Occupational Therapist in Electronic Assistive Technology
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The Specialist Disability Service (SDS) is recruiting an Occupational Therapist to join our small friendly team. Working in the Environmental Controls (EC) service, you will assess our clients for specialist hi-tech disability equipment to help control computers and home appliances. This role focuses on independence, and gives an opportunity to be client-centred, and achieve positive outcomes for people. It would suit OTs with a keen interest in technology, who are either recently qualified, or looking for a new challenge.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:
* Hold an independent caseload, and assess clients for the most appropriate equipment to help them access their home appliances and computer equipment.
* Assist senior members of the team with complex assessments where access method or technical setup is more involved.
* Conduct annual reviews to ensure safe and optimal use of the equipment provided to patients, from both a clinical and technical point of view.
As required, the post holder will assist with:
* Setting up, installing and withdrawing equipment, ensuring each setup is tailored to individual patient needs.
* Providing first line technical support and troubleshooting for patients.
Work may be carried out by phone, video, or face-to-face with clients. This will involve travelling to see patients in their own environment (home, care home or hospital), primarily in the Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes areas. You do not need your own car, but you must be able to drive the service's pool cars.
Applicants should be registered Occupational Therapists and should have an interest in technology, but training in the specific equipment we use will be provided.
The post holder will work primarily in the Environmental Control (EC) service of the Specialist Disability Service (SDS), but will also support other areas of SDS as required.
About us
The Specialist Disability Service (SDS) is a multidisciplinary service which assesses for and provides equipment to improve the level of autonomy and/or reduce the stress on carers of people with highly complex disabilities. It covers fields such as 24 hour postural management and Electronic Assistive Technology. The Environmental Control (EC) Service within SDS sees people who have difficulty operating their household appliances and/or accessing their computer.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. Find out more here www.ouh.nhs.uk.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.
Job responsibilities
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Clinical
* Hold an independent caseload of clients within the Environmental Control (EC) service of SDS.
* Prioritise caseload independently, and arrange appointments according to departmental policies.
* Assess clients via a series of video and/or face-to-face appointments as required.
* Take client history with sensitivity, as our clients have complex disabilities.
* Analyse clients' requirements and use technical knowledge to identify the most suitable equipment.
* Set up and assess with the most suitable equipment, arranging trials where appropriate.
* Prescribe equipment required, in sufficient technical detail to ensure correct provision by 3rd party Environmental Control companies.
* Provide instruction and training to ensure complex equipment is used safely.
* Conduct reviews of clients to evaluate trials, ensuring optimal use of equipment.
* Write records on the hospital electronic record system to document care given.
* Maintain own stock of assessment equipment and order replacements as required.
* Support clinicians within the team by working jointly on more complex cases.
Technical
* Have a good working knowledge of the range of equipment issued by the service.
* Provide technical support and troubleshooting for clients.
Managerial and other
* Supervise the work of the Clinical Support Worker.
* Assist with supervision of OT students.
* Take part in audits and research as required.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Degree (or equivalent) in Occupational Therapy.
* Registered as Occupational Therapist through HCPC.
Experience
* Experience of working in a health or social care setting.
* Experience of working with people with physical and/or learning disabilities.
Personal Skills
* Empathic towards people with disabilities.
* Able to communicate sensitive information effectively.
* Flexible approach to work.
Technical Skills
* Ability to quickly learn to use, setup and customise new hardware and software.
* Familiar with using various software operating systems.
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.
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Salary
£29,970 to £36,483 per annum pro rata
Job location
Oxford Centre for Enablement, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
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