Occupational Therapist - Discharge to AssessNHS

Job summary

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

The post holder will be part of the Integrated Complex Assessment Team (ICAT) providing Occupational Therapy and will work in a variety of Discharge to Assess settings.

This is a dynamic post that requires the post holder to work closely with uni/ multidisciplinary teams/agencies in addressing a range of care/support issues across the spectrum of conditions, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and improving the health and wellbeing of the population served.

The nature of the service will be determined by local service specifications.

Main duties of the job

• Maintaining safety and highlighting areas of concern.
• Moving and handling.
• Falls management strategies.
• Increased functionaland cognitive ability.
• Improvement in health and wellbeing including mental health.
• Interventions in disease/condition management.
• Prevention and reducing of health inequalities.
• Acute hospital admission avoidance.
• Interventions around specific long-term conditions and clinical need.
• Palliative and end of life care.
• Provider failure.

Job description

The Band 5 Occupational Therapist will work as part of the Integrated Complex Assessment Team (ICAT), providing occupational therapy assessment and intervention to people placed within Discharge to Assess (D2A) commissioned community therapy beds across Staffordshire, Cannock and wider areas.

The post holder will work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team, undertaking holistic assessments of individuals functional, physical, cognitive, psychological, social and emotional needs. They will develop, implement and evaluate person-centred intervention and rehabilitation plans to maximise independence, promote wellbeing and support safe and timely discharge or transfer to the most appropriate setting.

The role involves working closely with residents, families and carers, care home staff, therapists, nurses, social care colleagues, primary care and other statutory and third-sector organisations. The post holder will provide specialist occupational therapy advice and practical support in areas including functional ability, mobility, moving and handling, falls prevention, cognition, long-term conditions and risk management.

The Occupational Therapist will use professional knowledge and clinical judgement to assess complex needs, identify and manage risks, and recommend appropriate care, treatment, rehabilitation or onward referral. The role requires the ability to work flexibly across a range of community settings, respond to changing priorities and contribute to preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and supporting effective patient flow through the D2A pathway.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments of residents within D2A beds, identifying their functional, physical, cognitive, psychological and social needs.
• Develop, implement and evaluate individualised intervention, rehabilitation and treatment plans to maximise independence and support positive outcomes.
• Assess and provide intervention relating to safety, moving and handling, falls prevention, functional ability, cognition, health and wellbeing, long-term conditions and other identified clinical needs.
• Work collaboratively with care home staff to formulate and review appropriate plans of care and provide advice, guidance and training where required.
• Use clinical reasoning and professional judgement to identify, assess, manage and escalate risks appropriately.
• Support safe discharge, transfer and onward referral, taking account of the individual's needs, circumstances, preferences and available care and support options.
• Work autonomously in a range of community and care home environments while contributing effectively as a member of the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with service users, families, carers, care providers, social care, primary care and other partner organisations.
• Communicate complex, sensitive or emotive information with empathy, tact, diplomacy and professionalism.
• Provide verbal, written and electronic advice, education and training to service users, carers, families and professionals.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records and data on RiO, CDT and other relevant systems in accordance with Trust and professional standards.
• Manage and prioritise a defined caseload, responding flexibly to changing demands, urgent issues and unplanned activity.
• Deliver non-pharmacological occupational therapy interventions to identify unmet needs and maximise an individual's abilities and independence.
• Provide advice, guidance and support to less experienced colleagues and contribute to skill sharing within the team.
• Participate in supervision, peer support, continuing professional development and relevant mandatory and statutory training.
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement, policy development and the implementation of new ways of working.
• Participate in clinical audit and use learning to support the continuous improvement of the service.
• Promote equality, dignity, safeguarding, infection prevention and control, health and safety and the efficient use of resources.
• Travel across the geographical area covered by the service and work flexibly across different community and care settings.

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please note: If you use Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of your application, we encourage you to review the Trust's guidance on the use of AI within the recruitment process. Further information can be found on Join Us :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust or www.mpft.nhs.uk/joinus