEARCH AND AUDIT
- Ensure staff awareness of Clinical and Corporate Governance and the need for research based practice.
- Lead the evaluation and audit of the OT service, within clinical specialty.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant OT Qualification
- Registered with HCPC professional body
- Fieldwork Educators certificate
- Post graduate accredited study e.g. PSI, CBT, MSc in relevant health studies.
Desirable
- Evidence of education to degree level or evidence of performance to equivalent level
Knowledge
Essential
- Post graduate clinical experience, at a specialist level
- Previous experience in relevant health settings
- Management and supervision of staff
- Effective team working within a multi-agency framework
- Managing complaints/ compliments
- Experience of service development
- Experience using both group and individual treatment skills
- Demonstrate experience of problem solving approaches
- Audit and research practices relevant to clinical area
- Assisting with effective budgetary management
- Evidence based and experience of reflective practice
- Recovery Model of Care
- Model of Human Occupation
- Safe Guarding Children
- Mental Health Act 1983
- Mental Capacity Act
- Relevant National policies and guidance
- Up to date clinical knowledge relevant to the care environment
- Clinical / Managerial supervision
- Vulnerable adults guidelines
- Can discuss / explain specialist OT role
- Awareness of own strengths and limitations
Desirable
- Wider range of statutory and non-statutory services to young people
- Risk management training
Values
Essential
- Continuous improvement
- Accountability
- Respectfulness
- Enthusiasm
- Support
- High professional standards
- Responsive to service users
- Engaging leadership style
- Strong customer service belief
- Transparency and honesty
- Change oriented
Skills
Essential
- Effective leadership qualities and management styles
- Ability to utilise assessment skills and tools effectively
- Ability to communicate in a variety of settings
- Ability to formulate relevant reports
- Delegation and coordination
- Clinical and management supervision
- Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines
- Mentorship skills and record keeping
- Flexible approach / creative thinking
- IT skills
- Means and ability to travel in the course of performing duties
Desirable
- Project management
- Presentation skills
- Resource and budget management
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant OT Qualification
- Registered with HCPC professional body
- Fieldwork Educators certificate
- Post graduate accredited study e.g. PSI, CBT, MSc in relevant health studies.
Desirable
- Evidence of education to degree level or evidence of performance to equivalent level
Knowledge
Essential
- Post graduate clinical experience, at a specialist level
- Previous experience in relevant health settings
- Management and supervision of staff
- Effective team working within a multi-agency framework
- Managing complaints/ compliments
- Experience of service development
- Experience using both group and individual treatment skills
- Demonstrate experience of problem solving approaches
- Audit and research practices relevant to clinical area
- Assisting with effective budgetary management
- Evidence based and experience of reflective practice
- Recovery Model of Care
- Model of Human Occupation
- Safe Guarding Children
- Mental Health Act 1983
- Mental Capacity Act
- Relevant National policies and guidance
- Up to date clinical knowledge relevant to the care environment
- Clinical / Managerial supervision
- Vulnerable adults guidelines
- Can discuss / explain specialist OT role
- Awareness of own strengths and limitations
Desirable
- Wider range of statutory and non-statutory services to young people
- Risk management training
Values
Essential
- Continuous improvement
- Accountability
- Respectfulness
- Enthusiasm
- Support
- High professional standards
- Responsive to service users
- Engaging leadership style
- Strong customer service belief
- Transparency and honesty
- Change oriented
Skills
Essential
- Effective leadership qualities and management styles
- Ability to utilise assessment skills and tools effectively
- Ability to communicate in a variety of settings
- Ability to formulate relevant reports
- Delegation and coordination
- Clinical and management supervision
- Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines
- Mentorship skills and record keeping
- Flexible approach / creative thinking
- IT skills
- Means and ability to travel in the course of performing duties
Desirable
- Project management
- Presentation skills
- Resource and budget management
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
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).
