Occupational Therapist

To provide specialist Occupational Therapy to patients undertaking Neuro Rehabilitation, as part of a collaborative and goal-driven interdisciplinary team, within this service. You will be providing a high standard of OT assessment, treatment, and advice for patients with acquired neurological conditions and disabilities across various pathways including acute neurorehabilitation, neurobehavioral management and rehabilitation, complex care, and assisted independent living. You will be supporting less experienced colleagues and the wider staff group to provide a consistent therapeutic and rehabilitative approach.

Key responsibilities

• Assessment of patients’ needs and strengths; including the use of formal and informal measures where appropriate; and provision of risk assessments.
• Utilising assessment results to develop care plans, management strategies, clinical goals, and evidence-based therapy plans, which are then clearly recorded and communicated.
• Monitor, evaluate, and modify treatment plans to ensure effectiveness using outcome measures.
• Manage a caseload independently with supervision from the Lead OT.
• Integral in discharge planning including liaising with community teams, social services and equipment providers.
• Ensure all clinical records are maintained to the HCPC and RCOT standard.
• Provide supervision to OT assistants and training as appropriate.
• Support Lead OT with running the OT service as required, including audit.

Framework and boundaries

The post holder will report to the Clinical Lead for Occupational Therapy, and work collaboratively within the integrated multidisciplinary teams to offer a comprehensive, patient-centred service. There is no budgetary responsibility with this position.

Person specification

Education, Training and Qualifications

• Qualified in Occupational Therapy and registered with the RCOT.
• Registered with the HCPC.
• Educated to degree-level or equivalent.
• Evidence of CPD and continued learning.
• Masters’ degree in related field.

Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience in relevant health or social care setting.
• Experience in neurology, specialist rehab, and/or complex care.
• Experience in delivering evidence-based practice, following best practice guidelines, using assessment tools and providing outcome measures.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and standards of professional practice.
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary and/or Interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience of training, supporting and/or mentoring others.

Leadership and Teamwork

• Able to provide supervision and teaching to less senior OTs and OT Assistants.
• Able to contribute to the induction, training, and development of other staff.
• Able to contribute to IDT processes, including joint goal setting, IDT meetings, review meetings and reports, and compiling outcome measures.

Skills and Capabilities

• Able to utilise skills with patients who may have communication difficulties, and adapt ways of working appropriately.
• Consistently demonstrate excellent communication skills with all colleagues; and deliver good written and verbal communication for patients, family members and external stakeholders.
• Computer literate and able to produce comprehensive reports.
• Physically able to employ manual handling skills and processes.

Specialist assessment, management, and treatment

• Use of splints as indicated by guidelines.
• Posture and seating.
• Cognitive assessment and treatment alongside Clinical Psychology.
• Fatigue management.
• Provision of loan equipment, and liaise with specialist providers.
• Use of assistive technologies and equipment.

Personal Qualities

• Committed to putting patients at the heart of all you do.
• Responsible, reliable, and flexible approach to work.
• Organised and able to manage own workload, and prioritise as required.
• Positive attitude to continued learning and developing clinical competencies.
• Passionate about developing an excellent service and providing neurorehabilitation of the highest standard.