Job Description

Professional / Clinical Responsibilities Working within a multi-disciplinary team the role includes; Assessing, prescribing and developing Specialist Occupational Therapy for patients with complex neurological rehabilitation needs, using investigative, analytical and clinical reasoning skills to inform the development of a differential diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan. Providing specialist occupational therapy assessments and advice, to facilitate timely discharge from our in-patient or out-patient care. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships and communication with other healthcare professionals and statutory/non statutory agencies to provide a seamless, integrated pathway and service to our patient where their needs are well met. Provide clinical expertise and advice to others, including Community therapy teams, Social Services, GPs and other agencies.



Demonstrating the knowledge and ability to carry out a range of highly specialist treatment skills including vocational rehabilitation, assessment of prolonged disorders of consciousness, Environmental Controls, cognitive rehabilitation therapy, spasticity and postural management and splinting relevant to the area of practice. Maintain up to date knowledge of available assistive technology, bespoke environmental controls equipment and following assessment of patients with highly complex physical disabilities make referrals for this as required or refer to the appropriate team to support this. Communicating complex and sensitive information to patients and carers as to their assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan. Working frequently with patients and families in complex situations which are emotionally distressing and may cause hostility.



This may include completing suicide risk assessments and providing and receiving contentious information. Making suitable adjustments to explanations to gain understanding, consent and concordance where there are barriers to understanding, such as hearing impairment, mental capacity impairment and other difficulties in comprehension. Ensure informed consent is obtained prior to initiating assessment and interventions. Using tact and persuasive skills to gain the patients co-operation in their treatment plan including negotiation and agreement of realistic and achievable goals.



Acting as key worker for individual patients, taking responsibility for organising and chairing Multidisciplinary /multi agency meetings (including continuing health care assessments, leading case discussions and being key contact for family members. Providing teaching and training of colleagues, carers, family members and other professionals, as relevant to the needs of individual patients and patient groups, as supported by the Occupational therapy lead. Working with others to inform and implement an appropriate management plan for patients with challenging behaviour. Providing occupational therapy input to specialist clinics including the Spasticity, Neuro-muscular and multi-disciplinary assessment clinics.



Contributing to the requisitioning of supplies and equipment through electronic ordering systems. Be aware of budget and ensure all effort is made to work within this. Pro-actively taking part in clinical supervision as per Trust Policy. Remaining accountable for own professional actions as determined by the professional body.



Providing occupational therapy which is evidence based practice, using research methodology. Will be able to drive to patients homes, in patient units, clinics, base and meetings as required. Being responsible for ensuring own workload is planned and prioritised according to service targets and needs. As required provide support to other services across the pathway.



Management and Leadership Be required to undertake risk assessments and act upon them appropriately. Contribute to the planning of leave to ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained across the service. Participate in recruitment processes, using the opportunity to skill mix to meet the demands of the service. Effectively delegate tasks and appropriate projects to more junior staff members.



Support all team members within the multi-disciplinary team, respecting them, their roles and contributions. Provide mentorship for students undertaking pre/post registration courses. Demonstrate leadership skills within own competence. Be accountable for work delegated to others.



Undertake Personal Development Reviews for more junior staff members. Ensure absence reporting is undertaken as determined by Trust Policy. Actively contribute to team meetings. Financial Responsibilities Support the effective use of financial and human resources by all members of the team to work within budgetary boundaries.



Education and professional development To identify and address the professional development and training needs for junior colleagues within the service in negotiation with the lead Occupational therapist and MDT colleagues. Provide advice and training to less experienced staff, supervise and support band 2-5 staff, apprentices and students. Contribute to the induction process for new therapy staff and students, evaluating the current education programme and up-dating as required alongside the lead occupational therapist. Attend in-house training as required to maintain and develop clinical and professional skills appropriate to the role.



To provide specialist teaching and training for appropriate multi-disciplinary team members including outside agencies/carers in relation to highly specialist areas including posture management splinting and environmental controls for example in negotiation with the lead occupational therapist. Actively participate in the Personal Development Review process. Undertake Personal Development Plans for Band 1-5 staff members. Maintain own continued professional development.



Contribute to the promotion of a healthy and safe continuous learning environment for all staff. Provide supervision for students on clinical placements. Provide advice/training and /or supervision to less experienced staff including the mentoring of existing staff. To participate in Clinical Governance, Research and Development and Audit activities as required by the lead Occupational Therapist.



Operational Delivery To work closely with the Lead Occupational Therapist within the service, supporting with operational tasks and project as required. To inform the lead Occupational Therapist of any variations to service delivery, changing priorities and needs, and their likely impact to the provision of service. Be able to interpret organisational data for use within patient, staff and system management whilst adhering to contractual arrangements, local and national, ensuring targets are met. To work with the lead occupational therapist, and other multi-disciplinary team members, in the development of clinical standards, care protocols, policies and procedures for specific clinical issues.



Risk and Governance Management Be responsible for the safe use and maintenance of equipment and supplies. Carry out risk assessments. Take an active role in implementing control measures to reduce the risks, supporting other staff to maintain the measures. Be able to escalate risks as required.



Actively participate in Root Cause Analysis investigations and feedback to the wider team as required. Support a culture where staff feel they have the Freedom to Speak Up. Complete and/or create Datix risk assessments as required. Support others to create and or maintain risk assessments, escalate risks as required.



Understand and support the Trusts Safe, Caring, Responsive Effective and Well-led Governance agenda and contribute as required Service Development To actively review current specialist equipment available. To assist in the development of team objectives and service development projects in liaison with the lead Occupational Therapist. Take an active role in reviewing up-to-date guidelines and research to support the development of Occupational Therapy, informing lead Occupational therapist of potential changes to evidence/working practice.