Specialist Occupational Therapist

The post holder assists in the development, administration and provision of a specialist Occupational Therapy service; carries a caseload dealing with complex assessment, and planning discharge of patients with predominantly physical conditions and with regard to the physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual and social aspects of their care.

Assists in the continuous development of the Occupational Therapy Service, and directly provides assessment and treatment of patients in Milford Hospital. Responsible for the clinical supervision of junior staff providing necessary professional guidance, support, and appropriate delegation of work. Participates/leads in relevant planning activities/projects to ensure that the Occupational Therapy service develops according to patients needs, in liaison with Team Leader, the Occupational Therapy Service Manager and in line with the College of Occupational Therapists guidelines. Directly supervises Occupational Therapy students on clinical placement. Assists in, and undertakes regular clinical audit/review to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the service and to improve outcomes for patients in line with the Trusts commitment to promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Responsible for own continuous professional development, showing evidence of this through a personal development portfolio. Participates in appraisals and ensures that state registration is maintained. Undertakes any other duties as required by the Therapy Service Manager

Communication Understands and values the roles of the other members of the multidisciplinary team and establishes effective working relationships. Receives and imparts complex and sometimes sensitive information, communicating at all levels with other professionals, patients, relatives and carers, both internal and external to the Trust. Participates in, and is responsible for, in-service training sessions, as required. Occasionally participates in teaching multi-professional groups, giving formal presentations, as required. Completes all necessary records, reports and statistics in line with occupational therapy service policy.

Clinical Directly responsible for own caseload and deals with referrals in line with departmental policy. Responsible for timely occupational therapy assessments, planning, implementation and evaluation. Assesses on the ward, in the OT department, other hospital departments and in patients homes, as appropriate. Recommends specific levels of care/equipment required to facilitate patients safe and timely discharge, as appropriate. Keeps up to date of any schemes/care provision to facilitate timely discharge. Participates in the planning and implementation of patient groups associated with the specialist area of work. All staff members have personal and professional responsibility to promote safe standards of care and services. All staff members are expected to participate in clinical governance initiatives.

Risk assessment Uses therapeutic handling techniques to maximise the patients potential and minimise risk. Assesses working environment potential hazards to minimise risk to patients and other hospital users. Responsible for raising the awareness in junior staff members of risk within O.T. practice. Assesses the patients home environment, as appropriate, to reduce risk and increase safety on discharge. Assesses for and prescribes basic equipment and with further training, if required, complex equipment, i.e. hoists etc. training patient and carers in their use.

Financial

Sells small aids and equipment to patients/carers processing these according to department policy Requisitions equipment to minimise risk and facilitate patient discharge, and with an awareness of the financial implications.

Human Resources Participates in the recruitment and retention process within the Occupational Therapy Department. Provides training/development of work shadow persons/OT students.

Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5,000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing programme alongside a strong commitment to developing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family ensures you feel valued from your initial interview and throughout your time with us.

We are clinically led and provide joined-up care by bridging hospital and community services, alongside delivering regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford, with community sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh, and services delivered in patients' homes across Guildford and Waverley.

We work in partnership with Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through a collaborative Group Model, supporting joined-up services, workforce flexibility and development opportunities.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated us as Outstanding. We are proud of our achievements and continue to invest in our people and infrastructure.

To learn more about life at Royal Surrey, please watch our short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo

Adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience