Occupational Therapist

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for their designated workload within their speciality area with access to the support, advice and management from a senior clinician whilst not directly supervised. In doing so, they will assess, plan, deliver and evaluate patient centred programmes of care ensuring that they practice within their sphere of competence and knowledge. The post holder will work to professional protocols and regulatory body codes, standards and guidance at all times ensuring that their practice is grounded in the best available evidence based theoretical and practical knowledge.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Clinical

1.1. Demonstrates a broad theoretical and practical knowledge of common aetiologies, pathologies, conditions and presentations

1.2. Demonstrates the ability to apply theory to practice at a proficient level when assessing, planning, treating and reviewing using a holistic philosophy

1.3. Highly developed physical skills in order to demonstrate accuracy and dexterity when delivering care and treatments essential to clinical role e.g. preparation of medications, manipulation of equipment

1.4. Makes judgements requiring analysis, interpretation and comparison of options and ensures clinical reasoning is reflected accurately in case records

1.5. Engages and actively involves the individual and, if appropriate, their family/carer, in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes of treatment and/or care by using person-centred techniques to promote a culture of involvement and empowerment

1.6. Works to standards of proficiency identified by their professional and regulatory bodies performing clinical treatments/procedures to a competent standard

1.7. Prioritises their own workload within agreed objectives deciding when to refer to others as appropriate.

1.8. Approaches each individual with care, compassion and sensitivity ensuring that these values are reflected in the management of any complaints and compliments

1.9. Provides and receives complex, sensitive or contentious information where motivational, persuasive, empathetic, negotiating and reassurance skills are required whilst demonstrating an understanding of barriers to communication.

1.10. To comply with the organisations Infection Prevention and Control requirements, including bare below the elbows dress code for staff with a direct care delivery role.

2. Leadership

2.1. Ensures that a professional service and image is maintained at all time, thereby acting as a role model to all staff

2.2. Provides a leadership style which is underpinned by strongly held values around equality, diversity and openness; effectively builds and maintains relationships with direct reportee(s) and other key individuals across the organisation.

2.3. Ensures the effective and efficient use of resources within their own sphere of responsibility.

2.4. Demonstrates clinical leadership in everyday practice through identifying creative and innovative solutions, engaging in leadership development appropriate to level and encouraging development as part of the team.

2.5. In the absence of senior clinicians, the post holder will be able to delegate, organise and prioritise to ensure the safe delivery of the service including the management of referrals and discharges utilising locally agreed support mechanisms e.g. on call manager

2.6. Demonstrates resilience when responding to challenge, change and complex or difficult situations

2.7. Inspires others to be positive in their support of continuous improvement.

2.8. Ensures that individual objectives are clearly defined within the wider Directorate framework and in line with Trusts objectives, using the appraisal process as a vehicle for this.

2.9. Takes responsibility for their own and others health and safety in the working environment.

Qualifications

Essential

• Professional degree or diploma in relevant field
• Appropriate statutory professional body registration
• Must be willing to participate in any relevant training identified to develop skills required to carry out duties
• Maintains a portfolio of CPD in line with regulatory body standards

Desirable

• Supporting Learning in Practice (SLIP) or equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Pre-registration experience in the clinical field or a closely related clinical area
• Working as part of a wider multidisciplinary team

Desirable

• Working in community or primary care based teams
• Experience of facilitating clinical supervision

Knowledge & Understanding

Essential

• Theoretical and clinical knowledge appropriate to service area and profession
• Knowledge of relevant current issues in health and social care
• Basic understanding of clinical governance and quality measures

Skills and Attributes

Essential

• Assessment, planning and evaluation skills
• Performs test / procedures / diagnostics relevant to clinical role proficiently
• Analytical and creative problem solving skills
• Workload management including delegation of tasks
• Competent IT skills e.g. word processing, email in order to maintain electronic patient records
• Risk assessment skills
• Able to research, understand and evaluate evidence in order to contribute to practice development

Desirable

• Experience in research and/or clinical audit

Attitude and Behaviour

Essential

• Able to work as part of a team, co-operating to work together and in conjunction with others and willing to help and assist wherever possible and appropriate appreciating the value of diversity in the workplace
• Able to work under pressure, dealing with peaks and troughs in workload
• Positive and flexible attitude to dealing with change; able to respond to the changing needs of the patient in an appropriate and timely manner;
• willing to change and accept change and to explore new ways of doing things and approaches

Car Owner/Driver

Essential

• Due to the nature of the role, it is essential that applicants are able to travel independently across the locality and have access to a suitable vehicle for business purposes. We are a seven day service and you will be required to work across this period. If required adjustments can be considered in accordance with the Equality Act.

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).