Specialist Occupational Therapist - Respiratory

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for Band 6 Occupational Therapist/s to join our community based respiratory MDT in Powys. The Respiratory team provides multidisciplinary management and care for adult patients with a range of respiratory conditions, predominantly COPD, bronchiectasis and interstitial lung disease and those requiring home oxygen in the home and clinic setting.

This post covers South Powys. Full time hours are available but applications for part time hours will be considered.

Main duties of the job

The Respiratory Occupational Therapists deliver quality driven, evidence based pulmonary rehabilitation in the community and digitally.

Embedded in the MDT the OT uses a holistic approach to support  physical and mental health around respiratory symptoms.  Supporting individuals with long term respiratory conditions with anxiety management is a big part of the OT role, including relaxation and breathing techniques, and grading and pacing activities. Facilitating goal setting following grading activities, and follow up to support confidence in self management.  Also - pacing advice, energy conservation and providing equipment. Lots of training and support provided.  Community working across  beautiful Powys.

This underpins the Breathe Well model of care supporting patients to  confidently self manage their respiratory symptoms, minimising the possibility of exacerbations and improving well being.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Work with clients to identify Occupational Therapy goals as part of the overall care plan, using Occupational Therapy assessment tools.

Manage a caseload of clients including those with complex health needs.

Plan and implement client centred individual and/or group interventions, using graded activity to achieve therapeutic goals.

Monitor, evaluate and modify treatment in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.

Apply a high level of understanding of the effect of disability and provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to the client’s physical environment.

Comply with Powys Teaching Health Board Manual Handling policy, develop and maintain skills in therapeutic handling, to achieve clients’ maximum potential and when appropriate use specialist knowledge to assess, prescribe and demonstrate Moving & Handling Equipment to patients and carers.

Assess the occupational needs of a defined client group and establish and evaluate appropriate treatment programmes.

Ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity are maintained in accordance with RCOT Health Board and Social Care Services Standards and provide Occupational Therapy reports based on specialist assessment.

Assess and identify specialist equipment to meet the complex needs of clients, using evidence based reasoned practice.

Have a depth of knowledge and experience to deal in a sensitive manner with palliative care and degenerating illnesses.

Offer emotional support in life changing situations to clients carers/family members.

Liaise with colleagues to disseminate current best practice regarding area of specialist interest.