Clinical Specialist- Occupational Therapist
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
The closing date is 01 May 2025
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Occupational Health & Wellbeing Team. We are looking for a member of staff who wants to challenge their knowledge. We are a team who pride ourselves on our holistic approach and going the extra mile for the clients we see. We are focused on helping members of the organisation to manage their health and empower them to safely return or remain in work.
We welcome applications from existing Band 7 and band 6 Occupational Therapists who have suitable experience. We believe that this opportunity will develop any member of staff who specialises, or who wishes to specialise in Occupational Health to learn new skills, whilst also developing their existing clinical reasoning skills in this highly rewarding role.
As part of this opportunity you will be offered a period of formal training which will equip you to hit the ground running in your new role.
Main duties of the job
Working within the multidisciplinary teams, act as the clinical lead for the designated service area providing a high level of clinical expertise with regard to highly specialist assessment skills and interactions within a defined patient group and also assist in operationalising a reasonable adjustments centralised funded co-ordinated case management approach pilot for 12 months.
Provide clinical leadership and intervention to a designated service area/pathway in the delivery of a highly effective, safe and personal service, ensuring the needs of individual patients/carers as described by agreed goals/outcome measures and within defined clinical pathways.
An active member of the leadership structure, the postholder will contribute toward the strategic operational and clinical development of the service.
Provide teaching and highly specialist support in the management of complex conditions, educating other healthcare professionals and wider stakeholders.
There is a requirement to be flexible to work across core hours Monday - Friday and there may also be a requirement to work in enhanced access.
About us
At East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 7,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work.
Date posted
17 April 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£37,338 to £44,962 a year pa
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
435-C030-25
Job locations
Occupational Health and Wellbeing Services, Park View Offices
Haslingden Road
Blackburn
BB2 3HH
Job description
Job responsibilities
Be responsible for providing clinical care to a defined caseload of patients that require highly specialised assessment, planning and intervention skills.
Undertake a comprehensive assessment at a highly specialist level with patients on a designated caseload. This may involve the selection and application of standardised and non-standardised assessment, treatment planning and intervention.
Undertake the comprehensive assessment of patients, including those with highly complex presentations, using investigative and analytical skills. Formulate individualised management and treatment plans, where appropriate, including effective discharge planning and onward referral.
Assess capacity of patients in order to gain valid informed consent for intervention and work within organisational policy with patients who lack capacity.
Formulate goals in partnership with the patient, clearly communicating your clinical reasoning, in order to justify your recommendations and utilising most appropriate treatment/intervention for the patients needs.
Implement a variety of evidence based interventions to a highly specialist level according to the needs of the individual patient.
valuate and modify the treatment programme as appropriate.
Advise, support and educate patients, carers and other professionals in the self-management of patients condition.
Initiate and organise case reviews involving multi-disciplinary and multi-agency staff. The post holder may be required to take the key worker/care co-ordinator role, where appropriate.
Develop, maintain and demonstrate highly specialist skills relating to clinical area which are underpinned by theory, research and practical experience.
Undertake risk assessment and manage and document risk. Advise senior and junior staff in appropriate therapeutic management of patients in relation to risk.
Work as an autonomous practitioner in a variety of settings (clinic, patients own home, school, care home, hospital, etc.) where there is a requirement to make decisions spontaneously.
To manage individual patient care in area of highly specialist Occupational therapy
Responsible for the delivery of a comprehensive Safe, Personal & Effective Service for designated area, based on evidence based practice which drives high quality, effectiveness and efficiency.
Responsible for the effective case-load management of a complex case-load individually and within team and allocation of work to senior and junior staff, support staff and students. This will require an overview and re-allocation of work-load on a daily basis due to changing priorities, in order to support delivery of key quality and performance targets.
Lead on the development of a clinical network within designated clinical area/pathway supporting delivery of best practice and relevant clinical guidelines.
Support the development of a continuous improvement culture through actively adopting the Trusts Practice Improvement Methodology and working alongside the Directorate practice improvement coaches and Service Improvement Facilitator in the redesign of clinical care pathways.
Work across agencies and have a working knowledge and understanding of the systems within Health, Housing, Social Services and Education in order to facilitate the recommendation of clinical treatment approach, equipment, access, and adaptation issues.
Provide clinical guidance to members of the team and other staff with complex cases.
Provide comprehensive clinical reports clearly outlining clinical reasoning and recommendations, including highly complex case management.
Assist the service in involving service users, their carers and family in service improvements and delivery of high quality care.. Lead on specific improvement projects as appropriate.
Responsible for the clinical supervision of junior staff and assistant staff to ensure there is effective assessment, care planning and review of agreed goals/outcomes.
Take responsibility for student learning as required.
Involvement in research/audit activity as required.
Contribute to the development and delivery of the Directorate Business Development and Transformation Plan, leading on clinical improvement projects as appropriate.
Manage departmental issues for staff within the designated service area, including workload management, holidays, sickness and performance.
Responsible for staff supervision, including compliance for appraisals and associated personal development plans.
Responsible for the management of HR of delegated staff including sickness reviews, return to work and maternity leaves.
Responsible for ensuring the effective cascade of information between organisational and service management and the clinical team.
Understand and demonstrate a working knowledge of national guidelines and legislation relating to Health and Social Care relevant to designated service area.
Record patient contact statistics and other relevant data as required for the monitoring of patient care and clinical service outcomes.
Actively involved in the day to day coordination of the service and allocation of resources.
Maintain treatment areas and equipment used to an appropriate standard in accordance with health and safety, infection control and other relevant guidance.
Provide management and supervision to senior and junior members of the team including assistant staff.
Responsible for organising the induction and training of new staff members and maintain human resource records on all team members.
Responsible for departmental staffing issues i.e. annual leave, sickness, training, staffing levels, etc.
Participate in and support the Operational and Clinical Service Leads in implementing disciplinary and grievance procedures in accordance with organisational policies.
Maintenance of departmental records, statistics and data collection/monitoring processes.
Lead on the recruitment and selection of staff
Use of a range of techniques to overcome barriers to communication.
Adapt your own communication style and utilise advanced communication skills appropriate to the patient in order to foster an effective therapeutic relationship.
Deal with challenging situations including verbal aggression/distress from patients, carers and relatives.
Manage difficult conversations with staff in relation to HR.
Advise, instruct and educate patients, carers and other professionals regarding the occupational therapy process.
Provide clear information (verbal and written) regarding intervention in a variety of settings.
Ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional standards and organisational guidance.
Have effective IT skills including use of the Internet, E-mail and any special programmes used in the service.
Ensure that resources are available to meet the differing communication needs of the population.
Initiate, plan, organise and chair meetings which have clear purpose and outcomes such as staff meetings, clinical meetings, case conferences and multi-disciplinary meetings.
Represent the designated service in a professional manner.
Communicate complex/sensitive information from the operational service lead/clinical and operational service leads to staff in designated team.
Provide assurance around mandatory training for the designated team by monitoring and authorising study leave in line with Trust policy.
Responsible for training of other health care professionals and students as appropriate.
Complete required mandatory training.
Responsible for your own continuing professional development including maintaining your own development portfolio and assisting others in the development of theirs.
Participate in your own annual development review and supervision, undertaking post registration training related to area of work as required.
Participate in and undertake as necessary annual/preceptorship development reviews and appraisals of senior and junior staff members in accordance with organisational guidance.
Undertake the management and supervision of clinical staff and support staff as required, as outlined in guidance, acting in the initial stage in the disciplinary process if required.
Provide training to colleagues, multi-disciplinary team and other agencies as required.
Keep up to date with relevant legislation and current issues in your area of work in areas such as Health, Housing, Social Services, and Education.
Comply with the professional and clinical policies and procedures of ELHT and partner organisations.
Deliver a service with a sound evidence base in line with clinical and professional guidance, the designated model of service delivery for the designated area.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Be responsible for providing clinical care to a defined caseload of patients that require highly specialised assessment, planning and intervention skills.
Undertake a comprehensive assessment at a highly specialist level with patients on a designated caseload. This may involve the selection and application of standardised and non-standardised assessment, treatment planning and intervention.
Undertake the comprehensive assessment of patients, including those with highly complex presentations, using investigative and analytical skills. Formulate individualised management and treatment plans, where appropriate, including effective discharge planning and onward referral.
Assess capacity of patients in order to gain valid informed consent for intervention and work within organisational policy with patients who lack capacity.
Formulate goals in partnership with the patient, clearly communicating your clinical reasoning, in order to justify your recommendations and utilising most appropriate treatment/intervention for the patients needs.
Implement a variety of evidence based interventions to a highly specialist level according to the needs of the individual patient.
valuate and modify the treatment programme as appropriate.
Advise, support and educate patients, carers and other professionals in the self-management of patients condition.
Initiate and organise case reviews involving multi-disciplinary and multi-agency staff. The post holder may be required to take the key worker/care co-ordinator role, where appropriate.
Develop, maintain and demonstrate highly specialist skills relating to clinical area which are underpinned by theory, research and practical experience.
Undertake risk assessment and manage and document risk. Advise senior and junior staff in appropriate therapeutic management of patients in relation to risk.
Work as an autonomous practitioner in a variety of settings (clinic, patients own home, school, care home, hospital, etc.) where there is a requirement to make decisions spontaneously.
To manage individual patient care in area of highly specialist Occupational therapy
Responsible for the delivery of a comprehensive Safe, Personal & Effective Service for designated area, based on evidence based practice which drives high quality, effectiveness and efficiency.
Responsible for the effective case-load management of a complex case-load individually and within team and allocation of work to senior and junior staff, support staff and students. This will require an overview and re-allocation of work-load on a daily basis due to changing priorities, in order to support delivery of key quality and performance targets.
Lead on the development of a clinical network within designated clinical area/pathway supporting delivery of best practice and relevant clinical guidelines.
Support the development of a continuous improvement culture through actively adopting the Trusts Practice Improvement Methodology and working alongside the Directorate practice improvement coaches and Service Improvement Facilitator in the redesign of clinical care pathways.
Work across agencies and have a working knowledge and understanding of the systems within Health, Housing, Social Services and Education in order to facilitate the recommendation of clinical treatment approach, equipment, access, and adaptation issues.
Provide clinical guidance to members of the team and other staff with complex cases.
Provide comprehensive clinical reports clearly outlining clinical reasoning and recommendations, including highly complex case management.
Assist the service in involving service users, their carers and family in service improvements and delivery of high quality care.. Lead on specific improvement projects as appropriate.
Responsible for the clinical supervision of junior staff and assistant staff to ensure there is effective assessment, care planning and review of agreed goals/outcomes.
Take responsibility for student learning as required.
Involvement in research/audit activity as required.
Contribute to the development and delivery of the Directorate Business Development and Transformation Plan, leading on clinical improvement projects as appropriate.
Manage departmental issues for staff within the designated service area, including workload management, holidays, sickness and performance.
Responsible for staff supervision, including compliance for appraisals and associated personal development plans.
Responsible for the management of HR of delegated staff including sickness reviews, return to work and maternity leaves.
Responsible for ensuring the effective cascade of information between organisational and service management and the clinical team.
Understand and demonstrate a working knowledge of national guidelines and legislation relating to Health and Social Care relevant to designated service area.
Record patient contact statistics and other relevant data as required for the monitoring of patient care and clinical service outcomes.
Actively involved in the day to day coordination of the service and allocation of resources.
Maintain treatment areas and equipment used to an appropriate standard in accordance with health and safety, infection control and other relevant guidance.
Provide management and supervision to senior and junior members of the team including assistant staff.
Responsible for organising the induction and training of new staff members and maintain human resource records on all team members.
Responsible for departmental staffing issues i.e. annual leave, sickness, training, staffing levels, etc.
Participate in and support the Operational and Clinical Service Leads in implementing disciplinary and grievance procedures in accordance with organisational policies.
Maintenance of departmental records, statistics and data collection/monitoring processes.
Lead on the recruitment and selection of staff
Use of a range of techniques to overcome barriers to communication.
Adapt your own communication style and utilise advanced communication skills appropriate to the patient in order to foster an effective therapeutic relationship.
Deal with challenging situations including verbal aggression/distress from patients, carers and relatives.
Manage difficult conversations with staff in relation to HR.
Advise, instruct and educate patients, carers and other professionals regarding the occupational therapy process.
Provide clear information (verbal and written) regarding intervention in a variety of settings.
Ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional standards and organisational guidance.
Have effective IT skills including use of the Internet, E-mail and any special programmes used in the service.
Ensure that resources are available to meet the differing communication needs of the population.
Initiate, plan, organise and chair meetings which have clear purpose and outcomes such as staff meetings, clinical meetings, case conferences and multi-disciplinary meetings.
Represent the designated service in a professional manner.
Communicate complex/sensitive information from the operational service lead/clinical and operational service leads to staff in designated team.
Provide assurance around mandatory training for the designated team by monitoring and authorising study leave in line with Trust policy.
Responsible for training of other health care professionals and students as appropriate.
Complete required mandatory training.
Responsible for your own continuing professional development including maintaining your own development portfolio and assisting others in the development of theirs.
Participate in your own annual development review and supervision, undertaking post registration training related to area of work as required.
Participate in and undertake as necessary annual/preceptorship development reviews and appraisals of senior and junior staff members in accordance with organisational guidance.
Undertake the management and supervision of clinical staff and support staff as required, as outlined in guidance, acting in the initial stage in the disciplinary process if required.
Provide training to colleagues, multi-disciplinary team and other agencies as required.
Keep up to date with relevant legislation and current issues in your area of work in areas such as Health, Housing, Social Services, and Education.
Comply with the professional and clinical policies and procedures of ELHT and partner organisations.
Deliver a service with a sound evidence base in line with clinical and professional guidance, the designated model of service delivery for the designated area.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Profession specific Diploma/ Degree
- Health & Care Professions Council registration - HCPC
- Membership of the relevant professional body
- Evidence of CPD maintained in a portfolio, including attendance at recent postgraduate courses relevant to the clinical service area
- Involvement in Special Clinical Interest Group
Experience
Essential
- Individual and group treatment skills.
- Post graduate clinical experience
- Experience of delivering training to colleagues in health and/ or other relevant agencies
- Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of undergraduate student and/or support staff supervision
- Contribution to clinical education of junior staff, students and assistants
- Experience of contributing to quality improvement projects for safe, personal and effective care
- Involvement in audit, research and evidence-based practice
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Awareness of local and national NHS/Social Care agenda and its relevance to service area
- Awareness of national policy, clinical practice standards and guidelines relevant to service area
- Understanding of professional issues and their application to practices code of conduct/ethos.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills to optimise patient management.
- Ability to manage risk in relationship to patient care
- Supervision Skills
- Effective problem-solving skills
- Sound knowledge of a variety of assessment and clinical interventions relevant to service area
- Advanced clinical reasoning
- Appraisal Skills
- Sound knowledge of research, audit and evidence-based practice
- Workload management skills including prioritisation and delegation
- Knowledge of relevant equipment and its application
- Knowledge of relevant equipment and its application
- Knowledge of a variety of assistive technology and environmental modifications
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365
- Ability to reflect and critically appraise own professional competency level and to seek help appropriately
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Able to work as a member of the multidisciplinary team and wider system partners
- Flexible, adaptive and creative
- Innovative and positive approach to continuous improvement
- Compassionate leadership
- Ability to respond to unpredictable work patterns and frequent interruptions
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Profession specific Diploma/ Degree
- Health & Care Professions Council registration - HCPC
- Membership of the relevant professional body
- Evidence of CPD maintained in a portfolio, including attendance at recent postgraduate courses relevant to the clinical service area
- Involvement in Special Clinical Interest Group
Experience
Essential
- Individual and group treatment skills.
- Post graduate clinical experience
- Experience of delivering training to colleagues in health and/ or other relevant agencies
- Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of undergraduate student and/or support staff supervision
- Contribution to clinical education of junior staff, students and assistants
- Experience of contributing to quality improvement projects for safe, personal and effective care
- Involvement in audit, research and evidence-based practice
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Awareness of local and national NHS/Social Care agenda and its relevance to service area
- Awareness of national policy, clinical practice standards and guidelines relevant to service area
- Understanding of professional issues and their application to practices code of conduct/ethos.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills to optimise patient management.
- Ability to manage risk in relationship to patient care
- Supervision Skills
- Effective problem-solving skills
- Sound knowledge of a variety of assessment and clinical interventions relevant to service area
- Advanced clinical reasoning
- Appraisal Skills
- Sound knowledge of research, audit and evidence-based practice
- Workload management skills including prioritisation and delegation
- Knowledge of relevant equipment and its application
- Knowledge of relevant equipment and its application
- Knowledge of a variety of assistive technology and environmental modifications
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365
- Ability to reflect and critically appraise own professional competency level and to seek help appropriately
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Able to work as a member of the multidisciplinary team and wider system partners
- Flexible, adaptive and creative
- Innovative and positive approach to continuous improvement
- Compassionate leadership
- Ability to respond to unpredictable work patterns and frequent interruptions
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).
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.
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).
Employer details
Employer name
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Occupational Health and Wellbeing Services, Park View Offices
Haslingden Road
Blackburn
BB2 3HH
Employer's website
http://jobs.elht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Occupational Health and Wellbeing Services, Park View Offices
Haslingden Road
Blackburn
BB2 3HH
Employer's website
http://jobs.elht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
For questions about the job, contact:
Date posted
17 April 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£37,338 to £44,962 a year pa
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
435-C030-25
Job locations
Occupational Health and Wellbeing Services, Park View Offices
Haslingden Road
Blackburn
BB2 3HH
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)