Occupational Therapist (Autism Service)

This is a permanent post supporting the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), in the delivery of effective clinical services through assessment, formulation and ongoing support to children, young people and families accessing Caudwell Children services.

You will work as part of the MDT that includes Psychologists, Learning Disability Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Paediatricians, Clinical Assistants, Assistant Psychologists and charity volunteers. The role also will involve close collaborative working with the Children and Family Services Department, Applications Department and Volunteer Department.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Main Duties:

· Work as part of an MDT in an autism specialist service working primarily with 4 to 11 year olds but may include children and young adults up to age 25.

• Undertake a range of standardised and non-standardised assessments including assessment of functional skills and sensory needs.
• Undertake specialist clinical work with individuals, providing advice, resources, strategies and treatment programmes as appropriate e.g., sensory diets, self-regulation activities and functional skills development programmes.
• Communicate results of assessment and therapeutic findings with the MDT and to families.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of autism assessment and intervention pathways, including diagnostic assessment, post-diagnostic recommendations, guidance, advice and workshop programmes for children and young people and the adults working with or caring for them such as teachers, health or social care workers and parents.
• Work with colleagues on the development and implementation of an Occupational Therapy pathway for children and young people diagnosed with autism including a focus on managing sensory needs and sensitivities, self-regulation and the development of functional skills to enhance tolerance, engagement and participation in daily life.
• Undertake appropriate assessments of children and young people and their families accessing the CICC, using relevant standardised and non-standardised assessment tools.
• Prepare reports and communicate the findings to others as required e.g., parents, children and colleagues, taking into account the communication needs of others.
• Working with colleagues (and independently) to provide workshops and individual assessment and interventions.
• Evaluate and modify interventions utilising appropriate outcome measures.
• Ensure sensory rooms and equipment are safely maintained and checked regularly.
• Practice in accordance with applicable legislation.
• Direct and supervise volunteers in individual and group treatment programmes.
• Provide support and supervision for other members of the team as agreed with the Senior Management Team.
• Contribute to the effective working of the MDT.
• As part of the team, engage in OT practice development, evaluation, audit and research activities to inform evidence-based practice.
• Use evidence based practice approaches.
• Where appropriate share and disseminate research findings with professional colleagues in the interests of practice development.
• Working with others, develop materials and tools for use within assessments and workshops.
• Provide support and supervision to others where agreed with the Clinical Lead or their delegate.
• As part of the team, participate in the specialist education and training of professional and clinical colleagues, students, visitors and volunteers as required.
• Ensure compliance and completion of Continuing Professional Development activities.
• Contribute to supporting colleagues in their CPD.
• Work collaboratively with all members of the MDT and share information with team members in informal and formal situations.
• Liaise effectively with other departments and services within the wider Charity team, modelling excellent communications skills.
• Any other duties required to support Caudwell Children’s Services and wider charity team.

This Job Description indicates only the main duties and responsibilities of the post and is not intended as an exhaustive list. The post holder may be asked to carry out other duties from time to time. The Charity reserves the right to amend this Job Description from time to time, according to business needs.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

· Occupational Therapy degree or equivalent qualification

· Registered member of HCPC

· Preceptorship

· Member of Royal College Occupational Therapists

· Postgraduate training or CPD in the area of autism

· Experience of undertaking standardised formal and informal assessments

· Assessment case formulation and implementation of appropriate interventions

· Experience of delivering training to a range of audiences

· Working as part of a multidisciplinary team

· Experience of working with families

· Able to meet the physical requirements of the role after reasonable adjustments have been made for illness or disability

· Undertake personal and professional development in order to meet the changing demands of the role

· Able to travel to meet the needs of the post

· Ability to demonstrate a flexible approach to work and openness and willingness to learn new skills and to put these into practice

· A personal commitment to the organisation’s values and principles, including equality and diversity

· A commitment to the principles and practice of continual improvement and the provision of personalised services

· A commitment to uphold the rights of children; vulnerable and disabled people.

· Knowledge of Information Governance Standards

· Knowledge of a range of neurodevelopmental disorders

· Understanding of evidence based practice

· Knowledge of relevant legislation, e.g.. Children’s Act 2004, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Health & Safety Act and safeguarding and child protection legislation and practice

· Excellent team-working and communication skills

· Excellent time management and organisational skills

· Excellent interpersonal skills

· Ability to work under pressure

· A positive can-do attitude

Desirable Criteria

· Postgraduate training in and experience of ADOS-2/ADI-R

· Experience of working with volunteers

· Experience of working in the Charity/Third Sector

· Experience of working in ISO regulated organisations

· Experience of clinical governance and quality assurance processes

· Knowledge of Education Health Care Plans

· Knowledge of CQC/OFSTED regulatory frameworks

· Familiarity with PBS values and approaches

DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE CHECKS

The Charity is committed to safeguarding children and young people and therefore adopts a safer recruitment approach through a robust recruitment and selection process. All posts within the Charity are subject to DBS checks, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). Dependent on the role, one of the following DBS checks will be carried out:

· Standard disclosure

· Enhanced disclosure

· Enhanced disclosures with children’s and/or adults’ barred list check(s):

This role is eligible for an enhanced with barred listsDBS check.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Up to £32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Performance bonus

Ability to Relocate:

• Keele, ST5 5NT: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person