Band 7 Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist - Stroke

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

Band 7 Occupational Therapist - Stroke Unit UHL

We are looking for an experienced, innovative and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist, with substantive stroke experience to join our dynamic Stroke Unit at University Hospital Lewisham.

This post provides an excellent opportunity to be part of the leadership team on the stroke unit, and to support the leadership team indirecting and enhancing the development of the unit.

Main duties of the job

Due to the complexity of the caseload, experience in neurological deficits is essential including a sound knowledge of assessment, intervention and discharge planning from the acute setting. A good knowledge of stroke legislation and pathways, including the ICS are essential to the role. The role will allow development of specialist knowledge of stroke specific assessment and treatment interventions, with an opportunity to evaluate practice and audit outcomes as per national standards (SSNAP).

You will provide supervision to a team of Occupational Therapists across the speciality and also contribute specialist input to stroke patients outlying on medical and care of the elderly wards. Further opportunities will include ongoing service development including ongoing developments of links with consortium and community services, contribution to operational group meetings and striving to meet our national and local guidelines.

About us

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
Improving the experience of staff with disability
Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
Making equalities mainstream

Date posted

01 May 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£43,742 to £50,056 a year per annum plus HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

197-UT4826-B

Job locations

University Hospital Lewisham

Lewisham High Street

London

SE13 6LH

Job description

Job responsibilities

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 Occupational Therapy (O.T.) team in the Stroke Unit
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 the Stroke Unit
To contribute to the maintenance and development of the Trust O.T. Service

Key Result Areas & Performance:

Clinical

To assess and treat a specific caseload of patients with complex needs, prioritising efficiently to help prevent readmissions.
To apply a high level of knowledge and understanding of the particular clinical area.
To undertake individual initial screens to identify patient need including areas affecting functional ability, followed by agreed assessment plans.
To design/plan individual patient programmes to implement oneself or to delegate as appropriate
To assess and treat the patients personal and domestic daily living functional activity level to maximise independence.
To select and conduct standardised cognitive and perceptual testing to identify areas affecting functional ability and indicate need for further assessment/treatment.
To carry out an initial risk assessment where necessary and monitor ongoing risk.
To assess need and risk factors for hoist and wheelchair provision.
To carry out home visits with or without the patient to assess environmental risks and functional ability at home.
To advise on, recommend, make provision for the installation of; appropriate aids and adaptations to the patients social and physical environment.
To assess and manufacture appropriate upper limb and lower limb splints as needed. To design and monitor ongoing splint regimes.

To carry out community visits to assess for and practise daily living skills as needed.
To monitor and evaluate treatment, including using outcome measures in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention.
To undertake discharge planning and coordination of complex patients.
To take a lead in the decisions regarding placement after discharge.
To refer onto appropriate agencies for :- the continuation of treatment, reassessment, monitoring, provision of further adaptations.
To carry out joint working with others from the Trust and across other agencies.

Documentation

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

Professional and Trust standards.

To provide reports on home visits.
To provide specific reports to other agencies as appropriate.

Professional Ethics

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

Leadership, Supervision and Appraisal

To lead and manage the O.T. team in the Stroke Unit.
To participate in the planning and implementing of the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting, and take a lead when needed.
To undertake the supervision and appraisal of junior/support staff as delegated by the Lead O.T.
To provide specialist training on an individual basis.
To provide advice to junior/support staff and students on a day to day basis as required.
To deputise for the Lead O.T. in an absence.

Training Staff and Students

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.
To be responsible for the supervision and written assessment of O.T. students on practice placement on a regular basis
To give presentations/training on specialist topics.
To organize and implement the training programme for O.T. team in the Stroke Unit.

Service Development and Delivery

To work with other staff within the department to ensure that equipment is maintained and stock monitored
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.
To facilitate, coordinate and monitor the workloads of the O.T team members the

Stroke Unit

To participate in the operational planning and implementation of policies within the department
Assist with the recruitment and appointment of O.T. staff.
To represent O.T. on Trust wide (and linked agencies) working parties and groups as delegated by the Lead O.T.
To take a lead on specific projects as delegated by the Lead O.T.
To participate in, and take a lead as needed, in the Therapies special interest group for the relevant clinical area.

Personal/Professional Development

To participate in internal and external training opportunities to meet identified objectives and demonstrate ongoing development.
To apply specialist skills and knowledge in order to maintain professional competence and fitness to practise as a senior O.T.
To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD , regarding learning outcomes

Clinical Governance

To comply with all Trust Policies and procedures including Infection
Control, the Health & Safety at Work Act and the Data Protection Act To report on complaints, accidents and any deficits in equipment as soon as possible.
To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures.
To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency procedures, on and off site and to respond as necessary e.g. emergency resuscitation, hydrotherapy etc.
To assess for and advise on risk factors in given situations.
To contribute to the Trust and Therapies clinical governance and quality agenda including the setting and monitoring of practice standards.
To participate in the evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the clinical area.
To apply national guidelines/legislation relating to health care.

Research and Practice Development

To undertake research and/or audit projects relevant to O.T. and/or service area and disseminate findings at local level.
To broaden research and development skills through participation in local audit and research projects.

Work force

To supervise and delegate to Rehab Therapy Assistants, Band 5 and 6 OTs, when appropriate.
To advise and demonstrate to carers, nursing and other staff on the safe manual handling, positioning and moving of patients.
To co-operate with the other Senior members of the MDT in the organisation of the workload, and to assist the Lead OT/ Therapy Manager in departmental managerial matters when required.
To contribute to the education of Therapy Assistants.
To be responsible for the appraisals of staff in your team, delegating to the Band 6 OT when possible.

Partnerships/Communications and Relationships

To communicate effectively with patients and carers, O.T colleagues, multidisciplinary team members and other agencies
To participate (and take a lead as needed) in the multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences, with regard to patient care programmes.
To advise and educate patients and carers regarding aids and equipment in the home and outside community
To participate in staff meetings and other meetings (taking a lead as needed) as directed by the Lead O.T.
To promote the O.T. role within the Stroke Unit, the Trust, and to other agencies.

General

The post holder will be experienced in assessing a patients needs and establishing an appropriate treatment plan
The post holder will be physically fit and able to carry out regular manual handling tasks, including assisting with patient transfers, manipulating an upper limb, and using equipment such as a hoist or wheelchair.
The post holder should be flexible and be able to adapt their treatment planning in light of unforeseen circumstances or a change in the patients condition.
The post holder will be able to manage sensitive situations, dealing with patients or family members who are distressed.
The post holder will be confident of working in the ward environment, or in patients homes.
The post holder may be required to undertake other duties which fall with the grade of the job, in discussion with the Lead O.T.
This job description will be reviewed in the light of changing service requirements. Any such changes will be discussed with the post holder.

Job description

Job responsibilities

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 Occupational Therapy (O.T.) team in the Stroke Unit
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 the Stroke Unit
To contribute to the maintenance and development of the Trust O.T. Service

Key Result Areas & Performance:

Clinical

To assess and treat a specific caseload of patients with complex needs, prioritising efficiently to help prevent readmissions.
To apply a high level of knowledge and understanding of the particular clinical area.
To undertake individual initial screens to identify patient need including areas affecting functional ability, followed by agreed assessment plans.
To design/plan individual patient programmes to implement oneself or to delegate as appropriate
To assess and treat the patients personal and domestic daily living functional activity level to maximise independence.
To select and conduct standardised cognitive and perceptual testing to identify areas affecting functional ability and indicate need for further assessment/treatment.
To carry out an initial risk assessment where necessary and monitor ongoing risk.
To assess need and risk factors for hoist and wheelchair provision.
To carry out home visits with or without the patient to assess environmental risks and functional ability at home.
To advise on, recommend, make provision for the installation of; appropriate aids and adaptations to the patients social and physical environment.
To assess and manufacture appropriate upper limb and lower limb splints as needed. To design and monitor ongoing splint regimes.

To carry out community visits to assess for and practise daily living skills as needed.
To monitor and evaluate treatment, including using outcome measures in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention.
To undertake discharge planning and coordination of complex patients.
To take a lead in the decisions regarding placement after discharge.
To refer onto appropriate agencies for :- the continuation of treatment, reassessment, monitoring, provision of further adaptations.
To carry out joint working with others from the Trust and across other agencies.

Documentation

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

Professional and Trust standards.

To provide reports on home visits.
To provide specific reports to other agencies as appropriate.

Professional Ethics

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

Leadership, Supervision and Appraisal

To lead and manage the O.T. team in the Stroke Unit.
To participate in the planning and implementing of the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting, and take a lead when needed.
To undertake the supervision and appraisal of junior/support staff as delegated by the Lead O.T.
To provide specialist training on an individual basis.
To provide advice to junior/support staff and students on a day to day basis as required.
To deputise for the Lead O.T. in an absence.

Training Staff and Students

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.
To be responsible for the supervision and written assessment of O.T. students on practice placement on a regular basis
To give presentations/training on specialist topics.
To organize and implement the training programme for O.T. team in the Stroke Unit.

Service Development and Delivery

To work with other staff within the department to ensure that equipment is maintained and stock monitored
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.
To facilitate, coordinate and monitor the workloads of the O.T team members the

Stroke Unit

To participate in the operational planning and implementation of policies within the department
Assist with the recruitment and appointment of O.T. staff.
To represent O.T. on Trust wide (and linked agencies) working parties and groups as delegated by the Lead O.T.
To take a lead on specific projects as delegated by the Lead O.T.
To participate in, and take a lead as needed, in the Therapies special interest group for the relevant clinical area.

Personal/Professional Development

To participate in internal and external training opportunities to meet identified objectives and demonstrate ongoing development.
To apply specialist skills and knowledge in order to maintain professional competence and fitness to practise as a senior O.T.
To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD , regarding learning outcomes

Clinical Governance

To comply with all Trust Policies and procedures including Infection
Control, the Health & Safety at Work Act and the Data Protection Act To report on complaints, accidents and any deficits in equipment as soon as possible.
To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures.
To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency procedures, on and off site and to respond as necessary e.g. emergency resuscitation, hydrotherapy etc.
To assess for and advise on risk factors in given situations.
To contribute to the Trust and Therapies clinical governance and quality agenda including the setting and monitoring of practice standards.
To participate in the evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the clinical area.
To apply national guidelines/legislation relating to health care.

Research and Practice Development

To undertake research and/or audit projects relevant to O.T. and/or service area and disseminate findings at local level.
To broaden research and development skills through participation in local audit and research projects.

Work force

To supervise and delegate to Rehab Therapy Assistants, Band 5 and 6 OTs, when appropriate.
To advise and demonstrate to carers, nursing and other staff on the safe manual handling, positioning and moving of patients.
To co-operate with the other Senior members of the MDT in the organisation of the workload, and to assist the Lead OT/ Therapy Manager in departmental managerial matters when required.
To contribute to the education of Therapy Assistants.
To be responsible for the appraisals of staff in your team, delegating to the Band 6 OT when possible.

Partnerships/Communications and Relationships

To communicate effectively with patients and carers, O.T colleagues, multidisciplinary team members and other agencies
To participate (and take a lead as needed) in the multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences, with regard to patient care programmes.
To advise and educate patients and carers regarding aids and equipment in the home and outside community
To participate in staff meetings and other meetings (taking a lead as needed) as directed by the Lead O.T.
To promote the O.T. role within the Stroke Unit, the Trust, and to other agencies.

General

The post holder will be experienced in assessing a patients needs and establishing an appropriate treatment plan
The post holder will be physically fit and able to carry out regular manual handling tasks, including assisting with patient transfers, manipulating an upper limb, and using equipment such as a hoist or wheelchair.
The post holder should be flexible and be able to adapt their treatment planning in light of unforeseen circumstances or a change in the patients condition.
The post holder will be able to manage sensitive situations, dealing with patients or family members who are distressed.
The post holder will be confident of working in the ward environment, or in patients homes.
The post holder may be required to undertake other duties which fall with the grade of the job, in discussion with the Lead O.T.
This job description will be reviewed in the light of changing service requirements. Any such changes will be discussed with the post holder.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

Diploma / Degree in Occupational Therapy.
HCPC registration
Working at M level (e.g. module) or equivalent experience/qualification
Undertaken a range of relevant postgraduate courses
Undertaken clinical educators training

Desirable

BAOT
Member of Special interest Group
MSC in related subject
Undertaken appropriate managerial training

Experience

Essential

Wide ranging post graduate Occupational Therapy experience including having held senior position in relevant speciality
Significant experience of relevant specialist pathway
Experience of working autonomously and unsupervised
Experience in managing limited resources and high workloads
Experience in leading and completing audit and evidence based projects.
Experience of supervision and appraisal of Occupational Therapy staff and students with ability to give constructive feedback and performance management when necessary
Evidence of actively participating in in-service training and presenting to large MDT groups, undergraduate and postgraduate staff and evaluating effectiveness of training
Experience and ability to work collaboratively within MPT
Evidence of leading change management and innovation in clinical practice

Desirable

Previous experience at band 7 Level
Research experience including publication in recognised journal.
Presented at national level or external courses relevant to subject area
Actively involved in developing research links with other academic institutions
Evidence of presenting to MDT groups, undergraduate and postgraduate staff

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Extensive specialist knowledge of evidenced based Occupational Therapy for designated specialist pathway
In depth knowledge of national guidelines and standards pertaining to specialist pathway and Occupational Therapy
Robust understanding of clinical governance and its implication for Occupational Therapy
Awareness and understanding of NHS structure, current issues and developments
Understanding of the legal responsibilities of the profession

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

Diploma / Degree in Occupational Therapy.
HCPC registration
Working at M level (e.g. module) or equivalent experience/qualification
Undertaken a range of relevant postgraduate courses
Undertaken clinical educators training

Desirable

BAOT
Member of Special interest Group
MSC in related subject
Undertaken appropriate managerial training

Experience

Essential

Wide ranging post graduate Occupational Therapy experience including having held senior position in relevant speciality
Significant experience of relevant specialist pathway
Experience of working autonomously and unsupervised
Experience in managing limited resources and high workloads
Experience in leading and completing audit and evidence based projects.
Experience of supervision and appraisal of Occupational Therapy staff and students with ability to give constructive feedback and performance management when necessary
Evidence of actively participating in in-service training and presenting to large MDT groups, undergraduate and postgraduate staff and evaluating effectiveness of training
Experience and ability to work collaboratively within MPT
Evidence of leading change management and innovation in clinical practice

Desirable

Previous experience at band 7 Level
Research experience including publication in recognised journal.
Presented at national level or external courses relevant to subject area
Actively involved in developing research links with other academic institutions
Evidence of presenting to MDT groups, undergraduate and postgraduate staff

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Extensive specialist knowledge of evidenced based Occupational Therapy for designated specialist pathway
In depth knowledge of national guidelines and standards pertaining to specialist pathway and Occupational Therapy
Robust understanding of clinical governance and its implication for Occupational Therapy
Awareness and understanding of NHS structure, current issues and developments
Understanding of the legal responsibilities of the profession

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).