Occupational TherapistNHS

Job summary

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who wants to develop their skills and knowledge in adult and paediatric assessments, which include delivering Occupational Therapy Assessments at outreach centres across the region, including powered wheelchair, mobility scooter, passenger access, car seat and car seat safety assessments (travel time to outreach centres to be included within working hours).

You will need to bring enthusiasm, knowledge and experience of carrying out assessments in a variety of settings.

Main duties of the job

1. To provide Occupational Therapy equipment assessments for disabled children, young people and adults identifying current needs and future requirements and provide relevant information.

2. To provide advice and information about appropriate equipment for the families of disabled children, adults, professionals, carers and volunteers so they can make an informed choice about their needs.

3. To manage own caseload and work as an autonomous practitioner carrying out Occupational Therapy assessments.

4. To be responsible for leading on and delivering Occupational Therapy Assessments at outreach centres across the region, including powered wheelchair, mobility scooter, passenger access, car seat and car seat safety assessments (travel time to outreach centres to be included within working hours).

5. To maintain professional records and produce comprehensive reports as required.

6. To assess clients and families ability to use this equipment safely.

7. To contribute to service delivery and improvements and promote the work of the William Merritt Centre.

Job description

1. To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work to ensure the maintenance of high standards of clinical care.

2. To manage a caseload of adult and paediatric assessments as an autonomous practitioner often working alone.

3. To undertake comprehensive assessments of paediatric and adult clients with physical, cognitive and learning impairments and those with complex/multi pathology presentations demonstrating a high level of understanding of the effects of disability/illness.

4. To work alongside an Occupational Therapy Assistant to undertake joint assessments, including working together at the outreach centres across the region.

5. To identify social, environmental and clinical issues that will impact on the final equipment recommendations.

6. To undertake assessments based on knowledge of evidence based practice, training and professional development.

7. To take a broad approach to assessments and develop good working relationships with other bodies e.g. NHS, other Driving Mobility centres, Social Care and Retailers.

8. To create a good working relationship with the client and their families/carers, ensuring that they are fully informed and put at ease.

9. To assess the clients understanding of the assessment process and inform in an understanding and empathetic manner dealing sensitively with those who have a high level of anxiety and/or aggression.

10. To be responsible for good communication with the client about assessment outcome including giving unwelcome or bad news.

11. To undertake risk assessments as part of the assessment process.

12. To be responsible for the safe use of appropriate equipment e.g. car seats, powered wheelchairs, moving and handling equipment etc.

13. To identify equipment required for assessments, liaise with other agencies and ensure appropriate equipment is available in time for planned assessment.

14. To participate in discussion and screening of new referrals.

15. To collate information in the form of literature, leaflets, internet articles, manufacturer and retailer information in response to information requests.

16. To be involved in developing the Equipment and Information display within the Centre for the Paediatric and Adult Services.

17. To be able to travel locally and across the region.

18. To work in line with Health and Safety legislation and to take responsibility for your own health and fitness to meet the physical demands of the job. E.g. being aware that the role may involve moving equipment around the Centre and driving across the region.

19. Maintain standards in respect of the Royal College of Occupational Therapy, Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Occupational Therapists.

20. To contribute to flexible working practices to meet the needs of the service and business development.

21. To undertake regular supervision with a Lead Occupational Therapist.

22. Any other duties commensurate with the post holders abilities as agreed with their line manager.

About us

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Occupational Therapist to join our team at the William Merritt Centre, which is a registered charity and Social Enterprise, based in the West of Leeds, but supporting the whole of Yorkshire.