Advanced Occupational Therapist Therapeutic Support Services (TSS) Band 7

The post holder will work as part of a psychology-led multi-disciplinary consultation and therapy team which is known as Therapeutic Support Services (TSS). TSS has been developed within the Belfast to implement a therapeutic care experience model to support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of children looked after by the Trust. The service provides assessment, intervention, consultation, liaison and training to the Corporate Parenting and Safeguarding Workforces, to facilitate the effectiveness of therapeutic care for this group of young people who typically have a range of complex needs including learning difficulties and delays in achieving developmental milestones. Looked After Children may exhibit the impacts of complex trauma histories such as attachment issues, emotional difficulties and challenging behaviours. Research indicates that many of these young people experience difficulties with sensory processing which require intervention as an aspect of wraparound supports from a wide variety of services. Based on detailed assessment of need, TSS provides access to a range of consultative and therapeutic inputs across the range of settings (residential, fostering, adoptive) in which young people receive care, facilitating the integration of supports from other services and agencies. The post-holder will provide assessment, intervention and teaching/training services to children, carers, social workers and other staff, as a member of the TSS service. They will lead in the planning, development and evaluation of the Occupational Therapy service in this specialist area. The role will entail working in partnership with other professionals within the Health Service, Education Sector, the Adolescent and Youth Justice Sector and the Voluntary Sector to develop and co-ordinate the delivery of services. This is an innovative post requiring an Occupational Therapist with expert knowledge and skills, leadership and vision in this clinical field .

Hold a degree in Occupational Therapy or a Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapists from a WFOT recognised course

Must be registered with the Health Care Professions Council

5 years post qualification experience

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Experience of carrying out research/audit

Membership of a Professional Body

Experience of delivering training