Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Summary

• To manage a designated case load with complex needs using evidence based / client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate

• Maintain records which fulfil legal requirements

• To regularly supervise O.T. students on practice placements

• To provide leadership for junior/support staff, through supervision and appraisal as delegated by a senior member of staff

• To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of OT services within the Stroke Unit. 

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1          Clinical                     

1.1      To assess and treat a specific caseload of patients

1.2     To demonstrate a broad level of knowledge and understanding of stroke conditions.

1.3     To undertake individual initial screens to identify patient need including areas affecting functional ability, followed by agreed assessment plans.

1.4       To design / plan individual patient treatment programmes to implement oneself, or to delegate as appropriate

1.5       To assess and provide treatment for the functional level of patients with regards to personal and domestic activities of daily living, to maximise independence.

1.6       To select and conduct standardised cognitive and perceptual testing with further assessment when needed.

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

1.8       To assess need and risk factors for hoist and wheelchair provision

1.9       To advise, recommend, make provision for the installation of appropriate aids and adaptations to the patient’s social and physical environment. 

1.10    To carry out home visits, with or without the patient, to assess environmental risks and functional ability at home.

1.11    To carry out community visits to assess for daily living skills as needed.

1.12    To identify and set client centred goals

1.13    To monitor and evaluate treatment, including the use of outcome measures, in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention

1.14    To participate in decisions regarding placements post discharge.

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

1.16    When working in the community and domiciliary settings, to work as a lone practitioner with telephone support from a senior Occupational Therapist, if required. 

1.17    To refer on to appropriate agencies for the continuation of treatment, reassessment, monitoring and provision of further adaptations. 

1.18    To assess and manufacture appropriate upper limb splints as needed. To design and monitor on going splint regimes.                                                                                    

1.19    To participate in the weekend service including shifts covering 8am-8pm.

2          Communication

2.1       To communicate effectively with patients and carers, O.T colleagues, multidisciplinary team members and other agencies

2.2       To participate in the multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences.

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 and the Lead O.T.

3          Documentation

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

3.2       To promptly provide reports on home visits

3.3       To provide specific reports to other agencies as appropriate

4          Professional Ethics

4.1       To adhere to the COT 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.

5          Leadership, Supervision and Appraisal

5.1       To participate in the individual performance review programme

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

5.3       To undertake the supervision and appraisal of junior/support staff as delegated by a senior member of staff

5.4       To delegate tasks to support staff as appropriate

5.5       To provide advice to junior/support staff on a day to day basis as required.

5.6       To deputise for the band 7 in his/her absence, taking responsibility for operational management of the team, allocating and organising the work of junior and assistant staff to meet service priorities on a daily basis.

6          Training Staff and Students

6.1       To participate in the planning and implementing of the induction, training and education    of students and other staff in this setting.

6.2       To be responsible for the supervision and written assessment of O.T. students on practice placement on a regular basis 

6.3       To give presentations on specific chosen topics.

6.4       Responsibility for organising specific aspects of training within the department.       

7          Service Development and Delivery

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

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

7.3       To assist senior staff and the Lead O.T. / Head of Therapies in implementing new policies within the department.

7.4       To undertake specific departmental duties as requested by Senior staff or Lead O.T / Head of Therapies.

7.5       To work constructively with other senior OTs / Head of Therapies on service development issues, adapting practice and/or making recommendations for change as indicated.

8          Personal / Professional Development

8.1       To participate in internal and external training opportunities, including mandatory and statutory training, to meet identified objectives and demonstrate ongoing development.

8.2       To demonstrate an increasingly complex skills and knowledge base to establish competence and fitness to practise as a senior O.T.

8.3       To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD.

9          Clinical Governance

9.1       To comply with all Trust Policies and procedures (including Infection Control), the Health & Safety at Work Act, and the Data Protection Act.

9.2       To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures

9.3       To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency procedures on and off site and to respond as necessary eg emergency resuscitation, hydrotherapy.

9.4       To report on complaints, accidents and any deficits in equipment as soon as possible.

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

9.6       To contribute to the Therapy clinical governance and quality agenda.

9.7       To participate in the evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the clinical area as required.

9.8       To demonstrate knowledge and application of national guidelines and legislation relating to health care.