Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main responsibilities of the job include, but are not limited to:

·         To work autonomously to coordinate and deliver therapeutic interventions on the inpatient ward, in collaboration with service users and the multi-disciplinary team, using technical and creative skills to engage service-users in individual and group therapeutic activities, utilising graded activity to help support their recovery

·         To demonstrate a good understanding of OT theoretical models and be able to select and undertake appropriate Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions for service-users on the ward caseload as required, addressing occupational performance and skill deficits, and enabling the client to maximise their performance in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.

·         To identify and address occupationally focused goals in collaboration with the service user, taking into consideration the mental, physical, spiritual, psychological and social needs of the service user and ensuring that they are sensitive to age, culture, race, gender, ethnicity, social class, sexuality and disability.

·         To hold a firm understanding and application of national guidance and legislation relating to Mental Health service provision in the context of well-being, recovery and social inclusion.

·         To work in collaboration with service-users on the ward to support their transition from the hospital and back into the community, maintaining a clear occupational focus to one’s work for the benefit of the service user, and using graded activity as needed to achieve therapeutic goals

·         To monitor and evaluate interventions through the use of outcome measures that provide clear evidence that occupational therapy has made a difference to people’s occupations and ultimately, support social inclusion and promote recovery.

·         To play an active role in completing and contributing towards risk assessments within the multi-disciplinary team, including intervention planning, positive risk taking, discharge planning and making onward recommendations to support a person’s recovery.

·         To be able to articulate the meaning and value of occupation in relationship to well-being, recovery and social inclusion to service users, carers, colleagues and external agencies, in order to represent, role model and be an ambassador for the OT profession

·         To be an integrated team member within the ward MDT, as well as within the Lambeth OT team, to contribute an occupational focus within patient care, including attending team meetings and working closely in collaboration with other key professionals within the setting such as clinical exercise team, smoking cessation, art therapies and the wider MDT.

·         To provide induction, leadership, training, monitoring, co-ordination, preceptorship and supervision (where applicable) to junior staff, students and volunteers within the setting

·         To support the development of student OT’s by offering regular placements within the setting, as well supporting the learning of any other students who are part of the service

·         To work closely with discharge coordinators, families / carers, care coordinators, community teams, residential services and external agencies to ensure transition into the community / to another setting is done in the most effective, least restrictive and most person-centred way.

·         To demonstrate and apply a high level of understanding of the effects of ill-health / disability, and provide appropriate advice, prescription of small aids / equipment and making recommendations for necessary adaptations to the client’s physical and social environment where applicable, to help support their independence

·         To display a high level of understanding of the potential for distress caused by, and social and personal consequences of mental illness for the service user, their families, carers and support networks, and be able to offer support and signpost to resources / information as necessary

·         To recognise and value our service-users as unique individuals, acknowledging the importance of maintaining their respect and dignity at all times and ensuring the care provided respects equality and diversity.

·         To utilise a variety of communication skills to communicate effectively, empathetically and appropriately with colleagues, service-users, family, carers and external agencies in order to build effective professional relationships that support collaborative working

·         To maintain clear, up-to-date and accurate electronic records for interactions and work completed within the service-user’s care, as per Professional and Trust standards / policies

·         To consistently demonstrate appropriate professional behaviours and adhere to the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, as well as national and local trust policies.

·         To exercise good time management, punctuality and consistent, reliable attendance

·         To demonstrate a commitment to ongoing personal development (CPD) through participating in relevant training and internal / external development opportunities as identified in clinical/ professional supervision and appraisals

·         To demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and awareness of Safeguarding Principles and how to report any safeguarding concerns, as well as embed into practice the guidance from current trust, NHS and government infection control policies.

·         To ensure all occupational therapy equipment / materials / stock are maintained and stored responsibly, provide advice on resources needed to facilitate group and individual activities / interventions, and maintain responsibility for managing the ward petty cash allowance for OT / activities

·         To actively participate in local and trust-wide OT education / training, audits and service development, with the support of / in conjunction with senior staff / leads, to help contribute to the occupational therapy research agenda and embedding best practice

·         To demonstrate the ability to safely carry out restrictive interventions following Seni Lewis Training Programme.