Occupational Therapist / Lead professional

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To undertake holistic assessments of service users utilising risk assessment tools and mental state examination in order to provide a high standard of care to service users in the community.

To clinically manage a defined caseload of service users with complex mental health problems in a community setting including service users and in line with the Mental Health transformation agenda.

To formulate individualised Care Plans that include recovery goals, with service users and their carers which aims to address their psychological, physical, spiritual & social needs.

To deliver appropriate therapeutic interventions to service users utilising a range of evidence-based therapies e.g. graded activity, anxiety management, and problem solving techniques

To respond to urgent and unplanned clinical events involving service users known to the  CMHT and on own clinical caseload, utilising analytical and problem solving skills to ensure the situation is managed effectively.

To have an in-depth understanding of mental health pathology to manage service users with complex mental health problems.

To monitor service users who are being treated with psychotropic medications, observing efficacy and monitoring any adverse reactions. To report and act on any adverse reaction observed in conjunction with the General Practitioner or Consultant Psychiatrist, as appropriate.

To alert the line manager to any increase in risks to individual service users on a regular basis or immediately as required and seek advice on appropriate action.

To be aware of and sensitive to the safeguarding needs of the client and those associated with them. To have an understanding of potential indicators of abuse or neglect and about what to do if they had concerns.

To regularly attend and participate in CMHT clinical reviews.

To have a sound understanding and knowledge of current legislation and its application to service users with mental health problems e.g. Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act, Freedom of Information Act, and Data Protection Act.

SUPERVISORY & MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

To participate actively in clinical supervision, as well as in management supervision and annual appraisal with line manager, and to pursue further professional development and training appropriate to the age range covered by the team, according to a Personal Development Plan and the requirements of the professional body.

To maintain up-to-date knowledge through networking, training and reading, and to comply with professional requirements for the maintenance of professional registration.

To act as practice educator for occupational therapy students on placement and support the learning of other students in the team. If appropriate provide line management to junior staff or support workers providing regular supervision and annual appraisal.

To participate in, and occasionally take responsibility for the recruitment of junior staff.

To deputise for the Senior Practitioner as needed.

 To provide treatments interventions and plan support plans within the resource limitations

The post holder will take action to ensure that the team’s expenditure is within budget parameters by notifying line manager of situations where costs may escalate.

The post holder will ensure that all financial transactions are authorised and recorded in line with Departmental and /or Trust procedures.

To assist as required in the development of the CMHT service in accordance with research and evidenced based practice to ensure a modern and exemplary service is delivered.

To assist the CMHT management in developing processes that prevent inappropriate admissions, facilitate timely discharge and provide appropriate mental health care and support to service users and carers within the community.

To engage with service users, carers and other agencies advocating for these groups to ensure they are fully involved in service evaluation, monitoring and development.

To promote user empowerment, carer involvement and anti-discriminatory practices in the delivery of mental health care, at all times.

To keep abreast of changing occupational therapy clinical practice and mental health practice, new developments, evidence-based practice and research.

To contribute to activities, which continue to build on a culture of, shared learning and evidence based practice.

To ensure timely booking and attendance of mandatory and statutory training. Failure to do this may preclude further learning and development opportunities.

To participate in local and trust wide OT service and activities that promote and contribute to the building of knowledge and evidence base for the benefit of the professional body of occupational therapy e.g. participation in clinical networks.

To maintain a professional knowledge base and act as a resource to others regarding specialist areas of expertise i.e. occupational therapy, health promotion, recovery and social inclusion.

To participate, along with other members of the CMHT in audit, Quality Improvement and research activities that contribute to improvements in the delivery of care within the CMHT.

To ensure that own professional practice is maintained in accordance with guidelines from your relevant professional body, local procedures and CNWL policy. 

To adhere to all policies and procedures in the prevention and management of areas of risk e.g. Risk Management, Fire Safety, Health and Safety, Lone Worker policy.

To maintain effective communication links with CMHT team members and relevant external agencies ensuring that service users receive high quality and coordinated service.

To maintain up-to-date clinical records and documentation in line with the CNWL policy and professional guidelines. Producing detailed occupational therapy reports as required.

To have a high level of interpersonal and communication skills to deal with a range of highly sensitive and emotive situations e.g. dealing with crisis situations or high expressed emotions from service users and their carers.

To develop and promote effective communication and liaison with GPs, other primary care professionals, Social Services and voluntary organisations.