Detailed job description and main responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTON

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 communicate specialist information related to OT, oncology, haematology, surgical, and palliative care, to other staff members, patients, and families.
• To engage and build relationships with external agencies for continuity of care beyond discharge.

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 select and implement appropriate standardised assessments and outcome measures relevant to the patient population.
• 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 carry out home assessments and access visits where there is an indicated need.
• To work collaboratively to aid in determining mental capacity, gaining informed consent, and working within MCA/DoLS frameworks.
• To engage in cross ward working across the Churchill site as required to support patients and staff members.

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 systems and data bases
• 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 take responsibility for the maintenance of the department's equipment and information files. 

Person Specification