Detailed job description and main responsibilities

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical:

1. To identify, prioritise and manage patients presenting with neurological impairments for Occupational Therapy intervention
2. To assess and treat patients with neurological disabilities and complex needs who would benefit from a coordinated multidisciplinary assessment, rehabilitation and discharge service
3. To produce, monitor, evaluate and modify own and others assessments in order to produce comprehensive and accurate reports.
4. To apply a high level of understanding of the effect of all types of disability on function and lifestyle in order to provide accurate and comprehensive assessments
5. To work closely with patients and carers to incorporate service user’s views in the setting of goals, implementation and evaluation of treatment programmes
6. To provide specialist Occupational Therapy input to HASU/ SU
7. To conduct risk assessments and implement risk management strategies including the use of Therapeutic Manual Handling techniques and the Lone Working Policy
8. To assess and train clients with the safe use of equipment and adaptations and recommend provision thereof. To advise carers on the safe use of equipment
9. To write Occupational Therapy reports for referring hospitals, Social Services and other agencies detailing functional status, discharge recommendations, and recommendations regarding ongoing Occupational Therapy intervention
10. To liaise and work with referring hospitals, Social Services and other agencies to ensure continuity of care
11. To assist with planning and prioritisation of patient workload in the event of staff absence to ensure Occupational Therapy service is maintained
12. To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional and Trust standards
13. To communicate complex information to patients and carers with appropriate understanding and reassurance.

Management:

1. To participate in the planning, evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the Stroke Occupational Therapy Service with a view to measuring efficiency and ensuring high quality standards
2. To participate in the delivery of the Stroke Occupational Therapy Service development plan
3. To supervise and provide support for Band 5 Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Students, Occupational Therapy Assistants and Technicians as instructed by the Team Lead Occupational Therapy
4. To be aware of and implement the Health and Safety Act, Occupational Therapy Departmental policy and Trust policies
5. To comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, local and national procedures
6. To respect the individuality, values, and cultural and religious diversity of patients and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.

EDUCATION:

1. To review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal
2. To instruct and supervise Band 5 Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Students and Occupational Therapy Assistants and Technicians according to their training and development needs, as identified through regular supervision and performance appraisal
3. To demonstrate ability to engage in critically evaluating current research, apply them to practice and disseminate findings at a local level
4. To broaden research and development skills through participation in local audit and research projects
5. To demonstrate ongoing personal and professional development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording outcomes in a portfolio
6. To keep in touch with new developments and changing trends in Occupational Therapy and participate in wider issues of providing an Occupational Therapy service i.e. quality assurance, public relations including liaison with the community; planning and policy making
7. To demonstrate leadership skills through the management of designated projects
8. To participate in and present on the neurology in-service training programme, multi-disciplinary training and external conferences
9. To undertake any other duties commensurate within the grade
10. The post holder will carry out their duties as an employee and service provider with due regard for the Authority’s Equal Opportunities Policy