The Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) is responsible for the delivery of safe and effective health and social care (HSC) services to the population of the Northern Trust area in Northern Ireland.

JOB TITLE: Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist Level 1, CAMHS
BAND: 7 (37 ½ hours per week)
DIRECTORATE/DIVISION: Child and Young People Division
INITIAL LOCATION: NHSCT Trustwide
REPORTS TO: Service Lead CAMHS

JOB SUMMARY
The postholder will provide specialist paediatric occupational therapy elements relevant to CAMHS specific needs. This will be Trust wide for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team providing assessment and intervention for children (0-18 years) who experience or are at risk of experiencing mental ill health.

KEY RESULT AREAS / MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To contribute to the specialist assessment of the multi-professional diagnosis of children referred to CAMHS, working between Step 3 CAMHS and specialist teams.
• To provide specialist intervention to a defined group of children on both an individual and group basis and have responsibility for a specific caseload who have been referred to CAMHS Service.
• To demonstrate advanced knowledge of mental health and emotional regulation need within assessment and intervention for child and family.
• To use advanced assessment and diagnostic skills and specialist knowledge to inform multi-disciplinary care planning and intervention as part of the TTLAAC service.
• To manage a caseload of children/young people with associated co-morbidities and be able to employ discretion to adapt practices where required within the framework of evidence based practice.
• To monitor, evaluate and modify interventions in order to ensure effective outcomes using evidence based clinical reasoning.
• To provide advice to professionals and carers within its network of supports, to assist them in their diagnosis and management of the child's needs.
• To apply a high level of understanding of the effect of CYP's presenting difficulties and provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to the child/young person's environment.
• To engage with service users demonstrating understanding and empathy for children and young people, with the aim of implementing individual and/or group interventions to achieve therapeutic goals.
• To participate in multi-disciplinary training, regarding specific specialist OT assessment and intervention with young people who have complex trauma and mental health presentations.
• To provide training in respect of sensory processing issues and their impacts on function, independence in activities of daily living and behaviour for children/parents/carers/staff.
• Be able to articulate assessment findings, intervention techniques, strategies and eligibility criteria and persuade children/young people, parents/carers of the need for significant life changes where required.
• To attend team meetings and professional network meetings, as required. To be able to work flexibly within a multidisciplinary team and demonstrate effective collaboration with a range of disciplines in developing and implementing holistic therapeutic plans.
• To take a flexible approach to the working hours required to meet the needs of the service being developed.
• To provide specialist OT reports in respect of CYP with highly complex health needs in a timely manner.
• To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional and Trust standards.
• Reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal in line with Local and National Guidelines.
• To be involved in the maintenance of resource materials, equipment and assessing the need for new/replacement items where necessary.
• To provide effective guidance, supervision and leadership where appropriate to OT staff, support staff and students.
• Demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, attendance at relevant meetings, courses and study days as well as personal reading and use of I.T. recording learning outcomes in a CPD portfolio.
• To contribute in the Trust, Directorate and team clinical governance arrangements and quality agenda, including the setting and monitoring of practice standards.
• To undertake home and school visits as required for the effective delivery of this service.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• At least five years' post qualifying experience with a minimum of 2 years' mental health experience at Band 6 or equivalent.
• Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy and HCPC Registration (equivalent qualifications considered).
• Excellent clinical reasoning skills, experience in leading service development/new initiatives, leadership and organisational skills.
• In depth knowledge of Paediatric OT in relation to mental health and complex emotional presentations.
• Willing and able to work flexible hours including weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.

SALARY
Band 7 £47,810 - £54,710 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)

HOURS
Normal full-time hours of duty are 37½ hours per week, exclusive of meal times.

HOLIDAYS
27 days each year; 29 days after 5 years' service; 33 days after 10 years' service and 10 statutory and public holidays.

PENSION
The post-holder can participate in the Health Social Care Pension Scheme.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD
You will serve a probationary period of normally six months.

Appointment will be subject to a successful pre-employment health assessment. Applicants with a disability who require support should contact the relevant person in the organisation. The NHSCT is an equal opportunities employer.