occupational therapist

Overview

This post holder will have their own caseload of complex medical patients working in specialty areas with a focus on respiratory medicine.

The clinical aspect of this role is to provide expert input to improve patient outcomes and facilitate discharge planning.

As a team leader you will provide support and day‑to‑day leadership to the complex medicine team, providing clinical supervision and line management to some staff members.

The post requires a flexible approach to working and requires the post holder to undertake weekend commitments as required.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking and experienced occupational therapist who has significant experience working with people with a variety of medical conditions, including respiratory medicine.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad knowledge of treatment strategies, have excellent communication skills, and demonstrate a flexible and positive approach to working.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert input to improve patient outcomes and facilitate discharge planning.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and clinical supervision to the complex medicine team and team members.
• Oversee, coordinate and develop Occupational Therapy services within the Respiratory team, primarily on General Medical Wards at The Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough.
• Attend relevant meetings as a representative of Occupational Therapy and advise on service developments in line with government policy.
• Lead the implementation of local clinical governance initiatives, evidence‑based practice, and Clinical Audit, and organise the local OT programme, facilities and staffing.
• Manage a caseload of complex patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions, providing highly specialist assessment of cognitive, physical and functional abilities using evidence‑based, client‑centred principles, and plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
• Undertake full occupational therapy assessments and independently plan individual, specialised, evidence‑based treatment programmes based on assessment findings.
• Apply a high level of understanding of the effect of illness/disability on occupational performance and provide training and advice on adaptations to technique and the patient's social and physical environment.
• Develop and implement remedial and preventative treatment programmes addressing motor, sensory, cognitive, perceptual and psychological needs and occupational performance.
• Identify risks, complete risk assessments and implement risk management strategies, documenting accurately.
• Recognise changes in the patient's condition or deterioration and alter treatment accordingly or escalates to medical teams as required.
• Make appropriate clinical observations and keep accurate records of assessments and interventions in accordance with local and national guidelines.
• Advise patients and carers on specific aids, equipment and adaptations, and recommend provisions as required.
• Liaise with professionals in onward services to ensure continuity of care.
• Compile clear assessment reports and recommendations for future care for the multidisciplinary team and external agencies.
• Respect the individuality, values, culture and religious diversity of patients and contribute to a service sensitive to these needs, ensuring equity of service provision.
• Comply with all relevant local policies and procedures, national standards and guidelines related to older adults, occupational therapy and condition‑specific evidence, and adhere to the Royal College of Occupational Therapy professional standards and ethics.
• Lead, coach and manage the performance of the team, ensuring excellence is recognised and underperformance is addressed.
• Support team morale and implement a culture of zero tolerance for bullying and harassment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of working in the NHS.
• Specialist knowledge and experience of occupational therapy assessment and interventions.
• Detailed knowledge of clinical governance and its application.
• Leadership and first‑line management experience.
• Experience in health and safety risk management.
• Ability to analyse and evaluate the application of occupational therapy treatment.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to organise and respond efficiently to complex information.
• Credentials
• Occupational Therapy Qualification (Dip RCOT or BSc OT).
• HCPC Registration.
• Portfolio and evidence of continuing professional development (in gerontology practice).
• Member of a specialist section or special interest group.
• Member of the Professional Body (RCOT).
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