Specialist Occupational Therapist Stroke
We havean exciting opportunity for a Specialist Occupational Therapist in WestHertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust to join the Occupational Therapy Departmentat Watford General Hospital. In this role, you will be responsible fordelivering specialist assessments and treatment for patients with complexphysical and psychological needs. You will be managing a defined caseload, performing advanced occupational therapy assessments, and developingindividualised treatment programmes that support safe patient discharges andhelp prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. You will also be supportingpatients, carers, and multidisciplinary colleagues by providing expert advice,guidance, and information to ensure effective care planning and rehabilitation.Working as an autonomous practitioner, you will contribute to high standards ofclinical care while accessing professional support through structuredsupervision, training, and reflective practice.
Main duties of the job
As aSpecialist Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for supervising andsupporting the development of junior occupational therapists and support staff,ensuring high standards of professional practice within the team. You will alsobe managing the supervision, education, and assessment of occupational therapystudents, working collaboratively with universities to ensure training andplacement standards meet the requirements of graduate-level professionalqualifications. In addition, you will be supporting service development throughparticipation in evidence-based audit and research activities, contributing toimprovements in clinical practice and assisting in the development andimplementation of service protocols. You will also be expected to activelyparticipate in a seven-day service rota, fulfilling a 37.5-hour working weekwhile supporting the delivery of a responsive and effective therapy service.
Job responsibilities
- To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of your ownwork, including clinical practice, and to oversee the work and professionalstandards of line-managed staff, ensuring safe and high-quality care.
- To manage a designated caseload efficiently, organising assessments,treatment, and rehabilitation programmes while prioritising both patient andservice needs, and adapting plans in response to changing circumstances.
- To undertake advanced occupational therapy assessments within yourspecialty, evaluating all aspects of occupational performance, applyingclinical reasoning to formulate goals, and developing patient-centred treatmentprogrammes.
- To communicate complex clinical information effectively with patients,carers, relatives, and multidisciplinary team members, addressing barriers suchas cognitive, sensory, or language differences, and ensuring valid informedconsent and understanding.
- To lead and support staff development and education, supervising juniorstaff and students, contributing to induction programmes, appraisals, andformal training activities, and promoting high professional standards withinthe team.
- To implement and evaluate service improvement initiatives, applyingfindings from audit, research, and evidence-based projects to enhance clinicalpractice, develop local protocols, and contribute to continuous improvementacross the occupational therapy service.
Qualifications
- HCPC registered Occupational Therapist.
- Occupational Therapy degree or equivalent qualification with NHS experience.
- Experience working in acute hospital settings, including acute stroke/hyper-acute stroke units.
- Competent in neurological assessment, stroke assessment, discharge planning, and complex pathway management.
- Evidence of Continued Professional Development (CPD) and reflective practice.
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.
£27.05 an hourRates are inclusive of Base Rate + Holiday Pay
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