Band 7 Occupational Therapist in Dormansland

Department: Occupational Therapy

Reports to: Lead Occupational Therapist

Direct Reports: N/A

Location: Lingfield, Surrey

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, 42 weeks per year

AYR/TTO: Term Time plus 16 days.

About us

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

Based across our campus and within our therapy offices the job holder will provide occupational therapy assessment, intervention, review and consultation for a variety of students with differing needs and abilities as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

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 effectively work together with other disciplines for the management of students.
• To plan and deliver individual and group occupational therapy intervention suitable for the applicable young person/group.
• To provide direct treatment as indicated by assessment to maximize and promote independence.
• To provide assessment and provision of safety measures including head protection and environmental padding.
• To assess, prescribe, arrange provision and installation of specialized 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.
• Record all intervention consistently with legal and organizational requirements.
• Supporting the team with following up actions from six monthly and annual equipment servicing as well as ongoing maintenance in line with legislation and team processes.
• Supporting the team with administrative duties as required.
• Contributing to leading the team with ideas and support ongoing planning and development as tasked by the Lead OT.
• Holding responsibility for defined project development.
• Develop pathways in line with Lead OTs development plans.
• Providing training and support for staff as required by the organization and the OT Team including people external to our company.
• Liaison with key staff across site with regards students’ occupational performance, progress and health needs.
• To provide day to day support / line management for other therapists and / or technicians/assistants as required.
• To direct the work of the OT Assistant and Technician in delivering intervention.
• To assess students applying for future placements at the 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 perform outreach visits where required to assess complex students health needs.
• To provide a baseline assessment of each new student’s independence skills and the environment in which these skills are demonstrated.
• To regularly contribute to reports pertaining to students needs as required.
• To liaise with parents with regards the aims of occupational therapy input and their child’s needs.
• To identify situations beyond the postholder’s current clinical competence and refer on/seek advice as needed.
• To promote by example continuous professional development.

Managerial and Supervisory:

• Feedback to the occupational therapy team with regards any intervention.
• Full participation within regular formal supervision with an identified Occupational Therapist.
• Contribute to Occupational Therapy Departmental and Wellbeing Team Meetings.
• To provide support for OT students on clinical placement.

General

This job description is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake other reasonable and appropriate tasks. All our company staff share a commitment to the participation and engagement of children and young people and their voices. All duties must be carried out in accordance with Health and Safety regulations as given by the our company Health and Safety policy and procedures. Our company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our company expects all employees to share our commitment to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.

Person Specification

• Education: Degree level or equivalent qualification in occupational therapy.
• Postgraduate training in sensory integration.
• Professional Qualifications: Qualified Occupational Therapist.
• Registered member of HCPC.
• Experience Required: Post graduate experience in a range of settings including; paediatrics, learning disability and/or acquired neurological disorders.
• Experience of equipment prescription.
• Experience in staff training.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Skills and Knowledge: Able to confidently manage complex clinical situations.
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Advanced clinical reasoning and problem solving skills applicable for caseload management.
• Ability to seek support where required.
• Promote OT and demonstrate professional attitude.
• Ability to undertake physical activity with regards to therapeutic handling of students.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Flexible team member.
• Able to work independently towards deadlines.

Personal Qualities:

• A caring and encouraging attitude.
• Able to provide and receive complex sensitive information.
• Ability to be adaptable in approach.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and sensitivity in a variety of situations.
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
• The ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise and work effectively.
• Ability to work on own initiative as required.
• Dedication to continual learning and development of own practice.

Values and Behaviours

All employees are expected to demonstrate the values of the organisation.

• Value: Young people at the centre of everything we do. Our work is driven by the experience and voices of young people. We support young people to be advocates for change.
• Value: We work together to make a greater difference. We believe a culture of partnership and collaboration is the best way to achieve positive lasting change for young people with epilepsy.
• Value: We are ambitious and courageous for change. We promote and uphold their rights of young children and young people with epilepsy. We campaign for their voices and best interests to be respected.

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.