Job Description

We are looking for an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist with a specialist interest in stroke to join our dynamic team on the Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) at University Hospital Lewisham (UHL).



The post provides an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills in neurological assessment, rehabilitation and discharge planning in the acute setting, whilst working as a member of a supportive multidisciplinary team (MDT).



As a Band 5 stroke Occupational Therapist, you will have access to regular supervision, in-service training sessions along with the opportunity to develop clinical competencies as part of your appraisal. This post will offer you the opportunity to develop your skills in this clinical field within a supportive multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in order to support stroke patients throughout different stages of the stroke pathway.



Due to the speciality nature of the role, the post would be an ideal fit for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist with experience working in an acute setting and with a basic working knowledge of treating stroke patients and/or neuro patients.



The post holder will carry an individual caseload of patients and will be required to assess, plan and deliver rehabilitation interventions including group therapy sessions. Excellent time management skills to manage a dynamic and complex caseload are therefore required.



You will be responsible for providing on-going assessment and treatment, working on patient centred goals with the aim to increase function and independence for safe discharge into the community, with complex discharge planning being a significant part of the role.



Liaison with the MDT in board-rounds and multidisciplinary team meetings (MDMs), as well as with ESD and community neurorehabilitation teams is a key feature of working on the ASU. You will therefore be required to have excellent communication and team working skills to foster effective working relationships.



Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:



Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development



Widening access (anchor institution) and employability



Improving the experience of staff with disability



Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development



Making equalities mainstream



JOB SUMMARY



To independently manage a designated caseload using evidence based/client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions for acute stroke patients To effectively and safely support the discharge of acute stroke patients into the community To work effectively as a member of the multidisciplinary stroke team To maintain records which fulfil legal requirements

KEY RESULT AREAS



1 Clinical



1.1 To independently manage a specific caseload of acute stroke patients



1.2 To undertake full neurological initial assessments to identify patient needs in areas of impairment and function affecting functional ability



1.3 To design / plan individual client-centered patient treatment programmes to implement oneself, or to delegate as



appropriate to maximise functional independence in activities of daily living .



1.4 To select and conduct standardised cognitive and perceptual testing with further assessment when



needed.



1.5 To be able to complete an inpatient seating assessment, and complete a post-discharge seating review for patients issued specialist seating on discharge



1.6 To carry out an initial risk assessment where necessary and to monitor ongoing risk.



1.7 To assess need and risk factors for hoist and wheelchair provision.



1.8 To advise on, recommend, make provision for the installation of; appropriate aids and adaptations to the



patient's social and physical environment .



1.9 To assess for and manufacture appropriate upper limb splints as needed.



1.10 To design and monitor ongoing splint regimes.



1.11 To carry out access visits to assess environmental risks and



1.13 To identify and set client centred goals



1.14 To monitor and evaluate treatment, including the use of outcome measures, in order to measure



progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention.



1.15 To participate in decisions regarding placements post discharge



1.16 To undertake discharge planning / co-ordination of complex patients.

1.17 To refer onto appropriate agencies for:

- the continuation of treatment, reassessment, monitoring, and



provision of further adaptations.



1.18 To participate in the Occupational Therapy service weekend and bank holiday rota.



2 Communication



2.1 To communicate effectively with patients and carers, OT colleagues, multidisciplinary team members and



other agencies



2.2 To participate in the multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences, with regard to patient care programmes.



2.3 To advise and educate patients and carers regarding aids/equipment and safety in the home and



community.



2.4 To participate in staff meetings and other meetings as directed by senior staff, the Lead OT and the Inpatient Therapy Manager.



3 Documentation



3.1 To maintain up to date activity data and activity records in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.



3.2 To provide reports on home visits.



3.3 To provide specific reports to other agencies as appropriate.



4 Professional Development



4.1 To adhere to the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and all other relevant policies and



procedures. These include maintaining confidentiality and respecting the patient's dignity, privacy, culture



and wishes



4.2 To participate in regular caseload and clinical supervision with a senior occupational therapist.



4.3 To participate in the individual performance review programme and KSF review.



4.4 To effectively use supervision and appraisal to reflect on own practice and performance.



4.5 To delegate tasks to support staff as appropriate.



4.6 To attend internal and external training, including mandatory and statutory training and agreed lectures



/ courses to meet identified objectives



4.7 To apply acquired skills and knowledge of practice to further develop competencies to practice.



4.8 To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD regarding learning.



5 Training Staff and Students



5.1 To participate in the induction and training of other staff and students in this setting.



5.2 To give presentations on specific, chosen topics.



6 Service Development and Delivery



6.1 To work with other staff within the department to ensure that equipment is maintained and stock monitored.



6.2 To manage the caseload efficiently in order to achieve timely and safe discharges of patients from hospital.



6.3 To assist senior staff, the lead OT and the Inpatient Therapy Manager in implementing new policies



within the department.



7 Clinical Governance



7.1 To comply with all Trust Policies and procedures (including Infection Control) the Health & Safety at



Work Act and the Data Protection Act.



7.2 To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures .



7.3 To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency procedures on and off site and to respond as



necessary eg. emergency resuscitation hydrotherapy.



7.4 To report immediately on complaints, accidents and any deficits in equipment.



7.5 To assess for and advise on risk factors in given situations.



7.6 To participate in the evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the clinical



area.



7.7 To demonstrate understanding of national guidelines and legislation relating to health care.



8 Research & Practice Development



8.1 To demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate current research and apply to practice.



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The postholder may be required to undertake other duties which fall within the grade of the job, in discussion with the Inpatient Therapy Manager.



This job description will be reviewed in the light of changing service requirements. Any such changes will be discussed with the post holder.



June 2025