Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join the existing Frailty Therapy team based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
The Team comprises of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and a Therapy Assistant. The nature of the team allows for an integrated therapy approach, meaning this post creates an interesting role to carry out comprehensive and holistic assessments with the aim to deliver the highest standards of patient care.
The Frailty Therapy team works closely with the multidisciplinary team as well as building strong working relationships with our community colleagues. The multidisciplinary approach works to achieve patient goals in rehabilitation, effective discharge planning and improved patient flow from the hospital setting.
The team currently covers an service Monday to Friday.
Main duties of the job
To provide OT support within the existing Frailty Therapy Team, whilst working within an integrated therapy model with the Physiotherapists.
Provide specialist assessment and intervention to individuals presenting with a range of physical, cognitive, social or perceptual deficits which impact on functional ability and safety within their home environment, using an evidence based and person-centred approach.
Ensure a proactive approach to rehabilitation to maintain and improve function and to facilitate timely discharges always thinking 'Home First'.
Participate in the planning, development and evaluation of Occupational Therapy Services within the wider Occupational Therapy team, as well as within the Frailty Therapy specialist team.
We can offer:
A supportive working environment with regular supervision
Working within an MDT that is always striving to improve our practice and is open to feedback and fresh ideas
Support to develop your own clinical and non- clinical skill
To look at how we work as a team please take a look at these links: Celebrating AHPs' Day 2023 - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (
Ever considered a career in occupational therapy? Hear from those at the start of their career all the way through to colleagues with years of... | By University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation TrustFacebook | Facebook
About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
We have recently moved into our brand-new, purpose-built hospital within the site at Royal Sussex County Hospital! The new Louisa Martindale building provides spacious, well-resourced and modern facilities for patients and staff. The building includes a new Welcome space, running the entire length of the Occupational Therapy team are based in the multi-disciplinary office with access to our brand-new Therapy kitchen, bedroom, terrace and therapy gym. Enabling our staff to really make a difference to someones therapy and care.
Introducing The Louisa Martindale Building - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (
Attached you will find the job description and person specification which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. Please read this document for further information.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. Professional Qualification in Occupational Therapy
2. HCPC registered
Desirable
3. Practice educators' course
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
4. Knowledge of the role of an acute OT in the acute frailty team and the use of assessment, treatment and rehab interventions for these patients
5. Varied post-graduate experience in a range of settings including medical, surgical, older person's rehabilitation or a closely related field
6. Knowledge of an integrated therapy model
7. Experience in the assessment and formulating treatment plans for patients who have complex physical, psychological, emotional, sensory and social needs using standardised and non-standardised assessment forms
8. Experience of using appropriate 'listening/counselling' skills when working with patient/family/carers to ensure the effective communication of complex and sensitive information about conditions and treatment plans
Desirable
9. Experience of working in acute frailty
Skills
Essential
10. Ability to prioritise caseloads daily, demonstrate effective time management and delegate appropriately
11. To be able to work autonomously as well as part of the wider multi-disciplinary team
12. To be able to clinically reason and prescribe a range of equipment to assist ADL's and adaptations within the home setting.
13. To be able to manage under pressure and respond to the rapidly changing demand of the hospital environment, whilst supporting other team members to do the same
14. To be able to coordinate complex discharges and follow up care and support junior staff with this.
15. Excellent communication skills to manage clinical or team issues
16. Competent and confident with therapeutic handling of patients with or without aids.
Desirable
17. Presentation and training skills
18. Experience of clinical audit and outcome measures
People Management and Development
Essential
19. To be able to provide leadership when the team in under pressure or in the absence of the team lead.
20. Ability to reflect on and critically appraise own performance
21. Experience in providing clinical supervision formally and informally for students and staff
22. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, carers and colleagues
Desirable
23. Evidence of being a practice educator for students
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential
24. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
25. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).