We are looking for a Specialist Neuro Occupational Therapist, who is looking to develop their knowledge and skills within a friendly team. Support is readily available and a supervision and CPD structure is in place and encouraged by the service.
You will receive professional guidance and direction from senior Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. As part of your development, there are opportunities to experience colleagues working in a range of partner settings, and to develop your supervisory skills with Therapy Support Workers and students.
You will be working closely with the other internal Integrated and Specialist Community Services, including Community Nursing, Speech and Language, Tissue Viability, Falls and Rapid Response services. You will also be required to work closely with Primary Care Network Colleagues, Frailty Service and the Hospital Discharge Team to support hospital discharge.
It is also essential to hold a full valid driving licence and have access to a car to use regularly for business purposes.
You will be required to complete electronic patient records (training provided).
The position is full time (37.5 hours per week) but in line with our flexible working approach we welcome applications for part-time contracts. A seven-day working pattern will be required to cover weekends and bank holidays on a rostered/rotational basis.
Main duties of the job
Be an active member of the community multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation team, providing a comprehensive occupational therapy service to residents of Harrow. This includes the provision of Early Supported Discharge Service for Stroke and our Community Neuro Rehabilitation Service pathways for people with acquired or progressive neurological conditions.
Work within professional standards and clinical guidelines, promote best practice and undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner including assessing and treating own caseload of patients/clients and maintaining professional documentation.
Build up and maintain key relationships with referring including GPs, acute providers, Bedded Services, District Nurses, Wheelchair Services, Speech & Language therapy and other services across CLCH to facilitate appropriate referrals and an understanding of the role of the occupational therapy and the multi-professional team.
Be responsible for the supervision of rehabilitation assistants and occupational therapy students.
Work mainly in the clients' homes but also in a variety of settings including clinics, residential care homes, continuing care homes and community centres.
Support self and service development through active participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and by participating in any audit or research being undertaken by the service.
Job responsibilities
Undertake multidisciplinary neuro assessments, identify the needs of the clients and work closely with the MDT on joint goals. These clients will present with a variety of complex neurological conditions.
To undertake specialist occupational therapy assessments functional, cognitive, seating and upper limb assessments and identify areas of priority for intervention.
To communicate relevant medical information, assessment details, advice and recommendations across agencies and with clients in compliance with trust guidelines for sharing of information and informed consent.
Be responsible for gaining informed consent for assessment, treatment interventions and sharing of information in compliance with legal and professional guidelines.
Have working knowledge of clinical guidelines specific to the area you are working in and, with the guidance of your supervisor, translate these guidelines into clinical practice.
Following specialist assessment, use advanced clinical reasoning and a client-centred goal setting approach to develop and provide individual occupational therapy treatments and programmes for clients.
Demonstrate compassion, empathy and sensitivity towards clients who may have complex emotional and physical conditions.
Comply with local risk assessments when dealing with complex clients with challenging behavioral needs.
Be responsible for organising and prioritising own caseload to meet service needs.
Prescribe appropriate equipment to clients in order to maximise their independence.
Work closely with other members of the multi-professional team to provide a comprehensive, seamless service aiming to improve and maintain health for clients using the service.
Work as a lone practitioner, within the guidelines of the Lone Working Policy, when performing home visits.
Person Specification
Education/Qualification
Essential
* Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy
* Current HPC registration
* Evidence of up to date CPD portfolio
* Involvement in Appraisal Scheme
* Attendance at specialist short courses or equivalent CPD activities within the specialist areas of Adult Rehabilitation, Neurology, Older People Rehabilitation
Desirable
* Post graduate degree in relevant area
* Member of a Special Interest Group relevant to this post
* Member of BAOT
Experience
Essential
* Experience working in a range of clinical areas such as neurology, general rehabilitation, falls, elderly medicine.
Desirable
* Post registration experience as a Band 6 occupational therapist in neurology.
* Experience of community rehabilitation
* Experience of working in the NHS
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
* Skills in the assessment and treatment of adults with complex neurological conditions
* Knowledge and understanding of complex medical conditions
* Ability to apply core occupational therapy skills across a range of clinical conditions
* Good communication and report writing skills
Desirable
* Supervision of assistant/junior staff
* Knowledge and experience in research and audit
Employer details
Employer name
Central London Community Health Trust
Address
Honeypot Lane Health Centre
839 Honeypot Lane
Harrow
HA7 1AT #J-18808-Ljbffr