Occupational Therapist

at  Livewell Southwest

Clinical - Prioritise the day to day management of own caseload and that of the team, delegating activities as appropriate. Ensure the patient is aware of the role and philosophy of OT and components of the OT process. To be responsible for the comprehensive assessment, treatment and evaluation of patients including those with complex presentation using treatment techniques to promote normal movement, motor relearning, cognitive therapy, compensatory techniques and daily living skills. To work as part of a MDT to manage acutely unwell patients in the community, including taking observations and liaising with relevant medical professionals/team members.
To use a selection of both standardised and non standardised assessments to assist and aid diagnosis of cognitive, sensory, perceptual, behavioural, physical, psychosocial and social functioning e.g. to make clinical interpretations resulting from assessments of your own caseload and that of your team. To assess, prescribe and authorise aids and adaptive equipment from the core catalogue and make recommendations for minor and major adaptations to increase / enable or compensate for independent function, teaching compensatory techniques as required. To assess seating and positioning needs and treat as appropriate including assessment for and prescription of standard wheelchairs and accessories when accredited referring on to the wheelchair services as required for assessment of complex and specialist mobility and seating needs.
To assess for potential splinting and positioning to prevent, treat and manage deformity and improve function for the upper limb. Plan and review treatment programmes in close liaison with all members of the multi disciplinary team, patients carers and family in accordance with consent given. To record and report regularly on patients progress and treatment to the multi disciplinary team or in accordance with the policies and procedures laid down in individual clinical areas including the original referrer. To plan, organise and lead both formal and informal treatments and health education groups for both patients and carers.
Education of patients and carers regarding the impact of cognitive, perceptual and physical deficits on patient safety and independence in the home, leisure and workplace. To impart sensitive information and advice to patients and carers which could have life changing consequences. To provide an opportunity for patients and carers to express their feelings whilst encouraging acceptance and adjustment to their new circumstances. Demonstrating to and informing other community staff re ongoing patient needs in the community, i.e.
home care staff, district nurses. To facilitate return of patients currently in residential or nursing care who wish to return home after a period of stay in a care setting. Liaise with and ensure good communication with statutory and voluntary bodies to establish a comprehensive package to ensure continuation of care in the community. Refer to follow up services to ensure treatment programmes are in place to progress functional independence based on identified needs at the end of episode of care.
To provide support and supervision to Band 5 OT’s, assistants and students as required. To identify occupational therapy clinical areas of strengths and weaknesses within the team and monitor both workload and caseload of Band 5 / non-professional staff and give advice on treatment interventions. To be responsible for the discharge of patients from your caseload. To provide written communication with outside agencies and charitable bodies to support the need for services and equipment on discharge from the service.
Actively contribute to service development. To provide cover for staff who are absent, taking responsibility for aspects of service delivery. To be responsible for utilising the goal planning process and the outcome measures used in the clinical area to review progress of the patient. To use a range of verbal and non verbal communication methods with patients, who may have difficulty in understanding or communicating and who may be low in mood or lack insight.
To maintain competence in the use of manual handling techniques and equipment including the prescription of manual handling equipment for use in the community setting, demonstrating the use to carers as necessary. To ensure use of risk assessment in all areas of your work are undertaken and comply with the Trust’s Health and Safety policies and Lone Working Policy. To demonstrate a high level of understanding of conditions relevant to the diagnostic area and those patients presenting with multi pathology Departmental and Administrative To maintain an up to date record of all patient contacts, MDT care plans, OT assessments and reports whilst ensuring confidentiality at all times in line with Professional and Trust policies and procedures. To take an active role in audit, research and interdisciplinary development within the service.
To be responsible for collecting and reporting statistical data in line with Trust policies and procedures. To be responsible for maintaining stock control systems, advising on resources and the responsible management of petty cash. To co-ordinate the day to day delivery of the OT service within designated team. To jointly manage the OT waiting list of referrals to ensure appropriate screening and prioritisation are utilised in accordance with service eligibility criteria and standards.
Professional To take responsibility for ensuring own personal and professional development and statutory training demonstrating the ability to apply increasingly complex skills / knowledge To attend and contribute to staff meetings and attend relevant professional meetings and courses as agreed with OT Professional Lead / Operational Manager/clinical lead. To review and reflect on own practice through effective use of professional and clinical supervision in line with Trust policies and procedures To participate in providing instruction, learning opportunities, work experience and training staff and students from other units / disciplines / schools / colleges and training schemes as agreed with Line Manager and Occupational Therapy Lead. This includes providing regular fieldwork education for student OTs To participate in the planning, evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within your area Maintain high professional standards at all times as laid down in the College of OT / Health Professional Council Code of conduct To comply with the College of OTs, HPC Standards of Practice and Occupational Therapy policies and procedure To undertake the supervision and appraisal of junior staff as requested by OT Lead demonstrating the ability to reflect on professional and ethical issues To plan and implement the induction, training and education of other staff To contribute to the Trusts clinical governance arrangements and quality agenda To apply professional, local and national guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care provision To adhere to Trust policies and procedures including Health and Safety at work To respect the individual values, cultural and religious diversity of patients and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to those needs To take responsibility for the recruitment process of unqualified staff and assist in the recruitment of junior qualified staff Please see full job description attache

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