Occupational Therapist

Job summary

Performing a Specialist Occupational Therapist role, to provide a specialised Occupational Therapy service to patients and carers under the care of the Rheumatology, and Hand Therapy Consultants.

To be part of an interdependent multidisciplinary team, ensuring that Occupational Therapy input is an integral part of the patient's overall care and discharge.

This post is part of a developing 7-day working rota within the Occupational Therapy Department, which will include weekends and bank holidays

We would welcome applications from students who do not hold their HCPC registration yet but are nearing completion of their Occupational Therapy degree. * Whilst awaiting your HCPC registration you would be working as a Band 4 Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner. On receiving HCPC registration you will increase to the first point of the Band 5 scale as a Newly Qualified Occupational Therapist.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

Performing a Specialist Occupational Therapist role, to provide a specialised Occupational Therapy service to patients and carers under the care of the Rheumatology, and Hand Therapy Consultants.

Ensure the patients, relatives and those come into contact with are aware of the role of the Occupational Therapist and components of the Occupational Therapy treatment programme.

Responsible for providing comprehensive assessment, treatment and evaluation of both inpatient and outpatients referred, including those with complex presentation, in a timely manner. Addressing areas such as disease management, joint protection, sensory, motor, splinting, psychosocial needs and functional abilities.

Select from a wide range of standardised and informal assessments. To make reliable interpretations of the disease condition, in order to inform other professionals in the management of the patients and guide the Occupational Therapy treatment plan.

Plan and review treatment programmes in close liaison with all members of the multi-disciplinary team, patient's, carers and family in accordance with consent given.

Plan, execute and evaluate therapeutic sessions, to include relaxation and joint protection, and Disease self-management groups/ individual basis.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

Ensure the patients, relatives and those come into contact with are aware of the role of the Occupational Therapist and components of the Occupational Therapy treatment programme.

Obtain informed consent from the patient, and to work within the current legal framework with patient who lacks capacity to consent, prior to commencing any treatment.

Responsible for providing comprehensive assessment, treatment and evaluation of both inpatient and outpatients referred, including those with complex presentation, in a timely manner. Addressing areas such as disease management, joint protection, sensory, motor, splinting, psychosocial needs and functional abilities.

Assess for aids and adaptive equipment to increase / enable or compensate for independent function, teaching compensatory techniques as required. These include but are not limited to feeding, dressing, employment, and self-medication aids.

Select from a wide range of standardised and informal assessments. To make reliable interpretations of the disease condition, in order to inform other professionals in the management of the patients and guide the Occupational Therapy treatment plan.

Assess for wheelchairs, specialist seating and positioning needs and treat as appropriate referring on to wheelchair / seating clinic if required.

Plan and review treatment programmes in close liaison with all members of the multi-disciplinary team, patients, carers and family in accordance with consent given.

Carry out environmental home assessments. Assess the patient carrying out functional skills to maximise independent living, arranging equipment provision, adaptations, and support services as required. Assess for disability access and safety, also ensuring access to community resources and assessing carer needs.

Plan, execute and evaluate therapeutic sessions, to include relaxation and joint protection, and Disease self-management groups/ individual basis.

Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating, patient may be depressed, deaf, or who may be unable to accept the diagnosis/prognosis

Utilizing interpersonal skills, demonstrating empathy and involving patients in their treatment, in order to achieve the treatment goal.

Record and report regularly on patients progress and treatment to the multi-disciplinary team in accordance with the policies and procedures laid down in individual clinical areas.

Liaise with and ensure good communication with statutory and voluntary bodies to establish a comprehensive discharge package to ensure continuation of care in the community. This includes providing written communication to support the need for services and equipment.

Provide Patient/Carer Education regarding the impact of disease and physical and emotional deficits on patients safety and independence in the hospital, home, leisure, and workplace. To impart sensitive information and advice to patients and carers which could have life changing consequences, in conjunction with multi-disciplinary team.

Training community staff regarding ongoing patient needs in the community ie home carers and Reablement assistants. Referring to follow up services to ensure continued treatment programmes are in place.

Provide an opportunity for patients and carers to express their feelings following disability / illness Rheumatoid Arthritis whilst encouraging acceptance and adjustment to their new circumstances.

Assess for and fabricate a wide range of bespoke thermoplastics splints, commercial made splints for patients referred by consultants, SHOs, SPRs and Specialist Nurses.

Select from a range of standardised assessments and provide reliable results and specialised advice to inform patients and Consultants the likely benefits / reasons for or against having hand surgery to improve functional outcome

Maintain up to date records of all patient contacts, MDT care plans, Occupational therapy assessments and reports whilst always ensuring confidentiality.

Attend and participate in case conferences and ward meetings appropriate to the clinical setting.

Prioritise day-to-day management of own caseload, delegating activities to the basic grade OT as appropriate.

Liaise closely with relatives, Social Services and other agencies involved regarding Home Visits, and maintenance of clients within the community. To liaise with outside agencies disability employment service, housing department and benefits agencies regarding patients financial / social / environmental needs.

Assist in planning and delivering an effective teaching programme for Basic Grade Occupational Therapists.

Professional :

Utilize a high level of time management and organisational skills to manage own diary of treatment sessions, appointments, and visits. Booking mutually convenient appointment directly with patients, relatives, carers, therapists, and colleagues.

Responsible to ensure that competence for practice is maintained through continued professional development and postgraduate training.

Participate in providing teaching, instruction, learning opportunities, work experience and training Occupational Therapy Students, staff and students from other units / disciplines / schools / colleges and training schemes as agreed with the team leader and OT Manager.

Provide regular fieldwork placements for student Occupational Therapists.

Participate in the supervision and teaching of basic grade Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Students, where appropriate.

Responsible for review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.

Take an active part in the supervision, and appraisal process, ensuring that senior staff is aware of any training requirements.

Take responsibility for ensuring own continuing professional development and statutory training.

Responsible to seek regular professional support from Head III Occupational Therapist / Senior I Occupational Therapist including regular performance appraisal.

Participate in service development and clinical governance issues pertaining to the Rheumatology unit.

Attend relevant professional meetings and courses as agreed with the Head Occupational Therapist.

Participate in the induction of students, lesser experience staffs and new assistant.

Assist, when necessary, in planning and organising in-service training of Occupational Therapy staff.

Exercise good personal time management, punctuality, and consistent reliable attendance.

Attend and contribute to staff meetings and contribute to the discussion of and actively participate in the departmental changes, taking account of resources available.

Demonstrate the ability to reflect on ethical issues and to provide guidance to junior staff as necessary.

Contribute to the Trusts, Divisions and Service, clinical governance arrangements and quality agenda.

Be prepared to share areas of knowledge and experience, through formal or informal teaching or supervision sessions, or in-service training.

Responsible to ensue an effective communication always takes place, taking a team approach to patient care and service needs.

Responsibility to keep up to date on immunisation.

Responsible to attend statutory trainings and courses.

Responsible to maintain registration with HCPC and evidence to the OT Manager.

Responsible for following the Departmental and College of Occupational Therapy policies, standards, and guidelines, and always maintain a high professional standard.

Maintain patient confidentiality and security of patient and staff records.

Contribute to the development, implement and evaluation of protocols and patient leaflets within the area, in conjunction with the Senior staff.

Participate, actively and regularly in clinical governance activities, which include clinical audit, survey, research, inter-disciplinary development within the unit and the use of Internet and library to keep up to date with evidence-based practice, as required.

To assist in the implementation of professional education in the Trust as required.

Communication & Working Relationships

Via face to face, or e-mail or telephone contact: physiotherapists, ward managers, nursing staff, SHOs, SPRs Consultants, psychologists, psychiatrists, speech & language therapists, other OT colleague in Derriford Hospital, social workers, ward clerks, administrative staff, Orthotists, podiatrists, hotel services and Medical Physics.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy. To be registered with the Health Professions Council.

Desirable

To have qualification/ attendance in relevant clinical areas.

Knowledge and experience

Essential

To have demonstrable experience in the Physical field. To have demonstrable experience within a large clinical setting. To have demonstrable experience of OT assessments and treatments for (the clinical area). An understanding of rehabilitation, musculoskeletal conditions/injuries, and long-term condition management relevant to the clinical area Awareness of the psychosocial impact of long-term conditions and acute injuries.

Desirable

To have demonstrable experience of working in (the clinical area) To have demonstrable experience of working in an outpatient setting To have attended postgraduate training and courses related to this post. Awareness of wider issues within the NHS. Awareness of the mechanical principles of splinting Awareness of pain management techniques.

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

Professional manner. To have good time management skills. To have understanding of confidentiality. To have good verbal and written communication skills. To be able to demonstrate effective prioritization skills.

Disposition and attitude

Essential

Ability to work under own initiative. Ability to work with minimal supervision. Recognize own limitations. Empathetic, calm and reassuring manner. To be committed to continuing professional development. To have the ability to problem solve. To be able to respect and value the contribution of all team members.

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