Community Assessment Day Occupational Therapist

This role forms part of the Governments Working Well initiative, which aims to reduce health-related worklessness and support individuals to achieve a safe, timely and sustainable return to employment. The post is ideally suited to a highly skilled, self-employed Occupational Therapist, contributing advanced occupational therapy expertise across two half-day CAD sessions per month.

Main duties of the job:

• To provide specialist community-based Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention within Community Assessment Days (CAD), supporting individuals who are currently absent from work due to long-term musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
• The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) alongside a Physiotherapist and Social Prescriber, contributing occupational therapy expertise to holistic assessments.
• The CAD will be held within community hubs across Newcastle and therefore a full UK driving license is preferable.

Job responsibilities:

• Undertake specialist occupational therapy assessments for patients attending Community Assessment Days, focusing on functional ability, activities of daily living and work-related tasks.
• Identify occupational, environmental and vocational barriers impacting the patients ability to return to work.
• Work collaboratively with the Physiotherapist and Social Prescriber to contribute to integrated MDT assessment, discussion and care planning.
• Develop and contribute to individualised, goal-oriented plans that support functional recovery, work participation and self-management.
• Provide specialist advice on activity pacing, energy conservation, ergonomic principles and workplace adjustments.
• Support patients to develop confidence, resilience and practical strategies to manage their condition in daily life and work roles.
• Maintain clear, accurate and timely clinical documentation and assessment outcomes in line with service, information governance and commissioning requirements.
• Work autonomously within agreed service frameworks, demonstrating professional accountability consistent with self-employed practice.
• Uphold professional standards in line with HCPC, RCOT, and NHS values.
• Contribute to service feedback, evaluation and continuous improvement in support of the Working Well programme.

Core principles:

• Treating others with empathy and kindness.
• Accountability.
• To ensure confidentiality of information (written, oral and electronic) is preserved at all times whether at or away from work.
• To follow procedures to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
• To support and participate in initiatives to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all.
• To respect, support, contribute to and take personal responsibility for implementing commitment to Diversity and Equality of Opportunity.
• To contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• To demonstrate commitment to Continuing Professional Development.

Generic responsibilities:

• A good attitude and positive action towards Equality Diversity & Inclusion creates an environment where all individuals can achieve their full potential.
• Patients and their families have the right to be treated fairly and be routinely involved in decisions about their treatment and care.
• Staff have the right to be treated fairly in recruitment and career progression.

Safety, Health, Environment and Fire (SHEF):

• NGPS is committed to supporting and promoting opportunities for staff to maintain their health, wellbeing and safety.
• The post holder is to manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate measures are in place to protect staff and patients.

Confidentiality:

• NGPS is committed to maintaining an outstanding confidential service.

Quality and Continuous Improvement (CI):

• To preserve and improve the quality of this NGPS's outputs, all personnel are required to think not only of what they do but how they achieve it.

Collaborative Working:

• All staff are to recognise the significance of collaborative working and understand their own role and scope.

Managing Information:

• All staff should use technology and appropriate software as an aid to management in the planning, implementation and monitoring of care.

Data Protection:

• The post holder must at all times respect the confidentiality of information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and principles.

Service Delivery:

• The post holder must adhere to the information contained within the organisations policies and regional directives.

Security:

• The security of NGPS is the responsibility of all personnel.

Professional conduct:

• All NGPS staff have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a professional manner, and dress appropriately for their role.

Personal / Professional Development:

• Participate in an annual individual performance review at service level.
• Take responsibility for personal development, learning and performance.

This Job Description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and will be reviewed periodically in conjunction with the post holder.