Specialist Occupational Therapist

Job description

Job summary

Are you an enthusiastic, creative and compassionate Occupational Therapist who is passionate about enabling adults with learning disabilities to live meaningful, active and fulfilling lives? We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join our newly created West Team within the Norfolk Community Learning Disability Service.

This post sits within the West Team, supporting adults with learning disabilities across West Norfolk. Team bases are in both Attleborough and King's Lynn, with travel across the locality as required.

This is a part-time post working 22.5 hours per week. Working days must include Thursday and Friday, plus one additional day to be agreed.

You will be joining a supportive, friendly and dynamic multidisciplinary team, working alongside colleagues from health and social care to provide person-centred support for adults with learning disabilities. The role offers varied and rewarding clinical work across people's own homes, supported living settings, day opportunities and residential services.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist with excellent communication, organisational and clinical reasoning skills. You will work with people who may have complex physical, sensory, communication and behavioural needs, using occupation-focused assessment and intervention to support participation, skill development, environmental adaptation, positive behaviour support and meaningful engagement in everyday life.

As part of the countywide Learning Disability Occupational Therapy team, you will have access to regular professional networking, peer support and opportunities to contribute to service development. This is an exciting time to join the service as we embed the new locality structure and continue to strengthen the Occupational Therapy offer across Norfolk.

About us

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare Quality Commission.

Our family of over 4,500 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:

Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary:

To provide specialist occupational therapy assessment and treatment interventions for the specified service user group, to carry a complex caseload as a member of the MDT and to take a lead in developing the occupational therapy service provision within the setting.

All staff should comply with the Trusts Anti-Discriminatory Statement, Employee Charter, Trust Policies and Procedures, Code of Conduct and Equality and Diversity.

Key Relationships:

To work with Occupational Therapists within the service and the wider Trust network.

• To work with other Multi-Disciplinary Team members

To work with service users and carers

To work and liaise with other statutory and non-statutory service providers involved in service user care and Treatment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

To manage a caseload of clients with complex OT needs, using evidence based/client-centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions in clinic and community settings and on home visits.

To provide leadership for junior staff, through supervision and appraisal

To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of OT services, holding responsibility for defined projects where appropriate

To regularly supervise OT students on practice placement, following attendance at an approved Fieldwork Educators course

• To apply knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and other standardised assessment approaches relevant to the clinical setting.
• Following assessment, to undertake case formulation in order to highlight occupational strengths and limitations and to inform the intervention plan moving forward.
• To work collaboratively with service users to identify OT goals as part of the overall recovery plan.
• To provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust standards and values.
• To attend relevant MDT and professionals meetings for you case load.
• Provide written reports as required.
• To routinely provide feedback to the MDT regarding observed occupational performance throughout contact, which inform ongoing assessment and therapeutic intervention.
• To provide specialist support and education to service users and carers regarding aspects of occupational therapy e.g. equipment fitting, rehabilitation programmes.
• To maintain clinical records using the electronic patient record system.
• To liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant.
• To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
• To attend mandatory training.
• To comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and national and Trust policies
• To review and reflect on your own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.
• To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD, recording learning outcomes through participation in internal/external development opportunities.
• To actively participate in the Trust OT CPD development programme, as a learner and a facilitator

Clinical Responsibility

To work effectively as a member of a team in providing an occupational therapy service to the designated area.

To provide specialist Occupational Therapy advice, intervention and support given to service users and their carers.

To provide timely feedback to the MDT information regarding the service users wellbeing and occupational performance.

To provide a detailed and specialist occupational therapy report when required, within designated clinical area.

To use evidence-based practice to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities, to promote independence, recovery and well-being.

To have a senior oversight of the needs of the service user group and develop services accordingly.

To demonstrate and apply a specialist level of understanding of the effect of disability and recommend adaptations to the clients physical and social environment.

To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

To undertake risk assessments within clinical area as guided by local/Trust policies.

To report incidents, safeguarding concerns, complaints and compliments.

To actively participate in safety huddles and de-brief sessions as appropriate.

Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility

To review and reflect on personal practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.

To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistently reliable attendance.

To co-ordinate the day-to-day activities of the department (under the guidance of senior staff) including delegation of tasks to junior staff where applicable.

To demonstrate leadership skills through the management of designated projects.

To have a senior oversight in the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting as appropriate.

To be responsible for the supervision of junior staff as appropriate

• To deputise for the Band 7 OT or senior equivalent as required.

Financial Responsibility

• To manage stock, advising and obtaining resources to carry out the job.
• To be responsible for the safekeeping and use of equipment and materials.
• To follow Service procedures with regards to use of and recording of petty cash use within the unit.
• To be responsible for the completion of own expenses claim.
• To ensure effective and efficient use of resources.

Job description
Job responsibilities

Job Summary:

To provide specialist occupational therapy assessment and treatment interventions for the specified service user group, to carry a complex caseload as a member of the MDT and to take a lead in developing the occupational therapy service provision within the setting.

All staff should comply with the Trusts Anti-Discriminatory Statement, Employee Charter, Trust Policies and Procedures, Code of Conduct and Equality and Diversity.

Key Relationships:

To work with Occupational Therapists within the service and the wider Trust network.

• To work with other Multi-Disciplinary Team members

To work with service users and carers

To work and liaise with other statutory and non-statutory service providers involved in service user care and Treatment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

To manage a caseload of clients with complex OT needs, using evidence based/client-centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions in clinic and community settings and on home visits.

To provide leadership for junior staff, through supervision and appraisal

To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of OT services, holding responsibility for defined projects where appropriate

To regularly supervise OT students on practice placement, following attendance at an approved Fieldwork Educators course

• To apply knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and other standardised assessment approaches relevant to the clinical setting.
• Following assessment, to undertake case formulation in order to highlight occupational strengths and limitations and to inform the intervention plan moving forward.
• To work collaboratively with service users to identify OT goals as part of the overall recovery plan.
• To provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust standards and values.
• To attend relevant MDT and professionals meetings for you case load.
• Provide written reports as required.
• To routinely provide feedback to the MDT regarding observed occupational performance throughout contact, which inform ongoing assessment and therapeutic intervention.
• To provide specialist support and education to service users and carers regarding aspects of occupational therapy e.g. equipment fitting, rehabilitation programmes.
• To maintain clinical records using the electronic patient record system.
• To liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant.
• To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
• To attend mandatory training.
• To comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and national and Trust policies
• To review and reflect on your own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.
• To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD, recording learning outcomes through participation in internal/external development opportunities.
• To actively participate in the Trust OT CPD development programme, as a learner and a facilitator

Clinical Responsibility

To work effectively as a member of a team in providing an occupational therapy service to the designated area.

To provide specialist Occupational Therapy advice, intervention and support given to service users and their carers.

To provide timely feedback to the MDT information regarding the service users wellbeing and occupational performance.

To provide a detailed and specialist occupational therapy report when required, within designated clinical area.

To use evidence-based practice to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities, to promote independence, recovery and well-being.

To have a senior oversight of the needs of the service user group and develop services accordingly.

To demonstrate and apply a specialist level of understanding of the effect of disability and recommend adaptations to the clients physical and social environment.

To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

To undertake risk assessments within clinical area as guided by local/Trust policies.

To report incidents, safeguarding concerns, complaints and compliments.

To actively participate in safety huddles and de-brief sessions as appropriate.

Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility

To review and reflect on personal practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.

To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistently reliable attendance.

To co-ordinate the day-to-day activities of the department (under the guidance of senior staff) including delegation of tasks to junior staff where applicable.

To demonstrate leadership skills through the management of designated projects.

To have a senior oversight in the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting as appropriate.

To be responsible for the supervision of junior staff as appropriate

• To deputise for the Band 7 OT or senior equivalent as required.

Financial Responsibility

• To manage stock, advising and obtaining resources to carry out the job.
• To be responsible for the safekeeping and use of equipment and materials.
• To follow Service procedures with regards to use of and recording of petty cash use within the unit.
• To be responsible for the completion of own expenses claim.
• To ensure effective and efficient use of resources.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Education, Training

Essential

• BSc/MSc/PG Dip Occupational Therapy
• HCPC registration
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office, Teams and associated packages.
• Completion of preceptorship and/or evidence of having met the full KSF Gateway for Band 5 OTs
• Evidence of relevant post grad training.

Desirable

• Membership of RCOT, including specialist section
• First line management training
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy training
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training
• Practice Placement qualification/APPLE accreditation
• AMPS/ESI/SI training
• Broad base of clinical experience

Previous Experience

Essential

• Post registration experience in relevant clinical setting e.g. inpatient mental health or learning disability
• Applied experience of providing both individual and group work interventions.
• Specialist knowledge and experience of using the Model of Human Occupation assessment tools, or others appropriate to area.
• Experience of other specialist Occupational Therapy assessment tools
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development
• Experience in providing advice, support and clinical supervision to junior staff and/or students
• Applied knowledge of Recovery principles and how these relate to OT

Desirable

• Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or learning disability in a variety of health and social care settings
• Previous experience of having worked at Band 6 level
• Experience in research or audit

Skills, knowledge and ability 1. communication skills

Essential

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal and the ability to persuade and negotiate with peers and senior colleagues
• Proven track record of working within a multidisciplinary team and an understanding of team dynamics
• Knowledge and application of key policy, health legislation and guidelines which impact on OT and mental health/LD practice.
• Ability to provide and receive sensitive and difficult information regarding service users care and social situation
• Knowledge of and effective use of appropriate professional relationships and boundaries
• High level of ability to grade and adapt practical skills
• Evidence of delivery of training and professional development sessions

2. ANALYTICAL SKILLS

Essential

• Ability to apply broad knowledge of current best practice in OT and mental health
• A high level of problem solving/clinical judgement skills and the ability to analyse professional and ethical issues
• Ability to respond and adjust appropriately to the changing needs of service users
• Highly developed Observational skills
• Specialist knowledge and experience of using the Model of Human Occupation Assessment tools and or equivalent in area
• Highly developed ability to evaluate group interventions and outcomes
• Highly developed case formulation skills to guide own OT intervention plan and those of others
• Experience of audits/evaluations of interventions and direct involvement of implementation of any subsequent changes to practice.

Desirable

• Experience of PBS formulation
• Experience of sensory assessment

3. PHYSICAL SKILLS

Essential

• Ability to use a range of IT equipment relevant to the role.
• Ability to engage in a range of physical activities
• Car Driver (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)

4. PHYSICAL EFFORT

Essential

• Appropriate level of fitness to undertake all tasks within the role including RESPECT techniques unless you have a disability defined by the Equality Act
• Appropriate level of fitness to undertake moving and handling tasks required for the role
• Car Driver (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)

5. MENTAL EFFORT

Essential

• Ability to concentrate, respond appropriately to interruptions and meet deadlines

6. EMOTIONAL EFFORT

Essential

• Regular requirement to deal with distressing or emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to work empathetically with people who have offended, and people with personality disorder
• Good personal self-awareness

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Essential

• Demonstrate an understanding of the value of activity to personal wellbeing

Person Specification
Qualifications, Education, Training

Essential

• BSc/MSc/PG Dip Occupational Therapy
• HCPC registration
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office, Teams and associated packages.
• Completion of preceptorship and/or evidence of having met the full KSF Gateway for Band 5 OTs
• Evidence of relevant post grad training.

Desirable

• Membership of RCOT, including specialist section
• First line management training
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy training
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training
• Practice Placement qualification/APPLE accreditation
• AMPS/ESI/SI training
• Broad base of clinical experience

Previous Experience

Essential

• Post registration experience in relevant clinical setting e.g. inpatient mental health or learning disability
• Applied experience of providing both individual and group work interventions.
• Specialist knowledge and experience of using the Model of Human Occupation assessment tools, or others appropriate to area.
• Experience of other specialist Occupational Therapy assessment tools
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development
• Experience in providing advice, support and clinical supervision to junior staff and/or students
• Applied knowledge of Recovery principles and how these relate to OT

Desirable

• Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or learning disability in a variety of health and social care settings
• Previous experience of having worked at Band 6 level
• Experience in research or audit

Skills, knowledge and ability 1. communication skills

Essential

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal and the ability to persuade and negotiate with peers and senior colleagues
• Proven track record of working within a multidisciplinary team and an understanding of team dynamics
• Knowledge and application of key policy, health legislation and guidelines which impact on OT and mental health/LD practice.
• Ability to provide and receive sensitive and difficult information regarding service users care and social situation
• Knowledge of and effective use of appropriate professional relationships and boundaries
• High level of ability to grade and adapt practical skills
• Evidence of delivery of training and professional development sessions

2. ANALYTICAL SKILLS

Essential

• Ability to apply broad knowledge of current best practice in OT and mental health
• A high level of problem solving/clinical judgement skills and the ability to analyse professional and ethical issues
• Ability to respond and adjust appropriately to the changing needs of service users
• Highly developed Observational skills
• Specialist knowledge and experience of using the Model of Human Occupation Assessment tools and or equivalent in area
• Highly developed ability to evaluate group interventions and outcomes
• Highly developed case formulation skills to guide own OT intervention plan and those of others
• Experience of audits/evaluations of interventions and direct involvement of implementation of any subsequent changes to practice.

Desirable

• Experience of PBS formulation
• Experience of sensory assessment

3. PHYSICAL SKILLS

Essential

• Ability to use a range of IT equipment relevant to the role.
• Ability to engage in a range of physical activities
• Car Driver (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)

4. PHYSICAL EFFORT

Essential

• Appropriate level of fitness to undertake all tasks within the role including RESPECT techniques unless you have a disability defined by the Equality Act
• Appropriate level of fitness to undertake moving and handling tasks required for the role
• Car Driver (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)

5. MENTAL EFFORT

Essential

• Ability to concentrate, respond appropriately to interruptions and meet deadlines

6. EMOTIONAL EFFORT

Essential

• Regular requirement to deal with distressing or emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to work empathetically with people who have offended, and people with personality disorder
• Good personal self-awareness

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Essential

• Demonstrate an understanding of the value of activity to personal wellbeing

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Employer details

Employer name

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address

Park View Resource Centre

Birch Tree Close

King's Lynn

PE30 5QD

United Kingdom

Employer's website