Occupational Therapist

at  Livewell Southwest

5.1 Responsibility for People Management To regularly teach, train, supervise and support junior staff, rehabilitation assistants and students. This may include the use of formal appraisal and documentation. To be an active member of the in-service training programme by the attendance and delivery of presentations and training sessions at staff meetings, tutorials, in-house training sessions and by attending external courses, organising courses and practising reflective practice to develop own and others skills, knowledge and expertise. To assist in the recruitment of relevant grades of staff, as required.
To take a flexible approach to supporting colleagues in times of caseload pressure, including working with colleagues to maintain clinical cover across the team within the resources available. 5.2 Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finances; however they will adhere to the relevant trust policies on financial issues The post holder will use Livewell Southwest resources responsibly 5.3 Responsibility for administration To ensure competency in record keeping To maintain an up-to-date record of all patient contacts, MDT care plans, goals, assessments and reports whilst ensuring confidentiality at all times in line with professional and organisational guidelines. To participate in the triage and management of referrals to the service utilising the service criteria. Maintain accurate and timely electronic and paper records of activity and contacts to support contractual requirements.
This could include providing timely data about team performance and client outcome measures related to activity. Maintain an accurate diary of visits and submit completed travel and special duty claim forms monthly. To report accidents, incidents or complaints following LSW procedures and policies and to comply with the most recent health and safety at work Act. To actively contribute to department working parties, leading on specific delegated projects.
To attend and contribute to relevant team/service meetings. To access email and other information through Livewell Southwest intranet 5.4 Responsibility for people who use our services Be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own work including caseload management and direct clinical care. To undertake the comprehensive assessment of neurological and stroke patients, including those with a complex presentation, using investigative and analytical skills, and to formulate individualised management, treatment plans and patient goals, using clinical reasoning and utilising a wide range of treatment skills and options. To ensure a high standard of clinical care and support more junior staff to do likewise.
Be responsible for the specialist therapy element of treatment packages in the community. Provide specialist advice via written or verbal instruction to patients, carers and relatives to promote understanding of the aims of rehabilitation, and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care. This may be exercise programmes, health education, preventative or condition- specific advice. Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment plans as required.
Use an extensive range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients/carers; to motivate and gain co-operation to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating, e.g., patients may be aphasic, low in mood, hearing and/or visually impaired or who may be unable to accept diagnosis, or unrealistic expectations of intervention. Independently organise and plan a designated caseload to meet service and patients priorities, readjusting plans as situations change and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time. To work jointly with other health and social care colleagues and services (for example GPs, District Nursing, Social Services, private sector and therapy colleagues) to ensure patients identified rehabilitation and care needs are met through delivery of a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary service.
To advise on and prescribe as appropriate, and in line with organisational policies and procedures, both general and specialist rehabilitation aids, equipment and recommend low-level adaptations, ensuring all equipment is maintained and used effectively and efficiently with risk assessments and appropriate training completed. To assess mental capacity, gain valid informed consent, which must be documented and have the ability to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment. To comply with local confidentiality policies, child protection and vulnerable adult procedures. Be an autonomous practitioner, working within appropriate professional guidelines and code of conduct.
Be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse/safeguarding and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns. 5.5 Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments Manage often competing clinical and non-clinical demands and prioritise appropriately to meet the overall service need. To comply with Livewell southwest policies and procedures relevant to the role. This will include adherence to Uniform & Dress Code Policy.
To report any observed incidents of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences, or faulty equipment. To participate professionally in service development and proposed service changes. Comply with universal infection control precautions and procedures. To behave in a manner which does not bring the Organisation into disrepute.
To complete all Mandatory training and other training pertinent to the role, as agreed by line manager. To take an active role in audit, research, and interdisciplinary development, to measure effectiveness and efficiency of the team and its service

Please refer the Job description for details