Specialist Occupational Therapist

Are you an enthusiastic, creative and compassionate individual with an interest in working with adults with learning disabilities.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a permanent Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join two other Occupational Therapists in the North Norfolk Community Learning Disability Team based in Kelling on the beautiful North Norfolk coast.

There are five adult Community Learning Disability Teams in Norfolk, co-located with Norfolk County Council Social Care Teams, offering a multidisciplinary service.

The teams are supportive, friendly and passionate about their work with adults with learning disabilities.

You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with a range of professionals and in a variety of settings that include seeing people in their own homes, day services and residential services.

Applicants should have excellent communication and organisational skills to provide a service to people with complex health and sensory needs who have varying levels of verbal communication and understanding.

The work will involve the use of a range of assessments in the areas of self-maintenance, productivity, and leisure skills which will lead to goal setting, intervention planning and review, working in partnership with the individual to support them to meet their goals.

The post holder will benefit from being part of a supportive, experienced group of Occupational Therapy staff working in Learning Disabilities across the county of Norfolk.

They will receive regular supervision from experienced Learning Disability Specialist OT's.

Opportunities for personal and professional development exist through supervision, management and peer support, sharing of best practice and regular continuing professional education.

Apply now to join an organisation that has been awarded an 'Outstanding' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest possible rating and the first stand-alone NHS Trust in the country to be awarded the title.

Apply now to join an organisation that has been awarded an 'Outstanding' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest possible rating and the first stand-alone NHS Trust in the country to be awarded the title.

To manage and prioritise clinical work in relation to own caseload with support from the Senior Occupational Therapist.

To undertake comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessments for a designated caseload, addressing occupational performance and skills deficits, enabling the individual in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.

Use both verbal and non-verbal communication skills, to undertake the assessment with individuals whose presentation is complicated by factors associated with learning difficulty (e.g. sensory processing difficulties, challenging behaviours, mental health issues, and physical disability).

To work with people who use the service to identify Occupational Therapy goals as part of the overall care plan.

To support clients to access generic health services and other community facilities as appropriate.

To achieve an effective intervention the post-holder will, where appropriate, support the paid and unpaid carers within an individual support network.

To provide planned and spontaneous training, teaching, advice and support, to family carers, support workers and other professionals, to promote the understanding of Occupational Therapy and to ensure a consistent approach to meet the needs of the individuals.

To work in collaboration with other members of the individuals support network in a complex multi-disciplinary, multi-agency environment.

To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent and have the ability to work within a legal framework where people lack the capacity to consent to treatment.

To be responsible for the equipment used in carrying out clinical duties, and to adhere to department and Trust manual handling policies, and to ensure the safe use of equipment by others.

To demonstrate an ability or willingness to learn to communicate with people with learning disabilities using alternative technologies as appropriate.

To ensure that up to date written and electronic records are maintained in accordance with professional and trust standards and provide specialist Occupational Therapy reports relevant to practice setting.

To review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of clinical and professional supervision and appraisal.

To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio.

May be required to undertake surveys or audits, as necessary to own work may occasionally participate in R& D, clinical trials or equipment testing.

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust staff are responsible for protecting themselves and others against infection risks.

All staff regardless of whether clinical or not are expected to comply with current infection control policies and procedures and to report any problems with regard to this to their managers.

All staff undertaking patient care activities must attend infection control training and updates as required by Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust.

Health and Safety

Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), to ensure the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees and visitors.

To ensure that the Trusts Health and Safety Policies are understood and observed and that procedures are followed.

To ensure the appropriate use of equipment and facilities and the environment is maintained in good order.

To take the necessary precautions to safeguard the welfare and safety of themselves, patients, staff and visitors, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.

To undertake appropriate Health and Safety training to support safe working practice including, where appropriate, its management.

Maintain appropriate patient and clinical records in line with the Trusts policies and procedures, and in line with the agreed service specification.

In line with the annual personal development plan the post holder will be expected to undertake any training or development required to fulfil their role.

Ensure that all patients, clients and colleagues are treated at all times in an equitable manner, respecting diversity and showing an understanding of diversity in the workplace.

The post holder must carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the Trusts Equality and Diversity Policies, Procedures and Schemes and must ensure that equality is promoted at all times.

The post holder will be required to undertake any other duties as may be required for the effective performance of the post.

oDegree / Diploma in Occupational Therapy
oEvidence of continuing professional development
oPrevious experience of working with people with learning disabilities and their carers
oPost registration experience in a relevant clinical setting e.g. community MDT working
oUnderstand the principles of the Occupational Therapy process with people with learning disabilities
oKnowledge of application of standardised occupational therapy assessments
oAble to communicate effectively in written and verbal English language
oKnowledge of manual handling legislation and risk assessment
oKnowledge of mental health legislation and risk management in relation to current practice
oAbility to reflect on and critically appraise others and own performance.

oAble to identify with the Trust's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults.

oMust hold a full and valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle
oCurrent UK driving licence and able to make own travelling arrangements
oAbility to work in domestic environments with low levels of hygiene and potential exposure to leas, lice and body fluids
oAn understanding of hazards associated with lone working in the community

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust
North Community LD Team

Simpson Centre, Kelling Hospital

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