Senior Occupational Therapist

Job overview

THEIS is responsible for the delivery of services to adults aged 18 –65 with a recent onset of psychosis who are residents of Tower Hamlets.  In 2022 the service has expanded to offer assessments and interventions for those with psychosis up until the age of 65 years. THEIS offers a range of psychosocial interventions working in collaboration with service users, carers and other relevant agencies.

THEIS helps clients to regain confidence, maximise quality of life and avoid relapse by offering support and counselling during the critical three-year period following the first episode.

Goals are agreed to meet clients’ individual needs including education, employment, independent housing, social participation, physical health and finances.   Support is offered in individual and group contexts and in collaboration with other services as appropriate.

The service objective is to enable the service users to recover rapidly and fully, avoiding a pattern of recurring relapse or loss of social functioning, traumatic hospitalisation and social exclusion.   The service is fully compliant with The National Service Framework Guidelines relating to Early Intervention in Psychosis and NICE guidelines for Psychosis and Schizophrenia.

Main duties of the job

• Carry out individual assessments in a variety of settings, ie. home, clinical base, school, treatment centre, GP surgeries.
• Carry a caseload of THEIS clients in line with the requirements of the service, taking responsibility for the care management of the caseload.
• Take responsibility for CPA and risk assessment when acting as care-coordinator and liaising with other professional as appropriate.
• Undertaking Care Act compliant assessments and initiating care packages where needed.
• Undertake Safeguarding Children referrals and liaise with the local authority around joint working.
• Undertake Safeguarding Adult Investigations and working closely with the Safeguarding Adults manager within the service.
• Ensure a seamless approach by liaising with other professionals as required e.g. A&E, ward based staff.
• Liaise with colleagues in Primary Care and other relevant agencies to facilitate and improve the detection and screening of individuals experiencing early signs of psychosis.
• Participate in the THEIS staff Duty Rota.
• Participate in the setting up and running of groups in collaboration with other team members where appropriate.
• Use an assertive outreach approach when required, visiting service users at home or in community venues as appropriate and in line with safety requirements.
• Undertake Behavioural Family Interventions and work with families and carers in conjunction with the service user.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To manage an OT-specific caseload as practicable in line with occupational

and functional recovery goals.

• To coordinate and develop the role of Occupational Therapy within the service, reviewing the group programme in order to promote recovery and normalisation for the service user group.
• To develop links with in-patient occupational therapy staff in order to facilitate the smooth transition for clients being discharged from the in patient service including the development of and co- facilitation of community based interventions e.g. groups
• To care coordinate a generic caseload of service users

with complex needs.

• To apply specialist OT clinical knowledge and skills for this client group and to carry out occupational/vocational assessments and one-to-one and group interventions.
• To evaluate effectiveness of therapy interventions in conjunction with clients/carers, other professionals.
• To make entries in the electronic RiO records pertaining to the OT assessment, intervention and progress of the client.

• The service aims to maximise inclusion and high levels of individualised functioning for people in all aspects of their lives. Therefore, the post-holder will carry out his/her duties and responsibilities in a manner which is respectful to others and not knowingly show prejudice.
• The post holder must recognise and mobilise the contributions of families, communities and colleagues to promote the wellbeing of the young people in the care of the service.
• Carry a caseload of service users, coordinating their assessment and care planning.
• Undertake and adhere to Safeguarding Adult and Children guidelines and principals.

• Supervise the clinical work of junior colleagues and students as needed.

• Contribute to clinical audit and research activities as required.

• Participate in CPD and other developmental activities, keeping up to date with relevant research and national guidance.

• Adhere to ELFT policies and procedures and meet the clinical governance requirements of the Trust.

• Offer a culturally sensitive service to all clients, meeting Trust standards fair access, equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

• Promote the work of THEIS by attending relevant forums and liaising with other services.