Rehabilitation Therapist

Position Overview

We are pleased to present a remarkable opportunity to become part of our diverse and well-established Band 5 Rehabilitation Therapy rotational program. This role is particularly suited for individuals who are newly qualified, nearing the completion of their Occupational Therapy studies, or existing Band 5 professionals looking to broaden their experience across various specialties.

The rotational program offers a chance to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, enhancing core competencies in multiple clinical domains such as Geriatrics, Neurology, Surgical Care, and specialized rotations including Cancer Care, Social Services, and Mobility Services.

Each rotation lasts for six months and will take place in a range of hospital and community environments.

The successful applicant will collaborate within our esteemed and cohesive Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy teams, showcasing exceptional communication, interpersonal, and teamwork abilities.

Our Therapy Service is dedicated to professional growth and development, providing regular supervision, peer support, and designated Continuing Professional Development (CPD) time. Newly qualified staff will be enrolled in our Preceptorship Program during their initial year of employment, and an annual Values-Based Appraisal will encourage personal and professional growth within their role.

Key Responsibilities

Throughout each rotation, the incumbent will be responsible for managing a patient caseload, planning, and executing Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions with guidance from their team and senior colleagues. While demonstrating the ability to function effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, they will also be expected to work independently and maintain precise records in accordance with organizational policies.

The post holder will receive support in maintaining and advancing their own professional development to ensure that they not only progress in their role but that their interventions and assessments are grounded in evidence and theoretical understanding.

In addition to a solid grasp of the Occupational Therapy process, the ideal candidate will exhibit outstanding communication skills, possess a strong interest in engaging in service enhancement initiatives, and demonstrate excellent organizational and planning capabilities. Flexibility in approach and the ability to support weekend operations within a seven-day service are also expected.

About Our Organization

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a globally recognized center of clinical excellence and one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the United Kingdom. We employ approximately 12,500 staff, including over 4,000 nurses, 2,000 doctors, and 850 Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). The Trust encompasses four primary hospital sites, all located in Oxford and North Oxfordshire.

Our values, standards, and behaviors define the quality of clinical care we provide and the professional relationships we cultivate with our patients, colleagues, and the broader community. We emphasize delivering compassionate excellence, focusing on our core values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement, and excellence. These principles place patients at the center of our efforts and underpin the high-quality healthcare we aspire to provide.

Responsibilities Include:

• Communication Skills
• Establish and maintain effective communication with various individuals and groups on complex and potentially stressful topics in diverse situations.
• Present complex information in an accessible manner, addressing barriers to communication.
• Motivate and persuade patients, caregivers, and other staff through effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques.
• Document all necessary information in accordance with established standards and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
• Participate in regular meetings and learning opportunities with other members of the therapy department and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure appropriate liaison with other agencies throughout the patient care continuum, including post-discharge.
• Educate others, both formally and informally, about Occupational Therapy and positively promote the service.
• Clinical Responsibilities
• Manage a caseload of patients, providing timely assessments and treatments in line with current evidence and guidelines.
• Formulate goals and clinical objectives with patients, caregivers, and other health professionals, continually reassessing patients to evaluate progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Utilize developed physical skills, including dexterity, coordination, and sensory skills for therapy assessments and treatment techniques across all clinical settings.
• Conduct assessments and treatments requiring moderate physical effort frequently throughout the day.
• Apply clinical reasoning to inform decision-making at all stages of the Occupational Therapy process based on a thorough understanding of the patient's needs and goals.
• Assess patients' occupational performance across various domains, including self-care, productivity, and leisure, incorporating evaluations of physical, cognitive, and emotional areas.
• Develop and implement treatment plans on both an individual and group basis, utilizing evidence-based practices and adhering to current professional standards for Occupational Therapy.
• Select and apply appropriate standardized assessments and outcome measures relevant to the patient population.
• Identify needs and conduct home assessments and access visits in accordance with local policies.
• Recognize supervision needs and utilize clinical supervision effectively, exploring personal practice and maximizing opportunities for knowledge enhancement.
• Actively participate in the education of Occupational Therapy students and work experience students.
• Engage in in-service training and development opportunities.
• Adhere to relevant national, local, and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines regarding clinical and administrative practices, including attendance at and contributions to therapy or team meetings.
• Justify the rationale for the provision or non-provision of adaptive equipment and provide guidance to patients and caregivers on safe usage, fitting, and care of prescribed equipment.
• Ensure that out-of-county patients are referred for necessary Occupational Therapy follow-up as required.
• Demonstrate competence in the use and application of specialized equipment, ensuring its safe use with patients and conducting relevant risk assessments.
• Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of community services and how to access them to facilitate timely, quality discharges.
• Exhibit competence in non-traditional Occupational Therapy assessments, such as functional mobility.
• Participate in data collection and audits to evaluate clinical effectiveness.
• Be willing and able to work the hours required by the service, which may include evenings and weekends within a weekly shift pattern.
• Planning and Organizational Skills
• Demonstrate flexible and effective time management skills to manage caseload and departmental responsibilities appropriately, responding to unpredictable workloads and frequent interruptions.
• Assist senior therapists in delegating and organizing the work of therapy assistants to meet service demands.
• Prepare for monthly supervision sessions and maintain accurate records of all meetings and discussions.
• Identify areas for learning and development, taking a proactive approach to planning training to meet these needs.
• Service and Personal Development
• Develop knowledge and understanding of the research process.
• Contribute to the evaluation of clinical effectiveness within the service and support Trust and departmental strategies regarding clinical governance issues.
• Participate in research surveys, audits, and evaluation activities or other projects within the Occupational Therapy department, underpinned by appropriate methodology.
• Engage in staff appraisal processes, ensuring that individual objectives align with departmental and Trust objectives.
• Identify personal training needs and attend courses, professional meetings, team meetings, and in-service training while consulting with specialist therapists.
• Assist in the induction of new starters to the Occupational Therapy Department.
• Provide supervision to unqualified staff once appropriate experience and competencies are obtained.
• Manage small-scale projects effectively.
• Maintain a reflective diary/log and encourage others to do the same.
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing education and identify requirements for self and others.
• Undertake self-directed study in relevant professional areas to expand knowledge.
• Promote cross-site collaboration by working with other therapists across the Trust and supporting Occupational Therapy specialty groups.
• Contribute to the development of the Occupational Therapy service, including policies and protocols within the Trust.
• Complete an evidence-based project during each rotation and present findings to colleagues.