Occupational Therapist

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a for a highly motivated Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our inpatient acute services in St Helens.

Peasley Cross Hospital includes 2 acute inpatient wards, 1 male and 1 female ward (Iris ward and Taylor ward).

The post holder will be required to undertake holistic multi-factorial   evidence-based Falls assessments,  in a clinic setting.  They will provide the MDT and their patients with Specialist OT knowledge to be be able to identify and reduce falls risks on the ward through the use of equipment, adaptations and education ensuring that the needs and  safety of their patients  are met.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be expected to effectively manage a caseload of patient’s comorbidities as an autonomous practitioner, using evidence based/ patient centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions of the patient group. The post holder will provide leadership for junior staff when appropriate, through supervision and appraisal.

The post holder take a holistic approach in the assessment and treatment of service users / patients, being responsible for the provision of appropriate, high quality care to a defined caseload which may be of a complex nature, using the appropriate model of care and evidenced based practice.

Work in partnership with other professionals to enable patients / clients to be maintained in an appropriate environment, thus avoiding hospital admission.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical – Shared Team

Work in a professional and collaborative manner with the multi-disciplinary team.

Where required, to be involved in the multidisciplinary team duty system and undertake duty assessments, as necessary.

Fulfil the care-coordinator role under ECC framework, including planning and coordinating Case Conferences/Reviews.

Ensure intervention is provided in a range of settings suitable to meet the needs of clients.

Provide information, education and support for family members, carers and other relevant professionals.

Participate and promote positive intra-agency working.

Participate in case load supervision to monitor the standards of service user care and ensure record keeping is in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

Participate in regular clinical supervision with Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, as per Trust policy.

Contribute to the development and implementation of integrated care pathways, including appropriate service user assessments/referrals and models of care.

Contribute to client related developments and therapeutic interventions carried out by the whole team e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, psycho-social interventions.

Compile and maintain effective client records and record outcome measures in conjunction with clients and in accordance with Professional and Trust policies, procedures and standards.

Participate in the induction, training or education of a variety of staff, students or volunteers attached to the team/service.

Clinical – Occupational Therapy Specific

Undertake occupational therapy assessments, addressing occupational performance and skill deficits in areas of self-care, productivity and leisure.

Plan and implement individual and/or group interventions, using selected and graded activity to develop the client’s skills in identified areas of deficit.

Undertake occupational therapy assessments, addressing occupational performance and skill deficits in areas of self-care, productivity and leisure.

Plan and implement individual and/or group interventions, using selected and graded activity to develop the client’s skills in identified areas of deficit.

Managerial / Professional Leadership

Assist in the organisation and planning of OT service delivery e.g. OT recruitment panels, ensuring OT staff/service cover.

Provide professional advice as required, for performance management of OT staff e.g. competency monitoring.

Participate in Serious Untoward Incident investigations/reviews as required.

Deputise for the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, as required.

Contribute to the writing and implementation of practice guidelines, policies and procedures, and use specialist knowledge to propose service changes.

Contribute to staff participation in the formulation of new ideas/suggestions to improve service user care and service delivery.

Ensure the principles of Clinical Governance are incorporated in service delivery by maintaining a High-quality service based on agreed clinical standards.

Contribute to the strategic development of the OT services.

Manage and prioritise designated occupational therapy referrals according to need, risk and service capacity.

Provide specialist professional/clinical leadership to occupational therapists and support staff.

Liaise with and develop effective working links with the wider multi-disciplinary team. Attend professional meetings as required.

Maintain an effective supervision structure, and provide professional supervision for designated OT staff, addressing clinical, personal and professional issues.

Assist in the induction of OT staff to the service.

Participate in the performance monitoring of services in accordance with national and local targets.

Provide statistical information on workforce and service user activity as required.

Be responsible for the care, maintenance and monitoring of equipment used by clients and bring any defects or deficits to the attention of the appropriate authority. E.g. ADL equipment.

Ensure requirements for health and safety and safe working practice are met through formal and regular risk assessments and communications as required. E.g. Cascade of HSA alerts.

Assist in the maintenance and updating of the unit’s equipment inventories and service schedules. Ensure regular servicing, maintenance, repair or replacement as required adhering to Health & Safety, COSHH and Medical Devices Agency regulations.

Responsibilities for all staff:

All post holders will agree to:

Commit to the vision of supporting Mersey Care in becoming a leading organisation in the provision of community services, mental health care and learning disability care.

Role model the values of the Trust – Continuous Improvement, Accountability, Respectfulness, Enthusiasm, and Support – in all activities and interactions.

Challenge the stigma associated with mental health and learning disabilities.

Comply with the Duty of Candour, working across professional and organisational boundaries to improve services.

Uphold and protect the reputation of the Trust both inside and outside of work, ensuring that actions and behaviours reflect the values and standards of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust at all times.

Value the contribution of the patient and service user’s voice, as well as the views of families and carers.

Maintain their specific knowledge base and develop new skills.

Observe statutory duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults and children.

Actively participate in creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels equally valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

Commit to Mersey Care’s mission of being an actively anti-racist health care provider and employer.

Take responsibility for the accurate and timely collection and recording of data.

Operate within organisational codes of practice, comply with all health and safety legislation, organisational policies and operating procedures.

Understand and embrace the role of digital technology in the workplace.

Comply with the NHS Constitution in relation to staff responsibilities.

Support the creation of a positive environment and Restorative Just and Learning Culture, participate in related events, share concerns about safety and quality, and speak up against incivility while taking a collaborative approach to improve civility and respect.

This job description provides an outline of general activities and is not exhaustive. It will be reviewed as the Trust’s needs change, in consultation with the post holder