Locum Band 6 Occupational Therapist

Locum Band 6 Occupational Therapist - Stroke and Neurological Rehabilitation Inpatient Ward

* £28 per hour

* 3-month Locum Contract, Full-time

* Gravesend, Kent, DA11

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Locum Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join an interdisciplinary team in providing high-quality rehabilitation services to stroke and neurological patients within an inpatient setting.

Although ward based, the OT is expected to undertake access visits and discharge home visits so will need a car and be able to drive.

The successful candidate will play a key role in assessing, planning, and implementing individualized occupational therapy interventions to maximize patients' functional independence, improve their quality of life, and support their transition back to community living. This role involves working collaboratively with patients, families, and multidisciplinary team members to achieve rehabilitation goals and optimize patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

* Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy assessments of stroke and neurological patients, including functional assessments, cognitive assessments, and environmental assessments, to identify strengths, impairments, and rehabilitation needs.

* Develop individualized treatment plans and goals in collaboration with patients, their families, and other members of the multidisciplinary team, utilizing evidence-based practice and a client-centered approach.

* Implement therapeutic interventions and activities to address patients' physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and vocational needs, promoting independence in activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and community reintegration.

* Provide skilled therapeutic interventions, including upper limb rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, perceptual retraining, and activities to improve motor control, coordination, and balance, adapting interventions to meet patients' changing needs and abilities.

* Use assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and environmental modifications to facilitate patients' independence and safety in their home and community environments, providing education and training to patients and caregivers as needed.

* Collaborate closely with physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate integrated care plans, address interdisciplinary goals, and optimize patient outcomes.

* Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and ward rounds to review patient progress, discuss complex cases, and contribute to care planning and discharge planning processes.

* Document all assessments, interventions, and patient progress accurately and comprehensively in electronic health records, ensuring adherence to professional and organizational standards and maintaining patient confidentiality.

* Provide education and support to patients and their families regarding stroke and neurological conditions, rehabilitation strategies, community resources, and long-term management plans, empowering them to actively participate in the rehabilitation process.

* Engage in continuous professional development activities to enhance clinical knowledge, skills, and competencies in stroke and neurological rehabilitation, staying abreast of current research findings, best practices, and emerging interventions.

* Adhere to professional standards, codes of conduct, and regulatory requirements governing occupational therapy practice, including safeguarding vulnerable adults and children, and maintaining professional boundaries.

Qualifications & Experience

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from a recognized institution.

* Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Occupational Therapist.

* Minimum of two years of post-qualification experience in occupational therapy, preferably in stroke and neurological rehabilitation settings.

* Specialist knowledge and skills in stroke rehabilitation, including upper limb rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, and activities of daily living (ADL) training.

* Strong clinical assessment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient needs and goals.

* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport, establish therapeutic relationships, and collaborate effectively with patients, families, and multidisciplinary team members.

* Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment, demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork.

* Proficiency in using electronic health record systems and other relevant technology tools for documentation, communication, and information management.

* Commitment to providing patient-centered care, promoting health equity, and advocating for the needs of stroke and neurological patients and their families