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Job overview
Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist - Neurology
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Dorset County Hospital for a motivated and highly experienced Occupational Therapist to join our dynamic team to provide clinical expertise to our Neuro medical and Neuro trauma patients. The post will be linked with the stroke team and our trauma coordinator.
The post is full time, working 37.5 hours per week, but part time and flexible working will be considered if raised at interview. There will be a requirement to be part of the stroke weekend rota.
The Therapies Service at Dorset County Hospital is an integrated Therapies Service working together to ensure that Therapies provision is the best that it can be, balancing quality and resourcing to provide and improve patient centred services.
You will be working in a rewarding and challenging clinical environment and will be responsible for the supervision and line management of at least one team member. The therapies department at Dorset County Hospital is committed to ensuring staff feel supported with their wellbeing and career progression through supervision, appraisal, in-house and external training and leadership development.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will provide Occupational Therapy assessment and rehabilitation for neurologically impaired patients within Dorset County Hospital. This post will offer the opportunity to demonstrate and develop highly specialist skills in the management of neurological patients at all stages of their journey - fully embracing the benefits of high quality therapeutic relationships across teams. The post has a strong emphasis on assessment and acute rehabilitation as part of a specialist multidisciplinary teams on acute wards within DCH.
You will have the opportunity to take on leadership responsibilities, which will include developing and leading on the operational management and service delivery for the Occupational Therapy team. You will be working alongside an established team of Physiotherapists, Dietitians, Speech & Language Therapists and Therapy Support Workers and will be encouraged to take an active role in current projects, including service development and evaluation, internal and external training, audit and research review.
Working for our organisation
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a modern District General Hospital offering an excellent working environment. Much of West Dorset is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the Jurassic coastline is protected by World Heritage status. There are numerous beaches within easy reach, and Portland Harbour promotes a wide range of water sport activities. The area is largely rural, with good rail and road links. The closest airport is situated in Bournemouth.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in groups which are under-represented in our organisation. If you are a forward thinking and dynamic therapist looking to further your professional experience then we would like to hear from you.
Secondment opportunities, flexible working and part time hours will be considered.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Responsible for providing clinical assessment, rehabilitation and leadership to create and promote a highly specialised Neurological Occupational Therapy service.
To participate in daily operational activities including management, planning, implementation and direction of the occupational therapy service in conjunction with other B7 OTs and the Head of Occupational Therapy.
To provide professional support to qualified staff, students and support staff.
To be involved in the strategic planning and policy development for the service.
To ensure clinical effectiveness of therapy intervention incorporating evidence based practice and professional standards.
Person specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria
* Current HCPC Registration
* Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy
* Demonstration of commitment to lifelong learning
Desirable criteria
* UK driving licence (manual)
* RCOT membership or specialist interest group
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
* Evidence of C.P.D in relevant areas of practice.
* Post registration experience relevant to clinical area.
* Extensive experience working in an acute health setting and complex discharge planning.
* Experience in supervising/teaching staff/student/volunteer.
* Experience in acute rehab.
Desirable criteria
* Relevant other associated work experience.
* Leadership & first line management experience.
* Experience of involvement in audit / service development.
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
* Effective written and verbal communication skills to a range of audiences
* Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning skills and management of complex cases.
* Ability to relate clinical knowledge to practice.
* Able to work independently as an autonomous practitioner
* Ability to work as part of a team including MDT
* Good organisational skills
* Reflect & critically approve own performance.
* Ability to lead and motivate self and team
* Effective time management skills and ability to prioritise case load and managerial tasks
* Ability to laterally think and problem solve
* Ability to apply appraisal teaching and supervision skills
* Highly specialist knowledge of current therapy in relevant area
* Awareness of current health issues
* IT skills / computer literate
* Able to maintain judgment and make decisions under pressure
* Excellent presentation & training skills
* Clear vision of role/commitment to specialty
* Committed to personal and team development
* Adaptable and supportive of change
* Punctual and reliable
* Research-minded
* Able to work on different sites
* Able to work weekends in line with the Therapy 7 day working provision
Our Mission
Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.
Our Vision
Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
Our Values
Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
For more information, please use the link below to read our joint strategy for Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Healthcare.
Trust Strategy | Dorset County Hospital (dchft.nhs.uk)
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.
The closing date/interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.
Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.
You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
* B7 Neuro OT JD and PS (PDF, 336.5KB)
* Car Parking Information for Employees (PDF, 225.0KB)
* DBS Code of Practice (PDF, 54.9KB)
* Dorset Map (PDF, 59.3KB)
* Guidance regarding Disabled Staff (PDF, 96.3KB)
* Advice for Candidates (PDF, 110.5KB)
* Trust Values (PDF, 678.1KB)
* DCH Recruitment Information Pack (PDF, 1.2MB)
* Joint Strategy - Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Healthcare (PDF, 6.0MB)
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