Job Description

Clinical Undertake highly specialised occupational therapy assessment and implementation of therapy intervention for patients with progressive and life threatening diseases as an autonomous practitioner. This includes using analytical skills, clinical reasoning, and the use of appropriate outcome measures. Tailor holistic therapy assessment and treatment, with attention to patients multi-faceted individual needs and preferences spanning physical, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. Act as clinical lead within the Hospice for occupational therapy.



Being a source of occupational therapy expertise, providing senior clinical and leadership skills advice across the interdisciplinary team to guide a rehabilitative approach to patient care and guiding discharge planning as relevant. Along with other members of the allied health professional team, work to develop an appropriate rehabilitation programme for clients. Identify and work with patients as early as possible to develop their independence and autonomy with activities of daily living (ADLs) to maximise their function and engagement in daily life. Work as a key member of the interdisciplinary care team in preparing appropriate patients and their accommodation for discharge.



Work closely with the various community therapists and other teams in the provision of necessary aids, equipment and adaptations in order to maximise patients independence, comfort and safety on discharge, with the emphasis on quality of life. Work as a key member of the interdisciplinary care team in effecting provision of equipment to facilitate rapid discharge in cases where an individual wishes to return home (PPD) for the last day(s) of life. Contribute to non-pharmacological management of symptoms such as fatigue, pain management and breathlessness, including contribution to group programmes where appropriate. Provide education and support to carers when developing discharge plans, and to actively involve both carers and patient in developing treatment plans.



Constantly assess the ongoing occupational therapy needs of the patient, adapting therapy input as their condition changes. Attend family meetings and case meetings to specialist input and advice. Provide advice to outpatients attending our Day Hospice should the need arise. Organisation Be responsible for managing own case load, prioritising to meet service and patient priorities, and to readjust plans as situations change/arise.



Maintain accurate and up to date problem orientated documentation for all patients, consistent with department documentation and College of Occupational Therapy standards. Actively contribute to the achievement of the Hospice and Therapies strategic plans, working with the Therapies Services Manager to proactively identify opportunities for service development. Communication Be skilled in advanced communication with patients in emotionally charged situations using tact and empathy to communicate difficult and challenging information. Encourage patient participation in therapy by using negotiation, reassurance and support.



Be skilled in communication with formal/informal carers, external agencies, statutory and voluntary, to ensure effective client care, continuity and discharge. Be responsible for and proactively initiate effective communication with other members of the Therapies team. Participate fully in the interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitative palliative care attending team meetings, case meetings and family meetings. Shares the chairing role at Ward MDT meetings with therapies and Social worker colleagues.



Proactively support the Therapies strategic agenda to maintain and develop strong communication and working relationships with external agencies and services. This includes timely correspondence through Initial Assessment and Discharge Reports. Participate in OT peer supervision with other London Hospice and Community Palliative Care Occupational Therapists. Education/ teaching Contribute to and lead various education initiatives including; therapies in-service, wards staff, training for external occupational therapy colleagues and students, courses run by St Josephs Education Department and external teaching engagements as relevant.



Support Enablement training for ward staff. Contribute to projects across the Hospice in keeping with areas of special interest, including non-cancer strategies, taking on a leadership role where appropriate. Lead clinical service developments or projects that are in keeping with areas of interest and expertise, Therapies and Hospice strategic agenda and needs of patients and carers. Managerial & Leadership Provide clinical and managerial supervision to the Band 6 Occupational Therapist overseeing their clinical input as required.



Be involved in the development of the occupational therapy service through quality and clinical audit. Contribute, monitor and review development of objectives, protocols and policies within the team relating to clinical specialism, including the OT Operational Framework, whilst working under the guidance of the Therapies Manager. Provide appropriate fieldwork placements for occupational therapy students, independently liaising with the fieldwork coordinator and educational establishments. Contribute to the induction of new staff into the Hospice and team procedures, as requested by Therapies Services Manager.



Professional Set a high standard of practice, maintain up to date knowledge of clinical developments in the field of palliative care, and incorporate these appropriately into clinical practice. Abide by the rules of professional conduct laid down by the appropriate professional body. Act as a representative of Therapies professionals, both within St Joseph's Hospice and in the wider health community. Identify own learning and development needs in order to meet the key requirements of the post.



Be an active member of the in-service training programme, taking a lead role in the development and implementation of evidence based practice within the department. Participate in St Josephs appraisal system as an appraisee. Maintain a portfolio which reflects personal and professional development.