Specialist Community Occupational Therapist

Job summary

We are looking to recruit a Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our team and part of the wider Community Adult Health Service. This is serving the Hertsmere locality in Hertfordshire.

The position offers experience of a mixed caseload with various pathologies; including amputees, neurological / stroke rehabilitation, Parkinson's disease, falls / balance impairments, orthopaedics, long-term conditions and palliative / end of life care. The aim is to rehabilitate and maximise the patients' potential, to support and enable patients in a range of activities to promote independent living in their home environment.

Successful applicants will be part of an enthusiastic, patient focused, holistic team treating patients in their own homes. Our Multi-disciplinary team comprises Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Nurses, Healthcare and therapy assistants, as well as support from administrators.

We work collaboratively with GPs, acute hospitals, social care, hospices and other third sector organisations.

It is essential for this post, that you have a full UK driving license and the use of your own car to be able to travel to patient's homes or other locations in the Hertfordshire area.

Main duties of the job

Complete comprehensive and multi- professional assessments. Develop and implement treatment plans for patients using evidence-based outcome measures.

Perform overview assessments and complex specialist assessments as appropriate.

Knowledge of clinical guidelines, specific to the area you are working in and translate these guidelines into clinical practice.

Following assessment use advanced clinical reasoning, analysis and reassessment skills and use a client centred goal setting approach to develop and provide individualised occupational therapy treatments, programmes and education for patients and carers.

Be responsible for organising and prioritising your own caseload to meet the service needs and communicating to the team lead and/or manager if the service needs cannot be met.

Prescribe appropriate equipment to patients to maximise their independence. This may involve delivering and fitting equipment from the satellite stores.

Work closely with other members of the multidisciplinary team.

Work as a lone practitioner, following the guidelines of the Lone Working Policy.

Identify clients who need support from external agencies. Liaise with these agencies and sign post or refer patients to the agencies as appropriate.

To be able to triage referrals for both Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists, as well as identifying referrals appropriate for Technical instructors, using clinical reasoning skills and prioritising referrals according to clinical need.

About us

Just as we care about our patients' well-being, we care about yours!

We can offer you:

• A comprehensive induction into the community service followed by a local induction to introduce you to the role
• Car lease scheme(only available for Band 5 and up)
• Flexible working options
• Annual travel card loan
• Training, support and development in your career

We have a well-established structure for clinical supervision and opportunities for practice development, including in-service training. This will provide you with fantastic opportunities to enhance your existing knowledge and skills. You will also have opportunities to supervise junior therapy staff and students.

To have a full look at our benefits and what it's like working for us please go here: https://www.clch.nhs.uk/job/pay-and-benefits

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will hold your own caseload under supervision from the therapy lead. Regular supervision is offered.

You will also supervise junior members of the team and be given the opportunity to be a fieldwork educator to Occupational therapy students.

**Please refer to job description, person specification and trust values, for outline of skills, knowledge and experience required.**

Person Specification

Education/Qualifcations

Essential

• Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
• Current HCPC registration
• Evidence of up-to-date CPD portfolio

Desirable

• Member of the RCOT
• Postgraduate qualification

Experience

Essential

• Post Graduate experience
• Experience working as an autonomous practitioner assessing and treating patients with physical conditions.
• Experience of current OT assessment and treatment techniques/modalities
• Experience treating adult and/or elderly client groups.
• Experience of assessing, advising, and demonstrating to clients and carers about safe manual handling techniques (including use of equipment and adaptations)
• Experience of assessing for and reviewing of medical devices and other rehabilitative equipment for patient/clients, carers, and others. This includes safe handling, fitting and demonstration.
• Promotion of continence

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in the NHS
• Experience of community working
• Broad rotational experience at a junior level including experience in Care of the Elderly, Orthopaedics and Neurorehabilitation
• Experience in supervising staff and students

Key Attributes

Essential

• oHold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of complex medical conditions including multi-pathologies and falls.
• High level skills in the assessment and treatment of adults with complex multi-pathologies.
• Ability to apply core occupational therapy skills across a range of clinical conditions with a client centred goal setting approach.
• Ability to problem solve, prioritise, and demonstrate clinical reasoning.
• Knowledge of outcome measures and evidence-based practice associated with occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of the role of Allied Health Professionals and interdisciplinary team working.
• Ability to teach junior staff/students/peers through an in-service training programme.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in both verbal and written format, including report writing skills.
• Good IT skills, including ability to use Microsoft word.
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of Social Services and voluntary agencies.
• Knowledge of relevant national frameworks and guidance e.g. NSF, NICE.

Desirable

• Ability to effectively use System One and Microsoft teams.
• Knowledge and experience in research and audit.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Central London Community Health Trust

Address

Potters Bar Community Hospital

Barnet Road

Potters Bar

EN6 2RY

Employer's website

https://clch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

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