Senior Occupational Therapist

Domain Duties/Responsibilities Clinical To select and apply occupational therapy assessments for a designated caseload, addressing occupational performance and skill deficits, enabling the service user in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure. To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of work. To undertake the OT assessment of service users using investigative and analytical skills to formulate individual treatment plans. To accept clinical responsibility under supervision for a designated caseload some with complex presentations prioritising need and taking on the role of co-ordinator where relevant. To plan and implement service user centred individual and group interventions, using clinical reasoning and a range of treatment interventions to achieve therapeutic goals. To monitor, evaluate and modify treatment for service users in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention. To demonstrate an understanding of the effect of disability and recommend adaptations to the service users social and physical environment. To provide occupational therapy services in working conditions which may be hazardous e.g., exposure to body fluids, aggressive persons, visits to high-risk areas and associated travel risks. To assess capacity gain valid informed consent and work within a legal framework with service users who lack capacity to consent to treatment. To undertake therapeutic moving and handling of service users and equipment, utilising moderate physical effort within clinical and non clinical settings. To work with service users, carers and relatives who may have distressing social/clinical circumstances. Communication To demonstrate effective communication skills with service users, carers, other health workers and agencies. To develop presentation skills in a variety of settings. To develop skills in communicating complex sensitive and contentious information to service users and carers as appropriate. To promote awareness of the role of Occupational Therapy within the team and locally. Documentation To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional and trust standards. Professional ethics To comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and national and local policies and procedures. To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of service users and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs. Leadership supervision & appraisal To review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal. To undertake the supervision and appraisal of junior staff as delegated by a senior member of staff. To demonstrate basic leadership skills through involvement in designated projects. To support volunteers and Peer Support Work staff whilst on the ward. To deputise for the Clinical Lead OT as required. Training staff & students To participate in the planning and implementation of the induction, training and education of students and other staff. To be regularly responsible for the supervision and written assessment of occupational therapy students on practice placement within the trust. Service development & delivery To participate in the planning, evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the service area. To participate in the delivery of the occupational therapy/ AHP development plan. Professional development To apply skills and knowledge to establish professional competence and fitness to practise as a Senior Occupational Therapist. To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio. Clinical governance, quality, standards To contribute to the trust and teams clinical governance arrangements. To demonstrate understanding of national guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care in mental health service provision. To demonstrate an understanding of clinical governance and risk management and apply to the work situation. Management To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance. To co-ordinate day-to-day activities of junior staff where applicable. To be actively involved in the collation of appropriate data and statistics as required. To deputise for the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist as required. Research & practice development To demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate current research, apply to practice and disseminate findings at a local level. To broaden research and development skills through participation in local audit and research projects. Person Specification Knowledge and skills Essential: Knowledge of Occupational Therapy models of practice Application of the Occupational Therapy process with designated service user group Assessment and planning of therapy intervention Group process skills Computer literacy Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance Ability to work as part of a team Effective written and oral communication skills Ability to manage own workload and determine priorities. Ability to work effectively under pressure Knowledge of relevant National Service Frameworks and current Government Guidelines Application of Health, Safety and Risk Management policies Desirable: Knowledge and application of standardised assessments Knowledge of current best practice in Occupational Therapy for relevant area Training skills Supervisory skills Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues. Understanding of team dynamics Ability to work with people from a variety of cultures Knowledge of the principles of Clinical Governance Training and qualifications Essential Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy Practice Placement qualification within 12 months of appointment Experience Essential: Documented evidence of continuing professional development 2 years post registration experience as an Occupational Therapist Team working Desirable: Post registration experience in relevant clinical setting. Experience of research and audit Supervision of junior staff and/or students Other Essential: State registration with HCPC Commitment to service-user centred, non-discriminatory practice Commitment to lifelong learning Willingness and ability to work flexibly this may include work outside of normal working hours in accordance with service need Desirable: Membership of Professional Body