Occupational Therapist

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Job Statement:

The rotational programme provides an opportunity to consolidate theory into practice and to develop core skills in a variety of clinical areas including - Older Adults and Frailty, Neuroscience, Surgery and speciality rotations including Oncology, Social Services and the Oxfordshire Wheelchair Service.

Each rotation is 6 months in duration and will be based across a variety of hospital and community settings.

The successful candidate will work within our respected and integrated Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy teams and will demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal and team working skills. The post holder will be expected to manage a caseload and plan and undertake Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions with support from their team and senior colleagues.

The Therapy Service is committed to learning and development and supports regular supervision, peer support and protected CPD time. Newly qualified staff are enrolled onto the OUH Preceptorship Programme in their first year of employment and a yearly Values Based Appraisal encourages each individual to grow, learn and develop within their role.

Key Working relationships:

Integrated working is a key element to the Therapies Team at OUH and key relationships required for this role to be successful include:

· The Multidisciplinary team including Consultants and medical staff

· Community based agencies for onward referral

· Patients, carers, and relatives

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Communication

· Establishes and maintains effective communication with various individuals and groups on complex and potentially stressful topics in a range of situations.

· Obtains and presents complex information in an accessible manner where there are barriers to communication.

· To be able to motivate and persuade patients, carers and other staff through effective verbal & non-verbal communication skills.

· Records all necessary information in line with established standards and ensures practice of using the Data Protection Act in accordance with local policies and OT specifications.

· To participate in regular meetings and learning opportunities with other members of the therapies department and the wider MDT.

· To ensure appropriate liaison with other agencies throughout the patient care pathway, including post discharge.

· To educate others both formally and informally about OT and positively promote the service.

2. Clinical responsibilities

· To be responsible for managing a caseload of patients and provide timely assessment and treatment in line with current evidence and guidelines.

· To formulate goals/clinical objectives with patients/carers/relatives and other health professionals and continually re-assess patients to evaluate progress and alter treatment programmes accordingly.

· To use developed physical skills, including dexterity, co-ordination and sensory skills for therapy assessment and treatment techniques in all clinical settings.

 · To carry out assessments and treatments involving moderate physical effort frequently throughout the day.

· Based on a sound understanding of the patient's needs and goals, use clinical reasoning to inform decision making at all stages of the OT process.

 · To use concepts, theories, principles of OT, frames of reference and theoretical models to address a patient's problems and needs.

· To assess patients’ occupational performance including but not limited to the domains of self care, productivity and leisure incorporating assessment of physical, cognitive and affective areas.

 · To formulate and implement treatment plans on an individual and group basis using evidence-based practice, incorporating current professional standards for OT.

 · To select and implement appropriate standardised assessments and outcome measures relevant to the patient population.

 · To identify need and carry out home assessments and access visits in accordance with local policy.

· To identify supervision needs and use clinical supervision appropriately, exploring own practice and maximising opportunities to develop knowledge base, skills and experience.

· To participate actively in the fieldwork education of OT students and work experience students.

· To participate actively in giving and receiving in-service training and development.

· To adhere to relevant national, local and departmental policies, procedures and guidelines regarding clinical and administrative practices including attendance at and contributing to therapies or team meetings.

· To justify rationale for provision or non-provision of adaptive equipment and provide advice/instructions to patients/carers on safe use, fitting and care of prescribed equipment.

· To ensure out of county patients are referred for the necessary OT follow up as required.

 · To be competent in the use and application of specialised equipment and be responsible for its safe use with patients, undertaking relevant risk assessments.

 · To maintain an up to date working knowledge of community services and how to access them to facilitate a timely, quality discharge.

 · To be competent in non-traditional OT assessments such as functional mobility.

· To participate in data collection and audit for evaluation of clinical effectiveness.

 · To be willing and able to work the hours required by the service this may include evenings (up until 8pm) and weekends within a 37.5hr a week shift pattern.

3. Planning and Organisational Skills

 · To demonstrate flexible and effective time management skills to manage caseload and departmental duties appropriately and be able to respond to unpredictable workload and frequent interruptions.

· To assist senior therapists in delegating and organising the work of therapy assistants to meet demands of the service.

 · To prepare for monthly supervision sessions and maintain an accurate record of all meetings and discussions.

· To identify areas for learning and development and have a proactive approach to planning training to meet these needs.

4. Service & Personal Development

· To develop knowledge and understanding of the research process.

· To contribute to evaluation of clinical effectiveness within the service and support Trust and departmental strategies regarding clinical governance issues.

· To contribute to research surveys, audits and evaluation activity or other projects · within the OT department, underpinned by appropriate methodology and documentation.

· To participate in staff appraisal and ensure that individual objectives reflect the department's/Trust's objectives.

· Identify own training needs and to attend courses, professional meetings, team meetings, in-service training and consulting with specialist therapists.

· To assist with inducting new starters to OT Department.

· Provide supervision to unqualified staff once appropriate experience and competencies obtained.

· To be able to manage a project on a small scale. · Maintains own and encourages others to maintain a reflective diary/log.

· Demonstrates commitment to continuing education and identifies requirements of self and others.

· Undertakes self directed study in relevant professional area to expand knowledge base.

· To be aware of and promote cross-site links by working with other therapists across the Trust and to support OT speciality groups.

· To contribute to the development of the OT service, including policies/protocols within the OUH NHS FT.

· To complete an evidence-based project on each rotation and present back to colleagues. 5. Information & Resource Management

· To be aware of and abide by the criteria for provision of equipment, including financial limits and referring onto other organisations, as necessary.

· To be competent using the online electronic system for ordering equipment for patients' discharge.

· To maintain patient records and statistics in line with Trust standards and the Data Protection Act.

· To maintain up-to-date records of all leave (annual, sick, professional, study) and to take responsibility for the reporting of absence in line with Trust policy.

· To use the Trust Intranet, EPR, email and data bases.

· To take responsibility for the maintenance of the department's equipment and information files.