Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1.   Communication

·         Establishes and maintains effective communication with various individuals and groups on complex and potentially stressful topics in a range of situations.

·         Obtains and presents complex information in an accessible manner where there are barriers to communication.

·         To be able to motivate and persuade patients, carers and other staff through effective verbal & non-verbal communication skills.

·         Records all necessary information in line with established standards and ensures practice of using the Data Protection Act in accordance with local policies and OT specifications.

·         To participate in regular meetings and learning opportunities with other members of the therapies department and the wider MDT.

·         To ensure appropriate liaison with other agencies throughout the patient care pathway, including post discharge.

·         To educate others both formally and informally about OT and positively promote the service.

2.   Clinical responsibilities

·         To be responsible for managing a caseload of patients and provide timely assessment and treatment in line with current evidence and guidelines.

·         To formulate goals/clinical objectives with patients/carers/relatives and other health professionals and continually re-assess patients to evaluate progress and alter treatment programmes accordingly.

·         To use developed physical skills, including dexterity, co-ordination and sensory skills for therapy assessment and treatment techniques in all clinical settings.

·         To carry out assessments and treatments involving moderate physical effort frequently throughout the day.

·         Based on a sound understanding of the patient's needs and goals, use clinical reasoning to inform decision making at all stages of the OT process.

·         To use concepts, theories, principles of OT, frames of reference and theoretical models to address a patient's problems and needs.

·         To assess patients’ occupational performance including but not limited to the domains of self care, productivity and leisure incorporating assessment of physical, cognitive and affective areas.

·         To formulate and implement treatment plans on an individual and group basis using evidence-based practice, incorporating current professional standards for OT.

·         To select and implement appropriate standardised assessments and outcome measures relevant to the patient population.

·         To identify need and carry out home assessments and access visits in accordance with local policy.

·         To identify supervision needs and use clinical supervision appropriately, exploring own practice and maximising opportunities to develop knowledge base, skills and experience.

·         To participate actively in the fieldwork education of OT students and work experience students.

·         To participate actively in giving and receiving in-service training and development.

·         To adhere to relevant national, local and departmental policies, procedures and guidelines regarding clinical and administrative practices including attendance at and contributing to therapies or team meetings.

·         To justify rationale for provision or non-provision of adaptive equipment and provide advice/instructions to patients/carers on safe use, fitting and care of prescribed equipment.

·         To ensure out of county patients are referred for the necessary OT follow up as required.

·         To be competent in the use and application of specialised equipment and be responsible for its safe use with patients, undertaking relevant risk assessments.

·         To maintain an up to date working knowledge of community services and how to access them to facilitate a timely, quality discharge.

·         To be competent in non-traditional OT assessments such as functional mobility.

·         To participate in data collection and audit for evaluation of clinical effectiveness.

·         To be willing and able to work the hours required by the service this may include evenings (up until 8pm) and weekends within a 37.5hr a week shift pattern.

3.   Planning and Organisational Skills

·         To demonstrate flexible and effective time management skills to manage caseload and departmental duties appropriately and be able to respond to unpredictable workload and frequent interruptions.

·         To assist senior therapists in delegating and organising the work of therapy assistants to meet demands of the service.

·         To prepare for monthly supervision sessions and maintain an accurate record of all meetings and discussions.

·         To identify areas for learning and development and have a proactive approach to planning training to meet these needs.

4.   Service & Personal Development

·         To develop knowledge and understanding of the research process.

·         To contribute to evaluation of clinical effectiveness within the service and support Trust and departmental strategies regarding clinical governance issues.

·         To contribute to research surveys, audits and evaluation activity or other projects

·         within the OT department, underpinned by appropriate methodology and documentation.

·         To participate in staff appraisal and ensure that individual objectives reflect the department's/Trust's objectives.

·         Identify own training needs and to attend courses, professional meetings, team meetings, in-service training and consulting with specialist therapists.

·         To assist with inducting new starters to OT Department.

·         Provide supervision to unqualified staff once appropriate experience and competencies obtained.

·         To be able to manage a project on a small scale.

·         Maintains own and encourages others to maintain a reflective diary/log.

·         Demonstrates commitment to continuing education and identifies requirements of self and others.

·         Undertakes self directed study in relevant professional area to expand knowledge base.

·         To be aware of and promote cross-site links by working with other therapists across the Trust and to support OT speciality groups.

·         To contribute to the development of the OT service, including policies/protocols within the OUH NHS FT.

·         To complete an evidence-based project on each rotation and present back to colleagues.

5.   Information & Resource Management

·         To be aware of and abide by the criteria for provision of equipment, including financial limits and referring onto other organisations, as necessary.

·         To be competent using the online electronic system for ordering equipment for patients' discharge.

·         To maintain patient records and statistics in line with Trust standards and the Data Protection Act.

·         To maintain up-to-date records of all leave (annual, sick, professional, study) and to take responsibility for the reporting of absence in line with Trust policy.

·         To use the Trust Intranet, EPR, email and data bases.

·         To take responsibility for the maintenance of the department's equipment and information files. 

Working Conditions