Specialist Occupational Therapist in Godalming

Assists in the continuous development of the Occupational Therapy Service, and directly provides assessment and treatment of patients in Milford Hospital. Responsible for the clinical supervision of junior staff providing necessary professional guidance, support, and appropriate delegation of work. Participates/leads in relevant planning activities/projects to ensure that the Occupational Therapy service develops according to patients' needs, in liaison with Team Leader, the Occupational Therapy Service Manager and in line with the College of Occupational Therapists guidelines. Directly supervises Occupational Therapy students on clinical placement. Assists in, and undertakes regular clinical audit/review to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the service and to improve outcomes for patients in line with the Trust's commitment to promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Responsible for own continuous professional development, showing evidence of this through a personal development portfolio. Participates in appraisals and ensures that state registration is maintained. Undertakes any other duties as required by the Therapy Service Manager.

Communication

Understands and values the roles of the other members of the multidisciplinary team and establishes effective working relationships. Receives and imparts complex and sometimes sensitive information, communicating at all levels with other professionals, patients, relatives and carers, both internal and external to the Trust. Participates in, and is responsible for, in-service training sessions, as required. Occasionally participates in teaching multi-professional groups, giving formal presentations, as required. Completes all necessary records, reports and statistics in line with occupational therapy service policy.

Clinical

Directly responsible for own caseload and deals with referrals in line with departmental policy. Responsible for timely occupational therapy assessments, planning, implementation and evaluation. Assesses on the ward, in the OT department, other hospital departments and in patients' homes, as appropriate. Recommends specific levels of care/equipment required to facilitate patients' safe and timely discharge, as appropriate. Keeps up to date of any schemes/care provision to facilitate timely discharge. Participates in the planning and implementation of patient groups associated with the specialist area of work. All staff members have personal and professional responsibility to promote safe standards of care and services. All staff members are expected to participate in clinical governance initiatives.

Risk assessment

Uses therapeutic handling techniques to maximise the patients' potential and minimise risk. Assesses working environment potential hazards to minimise risk to patients and other hospital users. Responsible for raising the awareness in junior staff members of risk within O.T. practice. Assesses the patients' home environment, as appropriate, to reduce risk and increase safety on discharge. Assesses for and prescribes basic equipment and with further training, if required, complex equipment, i.e. hoists etc., training patients and carers in their use.

Financial

Sells small aids and equipment to patients/carers processing these according to department policy. Requisitions equipment to minimise risk and facilitate patient discharge, and with an awareness of the financial implications.

Human Resources

Participates in the recruitment and retention process within the Occupational Therapy Department. Provides training/development of work shadow persons/OT students.