Occupational Therapist (Band 5/6) Essex

Main Roles and Responsibilities

• To work as part of the multi-disciplinary team to provide a comprehensive and co-ordinated range of specialist occupational therapy diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative services in a variety of settings including the clinic, schools and children’s centres.
• With support, manage a caseload of individuals (usually aged 0-25 years) with a range of needs and disabilities.
• To devise and participate in the creation of product lines and services, including training, group and individual therapy programmes, and professional development for the Organisation.

Clinical – Assessment and Treatment Planning

• Carry and prioritise a caseload and other ongoing tasks.
• Carry out assessments and treatment in the most appropriate setting (clinic, school, residential home).
• Perform specialist occupational therapy assessment of children with diverse and complex presentations using advanced clinical reasoning skills.
• Use specialist OT assessment tools to assess self-care, development, physical, sensory, sensory processing, gross and fine motor skills.
• Analyse and interpret complex assessment results to provide accurate judgment and identify OT goals.
• Develop and implement treatment and management plans incorporating individual or group therapy sessions.
• Re-evaluate and progress/adapt treatment programmes at established intervals.

Clinical – Interventions and Treatments

• Plan and implement a range of specialist child centred individual and/or group interventions.
• Re-evaluate and progress/adapt treatment programmes.
• Identify and implement appropriate treatment approaches based on evidence based practice.
• Monitor the effectiveness of intervention.

Clinical – Analytical / Judgmental Skills

• Analyse and interpret complex assessment results.
• Identify OT goals as part of an overall care plan.
• Identify and implement appropriate treatment approaches.
• Make referrals to other professionals if required.

Clinical – Communication

• Provide support and advice for parents, carers and/or school about OT needs.
• Adjust communication according to age and comprehension level.
• Provide and receive complex and sensitive information.
• Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity.
• Work sensitively with parents dealing with anger, grief, frustration.
• Communicate effectively with parents, team members, colleagues and other agencies.
• Attend meetings to provide specialist advice.
• Provide specialist OT reports for inter-agencies.
• Maintain accurate clinical records.
• Provide programmes on verbal or written basis.

Human Resources Including Personal and People Development

• Adhere to RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
• Be professionally and legally accountable.
• Review and reflect on own practice through supervision and appraisal.
• Demonstrate basic leadership skills through management of designated projects.
• Plan, organise and provide training to parents/carers and educational staff.
• Plan and undertake presentation of OT related talks.

Health, Safety and Security

• Maintain a safe therapeutic environment.
• Carry out risk assessments.
• Be responsible for equipment and adhere to policies.
• Report defects to Clinical Director.
• Set up equipment and advise on safe use.
• Arrange repairs and adaptations.
• Knowledge of manual handling of specialist equipment.

Policy and Service Improvement/Development

• Participate in operational planning and policy development.
• Contribute to clinical audits.
• Advise Office Manager of therapeutic equipment needs.

Person Specification

Criteria include: BSc Hons in Occupational Therapy (min 2:1), HCPC Registration, knowledge of legislative framework, OT models, safeguarding, paediatric OT experience, implementation of OT interventions, group/individual therapy, report writing, interpersonal skills, motivation, and physical capacity.

Apply for this Position

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