Occupational Therapist

• To undertake holistic occupational therapy assessments for adults with neurological conditions, including those with multiple and complex health needs, considering physical, cognitive, functional, occupational, psychosocial and environmental factors.
• To work collaboratively with patients, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team to identify meaningful, person-centred rehabilitation goals.
• To plan, implement and evaluate individualised, evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to maximise functional independence, participation, safety and quality of life.
• To monitor and evaluate patient response to intervention, adapting treatment plans using clinical reasoning and appropriate outcome measures.
• To develop and apply knowledge of standardised and non-standardised assessments, occupational therapy models and outcome measures, using supervision and support from senior Occupational Therapists to develop clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
• To contribute an occupational therapy perspective to multidisciplinary assessments, treatment planning, goal setting, clinical reviews and case discussions, developing confidence and competence through supervision from senior Occupational Therapists.
• To identify, assess and manage clinical and environmental risks, including therapeutic risk-taking where appropriate, documenting decisions and rationale in accordance with professional standards and Trust policies.
• To prioritise occupational therapy referrals and manage a delegated caseload according to clinical need, risk, service priorities and available capacity, with support and supervision from Band 6 and Band 7 Occupational Therapists.
• To recognise the limits of personal knowledge, skills and competence and seek advice, support or escalation from a senior Occupational Therapist when required.
• To delegate appropriate rehabilitation programmes and activities to therapy assistants and other support staff, providing clear instructions and monitoring progress and outcomes.
• To contribute to discharge, transfer and ongoing care planning in collaboration with patients, carers, multidisciplinary colleagues and partner agencies.
• To work autonomously and as a lone practitioner across community, clinic and home-based settings in Warrington and Halton, in accordance with Trust lone-working, risk-management and health and safety procedures.

• To establish effective therapeutic relationships with patients and carers, adapting communication methods to meet individual physical, cognitive, emotional, sensory, language and communication needs.
• To communicate occupational therapy assessment findings, treatment plans, goals, progress and recommendations clearly and effectively to patients, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team.
• To support patients to make informed choices regarding their care, obtaining and recording valid consent in accordance with Trust policy and relevant legislation.
• To provide clear information regarding neurological conditions, rehabilitation programmes, self-management strategies and expected outcomes.
• To use encouragement, negotiation and motivational approaches to support patient engagement in rehabilitation, particularly where participation may be affected by fatigue, cognitive impairment, pain, anxiety, low mood or adjustment to long-term disability.
• To contribute an occupational therapy perspective to multidisciplinary meetings, case reviews, goal-setting discussions and discharge planning.
• To liaise effectively with hospital services, primary care, social care, care providers, voluntary organisations and other agencies to support coordinated care and continuity across pathways.
• To communicate complex or sensitive information professionally and appropriately, seeking support from senior Occupational Therapists where required.
• To provide advice, education and support to patients, carers, colleagues and partner agencies regarding occupational therapy, neurological rehabilitation, equipment, environmental adaptation and promotion of independence.
• To maintain effective professional relationships with patients, carers, multidisciplinary colleagues and external stakeholders.

• To maintain Health and Care Professions Council registration and practise in accordance with relevant professional standards, codes of conduct, Trust policies and legislation.
• To apply evidence-based occupational therapy practice and relevant national and local clinical guidance.
• To participate in regular clinical and professional supervision with Band 6 and Band 7 Occupational Therapists.
• To develop specialist knowledge and skills in community neurological rehabilitation through supervised clinical practice, reflective learning, continuing professional development and participation in service-based training opportunities.
• To participate in the Trust appraisal process and preceptorship programme where applicable.
• To take responsibility for identifying personal learning and development needs and agreeing appropriate objectives through supervision and appraisal.
• To maintain an up-to-date continuing professional development portfolio and use reflection, feedback and learning opportunities to develop clinical practice.
• To participate in statutory, mandatory and role-specific training required by the Trust.
• To participate in the Community Neurosciences Team's continuing professional development and in-service training programme.
• To continually review and evaluate personal clinical practice, modifying approaches in line with evidence, patient need, service objectives and organisational requirements.
• To contribute to a culture of professional learning by sharing relevant knowledge, evidence and learning with colleagues.

• To provide advice and education to patients, carers and relevant professionals regarding occupational therapy, neurological rehabilitation, self-management and promotion of independence, seeking support from senior Occupational Therapists where required.
• To share relevant knowledge, skills and learning with colleagues through formal and informal learning opportunities.
• To contribute to induction and learning opportunities for therapy assistants, occupational therapy students and other colleagues within the limits of competence and with senior support.
• To support practice-based learning and student placements where appropriate and following relevant preparation.
• To participate in peer learning, case discussion, reflective practice and multidisciplinary education activities.

• Kind: We are caring, supportive and respectful to everyone
• Open: We are honest, transparent and open to new ways of working
• Fair: We listen, value our differences and are inclusive to all
• One team: We work well together and with our communities

Essential

• Ability to travel independently and safely across Warrington and Halton to meet the requirements of the role.
• Ability to work autonomously within community settings, including lone working in accordance with Trust procedures.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet service needs.

Desirable

• Access to transport suitable for undertaking the requirements of the role.

Essential

• Do you currently have the unrestricted right to work in the UK?
• If appointed, will you require sponsorship under a UK work visa route (now or in the future)?
• Please note that sponsorship is not available for all roles. Sponsorship will only be considered where the post meets the relevant UK immigration requirements and where the organisation determines that sponsorship is appropriate for the role.

Essential

• Commitment to continuing professional development and lifelong learning.

Desirable

• Experience of supporting students, therapy assistants or other learners.

Essential

• Experience gained through undergraduate placements across a range of clinical settings and patient groups.
• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload.
• Experience of assessment, treatment planning and goal setting.

Desirable

• Experience of working within the NHS.
• Experience of working with adults with neurological conditions, stroke or acquired brain injury.
• Experience of community-based rehabilitation.
• Experience of facilitating group interventions.

Essential

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Desirable

• Post-registration professional development.
• Demonstrable interest in neurological rehabilitation and community-based practice.

Essential

• Understanding of the occupational therapy process and evidence-based practice.
• Knowledge of occupational therapy assessment and intervention approaches.
• Understanding of rehabilitation principles and promotion of functional independence.
• Evidence of clinical reasoning skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of clinical risk assessment and management.
• Ability to work under supervision, recognise limitations and respond appropriately to feedback.
• IT skills appropriate to clinical practice.

Desirable

• Knowledge of neurological rehabilitation pathways and interventions.
• Awareness of safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act and relevant health and social care legislation.
• Experience of clinical audit, quality improvement or service evaluation.
• Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Essential

• If you are related to a director or have a relationship with a director or employee of an appointing organisation, please state the relationship.