Band 7 Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist- ITU/Neuro Outliers
You will be leading and working with an OT team covering a neurological caseload that includes: Trauma, brain injury, spinal cord injury, long term neurological conditions and ITU admissions.
You will be supervising a band 6 OT and working with a close neuro physiotherapy department working across wards who manage the neuro outlier caseload. A key component of your role, will be working alongside trust wide neuro OT’s in developing standards for practice, competencies and education. Your post will be directly working with our established band 7 in Physiotherapy to support specific guidance such as upper limb management, seating and cognitive pathways.
Due to the complexity of the caseload experience in neurological deficits is essential including a sound knowledge of intervention and discharge planning from the acute setting. Access external training as part of your development will be encouraged including masters level courses.
We are looking for an experienced, innovative and enthusiastic team player to maximise the potential of the service and direct the team in its development (alongside the OT team and physiotherapy service).
You will be supported in the development of your professional and managerial skills and enjoy the benefits of working within a large occupational therapy team with multiple specialties. We have a well-established appraisal system .
Main duties of the job
To lead and manage the O.T. neuro outliers service.
o To review and develop rehabilitation practice within QEH, including weekend practice.
o To provide leadership and supervision to the neuro outlier OT team,
o To provide support to therapists in teams working with complex patients:
o To review and develop OT service provision in ITU
o To lead on and manage a caseload of neurologically impaired patients.
o To manage a designated case load with complex needs using evidence based/clientcentred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
o Maintain records which fulfil legal requirements.
o To regularly supervise O.T. students on practice placements.
o To provide leadership for junior staff, through supervision and performance reviews.
o To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of O.T. neuro outlier service.
o To contribute to the maintenance and development of the Trust O.T. service.
About us
Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:
- Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
- Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
- Improving the experience of staff with disability
- Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
- Making equalities mainstream
Job responsibilities
Clinical
To assess and treat a specific caseload of patients with complex needs,prioritising efficiently to help prevent readmissions.
To apply a high level of knowledge and understanding in the speciality includingneurological conditions.
To undertake individual initial screens to identify patient need including areasaffecting functional ability, followed by agreed assessment plans.
To design/plan individual patient programmes to implement oneself or todelegate as appropriate
To assess and treat the patients personal and domestic daily living functionalactivity level to maximise independence.
To select and conduct standardised cognitive and perceptual testing to identifyareas affecting functional ability and indicate need for furtherassessment/treatment.
To carry out an initial risk assessment where necessary and monitor ongoingrisk.
To assess need and risk factors for hoist and wheelchair provision.
To carry out home visits with or without the patient to assess environmentalrisks and functional ability at home.
To advise on, recommend, make provision for the installation of; appropriateaids and adaptations to the patients social and physical environment.
To assess and manufacture appropriate upper limb and lower limb splints asneeded. To design and monitor ongoing splint regimes.
To carry out community visits to assess for and practise daily living skills asneeded.
To monitor and evaluate treatment, including using outcome measures in orderto measure progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention.
To undertake discharge planning and coordination of complex patients.
To take a lead in the decisions regarding placement after discharge.
To refer onto appropriate agencies for :- the continuation of treatment,reassessment, monitoring, provision of further adaptations.
To carry out joint working with others from the Trust and across otheragencies.
Documentation
To maintain up to date activity data and activity records in accordance withProfessional and Trust standards.
To provide reports on home visits.
To provide specific reports to other agencies as appropriate.
Professional Ethics
To adhere to the COT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and all otherrelevant policies and procedures. These include maintaining confidentiality andrespecting the patients dignity, privacy culture and wishes
To provide guidance to junior/support staff on ethical issues.
Leadership, Supervision and Appraisal
To lead and manage the O.T. team in the Neuro Outlier/ITU Unit.
To participate in the planning and implementing of the induction, training andeducation of students and other staff in this setting, and take a lead whenneeded.
To undertake the supervision and appraisal of junior/support staff asdelegated by the Lead O.T.
To provide specialist training on an individual basis.
To provide advice to junior/support staff and students on a day to day basis asrequired.
To deputise for the Lead O.T. in an absence.
Training Staff and Students
To participate in the planning and implementing(taking a lead as needed ) of theinduction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting.
To be responsible for the supervision and written assessment of O.T.students on practice placement on a regular basis.
To give presentations/training on specialist topics.
To organise and implement the training programme for O.T. team in the Stroke Unit.
Service Development and Delivery
To work with other staff within the department to ensure that equipment is maintainedand stock monitored.
To manage own caseload efficiently, including methods of prioritisation in order toachieve timely and safe discharges of patients from hospital and to help preventadmissions/readmissions.
To facilitate, coordinate and monitor the workloads of the O.T team members theStroke Unit
To participate in the operational planning and implementation of policies within thedepartment
Assist with the recruitment and appointment of O.T. staff.
To represent O.T. on Trust wide (and linked agencies) working parties and groups asdelegated by the Lead O.T.
To take a lead on specific projects as delegated by the Lead O.T.
To participate in, and take a lead as needed, in the Therapies special interest group forthe relevant clinical area.
Personal/Professional Development
To participate in internal and external training opportunities to meet identifiedobjectives and demonstrate ongoing development.
To apply specialist skills and knowledge in order to maintain professionalcompetence and fitness to practise as a senior O.T.
To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD , regarding learning outcomes
Clinical Governance
To comply with all Trust Policies and procedures including Infection
Control, the Health & Safety at Work Act and the Data Protection ActTo report on complaints, accidents and any deficits in equipment assoon as possible.
To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures.
To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency procedures, on and offsite and to respond as necessary eg. emergency resuscitation, hydrotherapyetc.
To assess for and advise on risk factors in given situations.
To contribute to the Trust and Therapies clinical governance and qualityagenda including the setting and monitoring of practice standards.
To participate in the evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways andprotocols within the clinical area.
To apply national guidelines/legislation relating to health care.
Research and Practice Development
To undertake research and/or audit projects relevant to O.T. and/or servicearea and disseminate findings at local level.
To broaden research and development skills through participation in localaudit and research projects.
Work force
To supervise and delegate to Rehab Therapy Assistants, Band 5 and 6 OTs,when appropriate.
To advise and demonstrate to carers, nursing and other staff on the safemanual handling, positioning and moving of patients.
To co-operate with the other Senior members of the MDT in the organisationof the workload, and to assist the Lead OT/ Therapy Manager in departmentalmanagerial matters when required.
To contribute to the education of Therapy Assistants.
To be responsible for the appraisals of staff in your team, delegating to the
Band 6 OT when possible.
Partnerships/Communications and Relationships
To communicate effectively with patients and carers, O.T colleagues, multidisciplinaryteam members and other agencies
To participate (and take a lead as needed) in the multidisciplinary team meetingsand case conferences, with regard to patient care programmes.
To advise and educate patients and carers regarding aids and equipment in thehome and outside community
To participate in staff meetings and other meetings (taking a lead as needed) asdirected by the Lead O.T.
To promote the O.T. role within the Stroke Unit, the Trust, and to other agencies.
General
The post holder will be experienced in assessing a patients needs andestablishing an appropriate treatment plan
The post holder will be physically fit and able to carry out regular manualhandling tasks, including assisting with patient transfers, manipulating an upperlimb, and using equipment such as a hoist or wheelchair.
The post holder should be flexible and be able to adapt their treatment planningin light of unforeseen circumstances or a change in the patients condition.
The post holder will be able to manage sensitive situations, dealing withpatients or family members who are distressed.
The post holder will be confident of working in the ward environment, or inpatients homes.
The post holder may be required to undertake other duties which fall with thegrade of the job, in discussion with the Lead O.T.
This job description will be reviewed in the light of changing service requirements.Any such changes will be discussed with the post holder.
Person Specification
Experience
- At least three years post registration experience. Broad based Occupational Therapy experience
- Experience in managing limited resources and high workloads.Experience of working autonomously and unsupervised
- Specialist knowledge and experience of assessment, treatment and care management in this Neurology including spinal injuries.
- Evidence of actively participating in in-service training and presenting to large MDT groups, undergraduate and postgraduate staff and evaluating effectiveness of training
- Experience of supervision and appraisal of Occupational Therapy staff and students with ability to give constructive feedback and performance management when necessary
- Audit experience. Good knowledge of clinical governance issues. Use of EBP
- Previous experience at band 7 Level
- Splinting experience. ITU experience
- Research experience including publication in recognised journal.
- Presented at national level or external courses relevant to subject area
Qualifications and Training
- Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy
- HPC registration
- Working at M level or equivalent experience/qualification
- Undertaken a range of relevant postgraduate courses
- RCOT member
- Member of Special interest Group
- MSC in related subject
Knowledge
- Extensive specialist knowledge of evidenced based Occupational Therapy for designated specialist pathway
- In depth knowledge of national guidelines and standards pertaining to specialist pathway and Occupational Therapy
- Robust understanding of clinical governance and its implication for Occupational Therapy
- Awareness and understanding of NHS structure, current issues and developments
- Understanding of the legal responsibilities of the profession
Other
- Self motivated with a clear vision of role / commitment to speciality
- Work in a flexible manner and adapt to changing environments
- Physically fit and able to comply with Trusts moving and handling guidelines, therapeutic handling
- Available for weekend duties, 7-day and altered working patterns where clinically appropriate, 7 day working in operation for this post
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£49,387 to £56,515 a yearper annum plus HCAS
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