1. To assess,review and monitor the needs of adults and children with a physical impairment and their carers in line with the legislative framework underpinning Occupational Therapy (OT) practice within a local authority setting.
2. To adhere to the social model of independence; the College of Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, and meet Health and Care Professions Council’s standards for conduct and practice.
3. To maximise the desired level of independence of the service user.
4. To prescribe service provision adhering to policies, procedures and within determined financial/resource budgets.
5. To actively contribute to the development and planning of OT services.
6. Manage a complex caseload setting clear service objectives and determining the appropriate level and duration of OT intervention. Maintain appropriate records and statistics as specified by the team manager.
7. Participate in the duty rota and determine whether the user has a permanent and substantial physical impairment and meets the eligibility criteria for service provision. Prioritise the appropriate carepathways for each referral.
8. Assess the functional abilities and needs of users of all ages who have physical impairment; identify, plan and implement OT intervention adhering to policies, procedures and legislation.
9. Adopt a multi-disciplinary approach liaising with social and health care professionals and agencies to assist with & clarify clients’ needs.
10. Apply evidence based practice and relevant medical knowledge in determining eligibility and intervention for service users with both long and short term needs.
11. Assess the needs of carers and offer guidance and support strategies to enable them to maintain their caring role.
12. Use a creative and problem solving approach to ensure that clinical decisions are made appropriately.
13. Implement reablement/training on alternative techniques for coping strategies for everyday activities.
14. Demonstrate and instruct clients and informal carers on the safe and correct use, fitting and maintenance of equipment. Ensure the provision of an appropriate risk assessment and manual handling care plan where appropriate.
15. Adhere to the different ordering processes set out for the provision of complex and simple aids to daily living.
16. Liaise with specialist manufacturers or suppliers for demonstrations/assessment of non- standard stock equipment, giving consideration to the financial constraints.
17. Undertake moving & handling assessments, write comprehensive moving & handling care plans and ensure safe practice. Instruct users and/or carers as appropriate.
18. Provide specialist assessments and reports for re-housing,sheltered and extra care facilities. Liaise with the Housing Department to ensure suitable accommodation is located.
19. Recommend the provision of major adaptations in all property tenures. Prepare specifications and drawings as appropriate, liaise with stakeholders including grant officers, home improvement agencies, architects and builders through to the completion of satisfactory works.
20. Facilitate applications for day and/or residential care either directly or via referral to the relevant Social Work Team.
21. Participate in project work to promote developmental initiatives.
22. Maintain up to date knowledge of medical conditions, equipment, disability resources, DSS benefits and allowances and the legal framework which underpins OT practice.
23. Participate in the development and planning of OT services by attending and actively contributing to staff and team meetings and sharing knowledge gained through experience and /or training with colleagues.
24. Participate in regular supervision in line with the Council’s policy.
25. Keep professional knowledge and skills up to date. Identify training and development needs and in agreement with supervisor/team manager take action to implement. Take responsibility for Continual Professional Development and prepare a portfolio in support as evidence base.
26. Participate in the induction of new staff to the OT Service.
27. Provide professional support to and supervise OT Assistants on a day to day basis.