Advertised role location: BHSCT- Various Locations
Official document: Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist- CRS June 2023 (doc)
JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Specialist Occupational Therapist, Community Rehabilitation Service

LOCATION: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust - various locations

BAND: 6

REPORTS TO: Operational Manager / Professional Lead Occupational Therapist

RESPONSIBLE TO: Professional Head of Occupational Therapy Service

Job Summary / Main Purpose

Community Rehabilitation Services (CRS) are provided to individuals who require ongoing rehabilitation following an acute episode of care. The aim of intervention is
to enable people to gain or regain their confidence, ability, and necessary skills to
live as independently as possible especially after having experienced a health or social care crisis, such as illness, deterioration in health or injury.

The post holder will use a client-centred rehabilitation approach with identified clients either in a community facility or in their own home for a specific period of time. The aim is to optimise functional independence in all aspects of daily living and if required to make recommendation for any support services required. A key element is the utilisation of support staff to assist in the delivery of the rehabilitation programme.

In conjunction with the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, the post holder will assist in the development, delivery and evaluation and improvement of the service as required.

In response to continued service development the post holder will be required to undertake flexible working including extended working and seven day working as determined by operational requirements.

Main Duties / Responsibilities
For each of the following, the postholder will;

Clinical
Manage a caseload of clients with complex and multiple diagnosis and be responsible for organising own workload in line with agreed departmental priorities, policies and procedures.
Be responsible for the assessment and treatment of patients referred.
This will involve:
Be responsible for the completion of appropriate assessments.
Devise, implement and modify client centred treatment goals and interventions to address patients’ changing needs.
Work with patients and carers and support workers, providing support and advice relating to practical management of the patient and providing up to date information to assist them in decision making
Prescribe equipment or minor adaptations deemed necessary to support the individual.
Discuss assessment and treatment goals with clients and their carers communicating sensitive information in a clear, concise and empathetic manner.
Liaise with colleagues to ensure a seamless transfer of clients from inpatient care to community based treatment and, if required onward referral/ recommendations as part of the integrated rehabilitation pathway.
Carry out manual handling/ risk assessments and in liaison with Team Leader/ Advanced Practitioner implement subsequent actions.
Communicate and work jointly with other members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure a co-ordinated approach to client care.
Utilise appropriate skill mix in delivering the rehabilitation programmes.
Liaise and exchange information both informally and formally at white board meetings and multidisciplinary meetings to ensure effective multi-disciplinary working.
Work with carers and family, providing support and advice relating to the practical management of the patient.
Liaise with other professionals, private, voluntary & statutory agencies as appropriate.

Professional
Be responsible for the allocation and monitoring of caseload to junior and support staff, ensuring agreed standards of practice, and in liaison with the advanced practitioner/ clinical lead Occupational Therapist to undertake any delegated line management responsibility including supervision and Performance Reviews in line with Trust policy and RQIA guidelines.
Support the advanced practitioner/ clinical lead to deliver training to support staff.
Establish, monitor, review and update own clinical practice in accordance with the Royal College of Occupational Therapy Professional Standards of Practice in line with the policies and procedures of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
Assist in the planning and implementation of relevant quality assurance activities and Audit programme in clinical area.
Promote and develop evidence based practice within the service by participating in uni-disciplinary / multidisciplinary practice development activities including research projects.
Actively participate in regular professional supervision in line with local supervision policy in order to demonstrate and be accountable for professional performance.
Attend relevant lectures, courses, professional meetings, in order to increase knowledge of specialised techniques/interventions improving professional standards and demonstrating continuing professional development.
Act as a Practice Educator for Occupational Therapy students on Practice placement as directed.
Contribute to the organisation of an “in-service” training programme to share specialist skills with staff within the clinical area and to contribute to the general Occupational Therapy in-service training programme as required.
Support the promotion and evaluation of the effectiveness of Occupational Therapy within Older People Services.
Assist the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist in service developments.
Ensure continuing professional development through attendance at relevant meetings, courses and study days as well as personal reading and use of I.T.
Participate in Annual Performance and Development Review.
Maintain an active CPD portfolio. To be professionally accountable for own direct patient care and for those supervised.
Work as an autonomous practitioner adhering to Professional Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct and Standards of Professional Practice to fulfil duty of care.
Ensure active involvement in established service practices such as team meetings, in-service training.
Manage and prioritise patient and non-patient related professional demands

Organisational
Organise and maintain accurate records in accordance with departmental standards and to render monthly statistical returns.
Be involved in the management of equipment stocks levels and identify the need for new items / stock where necessary as well as involvement in routine administrative tasks.
Record patient and non-patient activity data in accordance with professional and Trust standards and produce reports relevant to clinical setting.
Familiarise yourself with and adhere to the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust’s various Policies and Procedures including those incorporated in BRAAT(Belfast Risk Assessment and Audit Tool).
Be flexible to: changing work patterns i.e. extended working days, weekend/evening work in line with the changing/developing needs of the service.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:
At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance  

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails.  All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognises the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
This includes:-
Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);
Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;
Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;
Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps)  and laundry;
Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE / BAND: Specialist Occupational Therapist / Band 6
DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Community Rehabilitation Service, Adult
Community & Older Peoples Services & AHP’s

Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.
You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Experience
Qualifications
Registration
Diploma of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists or Degree in Occupational Therapy recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)

Be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

No less than 2 years post qualification clinical experience working as an occupational therapist, by closing date, with a minimum of 6 months as an Occupational Therapist working with older people and/or physical disability, in either acute or community setting

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other (e.g. Driving etc.)

Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment.
‘Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.’

Shortlisting by Application Form

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Experience
Qualifications
Registration

Have experience in the supervision of junior professional staff.
Experience working in a community setting.
Demonstrate knowledge and experience of falls assessment and prevention principles.
Have experience of being a Fieldwork Educator.
Have evidence of post-graduate training in Rehabilitation of older people.
Have knowledge of perceptual and cognitive deficits and the appropriate assessment for these deficits.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
Experienced in the use of assessments suitable for use in Intermediate Care Services.
Principles of different approaches treatment and rehabilitation and models of practice.
Effective written/ electronic and oral communication skills.

Interview

NOTE:
Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

HSC Values
Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role