Occupational Therapist - Emergency Department Band 7inLondoninLondonPUBLISHED THU 5 DEC 2024

We would be delighted to receive applicants to join our diverse and friendly team at University Hospital Lewisham. We have a rare vacancy arise in our Emergency Department Occupational therapy leadership team.

You will work closely with the AHP team and the wider MDT across our ED, Medical Assessment Unit and the Frailty ward. You will have excellent peer support from our established AHP lead workforce including OT leads within all acute specialities.

This post is suitable for a new or developing band 7 as well as those with experience looking for a change.

We are looking for an innovative and an enthusiastic team player in to maximise the potential of the service and direct the team in its ongoing development. We are keen for a leader who is passionate about service development and innovation.

7-day working for Therapies is under development within the Trust and the postholder may be required to undertake a different working pattern, including weekends.

It is an exciting time to join us at University Hospital Lewisham at a time of expansion but also a point where there is lots of innovation (within therapies, but also trust wide) .

Applicants should be committed to delivering a high quality service based on your knowledge of evidence based practice and clinical governance.

Staff development is actively encouraged with access to a large training fund, including for externally provided courses. Learning and personal development is encouraged and we have a well-established appraisal system and funding for relevant external and internal courses.

The successful applicant will be supervised by the Lead OT to ensure they are supported in their role and professional development. Peer support is encouraged with a trust wide band 7 support group and strong links with equivalent post at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich.

As part of the senior clinical Occupational Therapy team on the UHL site, the post holder will deputise for the Occupational Therapy Site Lead UHL. as required. With development and insight into operational leadership encouraged for the postholder.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

INTERNAL INCLUDE: Therapy Managers and Therapy leads, own Teams, referring clinicians, MDTs, HR, Divisional and Trust Boards.

EXTERNAL INCLUDE: GPs, Community Services, LA, AHP managers and leads, Voluntary services, RCOT, HCPC DoH Networks, NHSE, HEEs, Colleges and Schools

About us

Job Summary:

To manage a designated case load with complex needs using evidence based/client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.

To lead and manage the O.T. team in ED/CDU/MAU ensuring a responsive service supporting the Trusts values

Maintain records which fulfil legal requirements.

To regularly supervise O.T. students on practice placements.

To provide leadership for junior staff, through supervision and appraisal

To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of O.T. services within a designated clinical area.

To contribute to the maintenance and development of the Trust O.T. Service

Key Result Areas & Performance:

AREA DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

1 Clinical

1.1 To assess and treat a specific caseload of patients with complex needs, prioritising efficiently to help prevent re-admissions.

1.2 To apply a high level of knowledge and understanding of the particular clinical area.

1.3 To undertake individual initial screens to identify patient need including areas affecting functional ability, followed by agreed assessment plans.

1.4 To design / plan individual patient programmes to implement oneself or to delegate as appropriate

1.5 To assess and treat the patients personal and domestic daily living functional activity level to maximise independence

1.6 To select and conduct standardised cognitive and perceptual testing to identify areas affecting functional ability and indicate need for further assessment / treatment.

1.7 To carry out an initial risk assessment where necessary and monitor ongoing risk

1.8 To assess need and risk factors for hoist and wheelchair provision

1.9 To carry out home visits with or without the patient to assess environmental risks and functional ability at home

1.10 To advise on, recommend, make provision for the installation of appropriate aids and adaptations to the patients social and physical environment.

1.11 To monitor and evaluate treatment, including using outcome measures, in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention

1.12 To undertake discharge planning and co-ordination of complex patients

1.13 To take a lead in the decisions regarding placement after discharge

1.14 To refer onto appropriate agencies for :- the continuation of treatment, reassessment, monitoring and provision of further adaptations.

1.15 To carry out joint working with others from the Trust and across other agencies.

1.16 To participate in the weekend Occupational Therapy service. To participate in flexible working patterns covering the service 8am- 8pm.

1.17 To monitor and evaluate service efficacy through review of readmission rates and targets relative to Length of stay.

2 Communication

2.1 To communicate effectively with patients and carers, O.T colleagues, multidisciplinary team

members and other agencies

2.2 To participate (and take a lead as needed) in the multidisciplinary team meetings and case

conferences, with regard to patient care programmes.

2.3 To advise and educate patients and carers regarding aids and equipment in the home and

outside community

2.4 To participate in staff meetings and other meetings (taking a lead as needed) as directed

by the Lead OT.

2.5 To promote the OT role within the Trust and to other agencies.

3 Documentation

3.1 To maintain up to date activity data and activity records in accordance with Professional

and Trust standards.

3.2 To provide reports on home visits

3.3 To provide specific reports to other agencies as appropriate.

4 Professional Ethics

4.1 To adhere to the COT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and all other relevant policies

and procedures. These include maintaining confidentiality and respecting the patients dignity,

privacy culture and wishes

4.2 To provide guidance to junior / support staff on ethical issues.

5 Leadership, Supervision and Appraisal

5.1 To lead and manage the OT team in the specialist area

5.2 To undertake the supervision and appraisal (IPR / KSF) of junior / support staff as delegated by the Lead OT.

5.3 To provide specialist training on an individual basis

5.4 To provide advice to junior/support staff and students on a day to day basis as required

5.5 To deputise for the Lead OT in an absence.

6 Training Staff and Students

6.1 To participate in the planning and implementing (taking a lead as needed) of the induction, training

and education of students and other staff in this setting.

6.2 To be responsible for the supervision and written assessment of OT students on practice placement

on a regular basis

6.3 To give presentations / training on specialist topics

6.4 To organise and implement training programmes in specialist area.

6.5 To participate in the organisation and implementation of the basic grade development programme.

7 Service Development and Delivery

7.1 To work with other staff within the department to ensure that equipment is maintained and stock

monitored.

7.2 To manage own caseload efficiently, including methods of prioritisation in order to achieve timely

and safe discharges of patients from hospital and to help prevent admissions / readmissions.

7.3 To facilitate, co-ordinate and monitor the workloads of the OT team members.

7.4 To participate in the operational planning and implementation of policies within the department

7.5 To participate in the delivery of the OT strategy.

7.6 Assist with the recruitment and appointment of O.T. staff

7.7 To represent OT on Trust wide (and linked agencies) working parties and groups as delegated by the

Lead OT.

7.8 To take a lead on specific projects as delegated by the Lead OT.

8 Personal / Professional Development

8.1 To participate in internal and external training opportunities including mandatory and statutory training

to meet identified objectives and demonstrate ongoing development.

8.2 To apply specialist skills and knowledge in order to maintain professional competence and fitness to

practise as a senior OT.

8.3 To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD

9 Clinical Governance

9.1 To comply with all Trust Policies and Procedures, (including Infection Control), the Health & Safety at Work Act and the Data Protection Act.

9.2 To report on complaints, accidents and any deficits in equipment to the Lead OT as soon as possible.

9.3 To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures

9.4 To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency procedures, on and off site and to respond as necessary eg. emergency resuscitation, hydrotherapy etc.

9.5 To assess for and advise on risk factors in given situations.

9.6 To contribute to the Trust and Therapies clinical governance and quality agenda including the

setting and monitoring of practice standards

9.7 To participate in the evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the clinical area.

9.8 To apply national guidelines/legislation relating to health care e.g. NSF for Older People

10 Research & Practice Development

10.1 To undertake audit projects relevant to the OT service needs and disseminate findings at local level.

10.2 To broaden research and development skills through participation in local audit and research projects.