Band 6 Occupational Therapist in Dormansland

Department: Occupational Therapy - Wellbeing

Reports to: Band 7 OT; Lead Practitioner OT

Location: Lingfield Surrey

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, 42 weeks per year AYR/TTO: Term Time plus 16 days.

About the Company: Epilepsy can be one of the most frightening and isolating conditions a child can experience. The loss of any sense of safety, trapped in an unpredictable world, not knowing when their next seizure will happen, where it will happen, who will be there and if they will be hurt. Living in this unpredictable world takes its toll on a child’s physical and mental health, as well as impacting their education and social life. It can limit opportunities for the rest of their life. Children with epilepsy have a right to be heard. We are here for them. Together we can create a society where children and young people with epilepsy have a voice and can live happy, fulfilled lives. Through research that improves diagnosis and treatments, campaigning for children’s rights, and providing innovative tools, information, and practical support for living day-to-day life. Together we create possible.

Job Purpose: The job holder is part of a multi-disciplinary team providing assessment, intervention and consultation, to facilitate development of students’ occupational performance at this company.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• To manage a caseload of students with epilepsy and/or autism together with other complex developmental or acquired needs attending the School and College.
• To assess students applying for future placements at this company and provide an opinion on the suitability of the company to meet their needs.
• Provide costings for potential equipment needs as highlighted during screening process.
• To provide a baseline assessment of student’s independence skills and the environment in which these skills are demonstrated.
• To evaluate the impact of epilepsy and/or autism spectrum disorders together with other complex developmental or acquired needs on a student’s current level of ability, taking into account variability and potential loss of skills.
• To provide direct treatment as indicated by assessment to maximise and promote independence.
• To provide assessment and provision of safety measures including head protection.
• To provide detailed recommendations which are suitable for incorporation into the student’s education or care programmes.
• To assess, prescribe, arrange provision and installation of specialised equipment and adaptations including seating and safety equipment.
• To provide clear written guidelines for use with specific equipment.
• To support and monitor the implementation of recommendations.
• To regularly contribute to reports pertaining to students needs as required.
• To meet the needs of all students effectively by working in partnership with other disciplines.
• To provide day to day support with other team members as required.
• To direct the work of Assistant staff in delivering intervention where appropriate.
• To provide support for OT students on clinical placement.
• To hold responsibility for defined projects.
• To liaise with parents surrounding the needs of their children and the aims of occupational therapy input.
• To identify other situations beyond the postholder’s current clinical competence and refer on/seek advice as needed.
• To set individualised objectives and provide direct treatment as indicated by assessment to maximise and promote function and independence, including 1:1 and group sessions as required.
• To provide detailed recommendations which are suitable for incorporation into the student’s education or care programmes.
• To identify other situations beyond the post holder’s current clinical competence and refer on/seek advice as needed.

Person Specification:

• Education: Occupational Therapy qualification.
• DBS disclosure will be required.
• Evidence of relevant continuing professional development.
• Professional Qualifications: Registered member of HCPC.

Experience Required:

• Proven relevant clinical experience in a range of clinical areas which may include:
• Paediatrics or adult neurology.
• Learning disabilities.
• Experience of managing own caseload.
• Experience of MDT working.
• Computer literate.
• Equipment prescription.
• Experience of having worked in an education/residential setting.
• Experience of supervising and/or mentoring team members.
• Provision of staff training.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Computer Literate.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills / team member.

Training:

• To organise and/or contribute to the training of staff both within or external to the department.
• To promote by example continuous professional development.

Values and Behaviours:

• All employees are expected to demonstrate the values of the organisation.
• Value: Young people at the centre of everything we do.
• Value: We work together to make a greater difference.
• Value: We are ambitious and courageous for change.

Youth Inclusion and Participation: Youth Voice Network Skills and Qualities - These desired skills and qualities have been selected by young people in the Youth Voice Network. We expect all employees to share a commitment to the participation and engagement of children and young people and their voices.

• Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly young people with epilepsy.
• Understanding: The capacity to comprehend and appreciate the unique challenges faced by young people and to approach them with a non-judgmental attitude.
• Patient: The ability to remain calm and composed when dealing with challenging situations and to work at a pace that suits the individual needs of young people.
• Encouraging: The willingness to support and motivate young people to achieve their goals without being condescending or patronizing.
• Effective communication: The ability to communicate with young people clearly, concisely, and accessibly.
• Approachable & friendly: The capacity to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for young people to learn and grow.
• Youth advocacy: The willingness to champion young people and advocate for their needs and rights.
• Empowering: The capacity to empower young people to take ownership of their own learning and development.
• Resilient: The ability to deal with challenging and potentially sad situations and to remain calm and composed under pressure.

Please contact Mathure for further information.