Job Summary
Are you looking to improve your work/life balance and deliver high-quality care to children aged 0-19 in the community?
This is your chance to join First Community Health and Care, a staff-owned social enterprise providing CQC Good frontline NHS services in East Surrey.
We are looking for a Band 7 Occupational Therapist who wants to develop their skills in leading a team of Occupational Therapists, providing clinical and operational supervision and support while maintaining a caseload of their own.
There are opportunities for innovation, transformation, and development of the service, alongside the day-to-day operational management of the team.
The service is based at Orchard House, alongside paediatric physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, audiologists, and members of the 0-19 teams (health visitors, community nursery nurses, and school nurses).
We will consider full-time or part-time hours.
Main Duties of the Job
You will provide day-to-day operational management of the paediatric occupational therapy team, as well as delivering a clinical caseload of children aged 0-19, with a range of conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, and learning difficulties.
Children and young people are seen within a variety of settings, including nurseries, schools, homes, and our newly established children's centre.
You will carry out essential duties within the occupational therapy process, including:
1. Partnership working with therapy teams within CFHS and other key stakeholders such as Surrey education/SEND, Social Care, and Wheelchair services
2. Leading projects on service transformation, development, and audit
3. Training, mentoring, and supervising occupational therapy team members
4. Working in partnership with mainstream and special school settings to provide staff consultation and training
5. Supporting children with higher levels of needs or complex backgrounds through either Health or SEN pathways
6. Assessment, recommendation, and provision of equipment for moderate to complex seating systems
7. Individual therapy sessions at home and clinic to support self-care, routine, and independent living skills
8. Direct therapy interventions in the education environment to support engagement in school-based occupations
Due to the nature of the role, a full UK driving licence and car is essential.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please call Nandi Botha on 01737 777711.
About Us
Do you want to be part of an organisation that was rated the best provider of NHS care to work for nationwide? (2023 staff survey results)
First Community is a staff-owned social enterprise rated Good by CQC, which delivers NHS community services across East Surrey and parts of West Sussex. We are looking for individuals who share our values: First-rate care, First-rate people, First-rate value.
First Community is a great place to work; everyone has a voice and is supported to develop their career to its full potential. We offer all our staff: NHS terms and conditions, high-quality training and development opportunities, flexible working to enable a good work-life balance, an inclusive and friendly work environment, an NHS pension, flexible retirement options, and various employee benefits.
Please talk to us before applying or at the interview about the flexibility you need. We may not be able to meet your needs exactly, but we promise to fully consider your request and meet your needs where possible. Please note, flexible working options may vary depending on the role.
At First Community, we welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities. We ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments.
Sustainability is integral to First Community achieving the NHS Net Zero target.
Job Responsibilities
The post holder is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the Paediatric Occupational Therapy team, including safety and clinical governance of the team.
The post holder will deputise for the Clinical Service Manager when required.
The post holder will autonomously manage a complex caseload of children with a range of varied and complex needs.
When completing your application, please refer to both the Application Guide and full Job Description - these can be found under supporting documents.
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
1. Knowledge of legislation and government policies related to the specialty, specifically in relation to service delivery around Educational Health and Care Plans
2. Use of specialist knowledge to inform sound clinical judgements/decision-making for highly specialist case management
3. Well-established and in-depth knowledge relating to paediatric occupational therapy evidence-based assessment, intervention delivery, and best practice
4. Knowledge of CQC standards and understanding of the assessment process
Experience
Essential
1. 5 years Postgraduate experience in Occupational Therapy
2. Previous experience of working with Children in the field of Occupational Therapy
3. Documented evidence of CPD
4. Competent to use standardised assessments.
5. Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team.
6. Ability to deliver training
7. Experience of managing team members and undertaking appraisals
8. Experience of contributing to service development
9. Relevant highly specialist experience post-registration
10. Experience of undertaking clinical audit
11. Experience of safeguarding
12. Experience of dealing with complaints
Desirable
1. Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses relating to the post e.g. leadership
2. Membership of relevant Special Interest Groups/Clinical excellence networks
3. Training relating to the line management and supervision of students, assistants, and other therapists.
4. Experience of training parents, other therapists, and other professionals.
Skills
Essential
1. Ability to work autonomously.
2. Ability to deliver training
3. Ability to undertake risk management
4. Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance in relation to current best practice and develop skills accordingly.
5. Planning and decision-making skills and problem solving
6. Computer and internet literate
Other
Essential
1. Car owner/driver
2. Able to work as a team member
3. Flexible worker
4. Punctual and reliable
5. Able to deal with difficulties involving colleagues/clients
6. Creative
Qualifications
Essential
1. BSc Hons or recognised degree equivalent qualification in Occupational Therapy
2. Health Care Professions Council registrar
Desirable
1. Registered Member of professional body e.g. evidence of successful completion of postgraduate courses up to Masters degree or equivalent
2. Management or leadership qualification
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. #J-18808-Ljbffr