Specialist Occupational Therapist
Job summary
1.0 WTE | Fixed-Term 10-Month Contract (Secondment Cover) Open to internal and external applicants 0.8 WTE | Fixed-Term 9-Month Contract (Maternity Leave Cover) Internal applicants only We are seeking two enthusiastic and motivated Specialist Occupational Therapists to join the innovative @home Service, one of London's largest Urgent Community Response teams.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Band 6 seeking a new challenge, a Band 5 ready to progress, or a returning-to-practice Occupational Therapist. The @home Service delivers rapid assessment, intervention and rehabilitation to support people with urgent and complex health and social care needs to remain safely at home, helping to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and support discharge from acute services.
You will provide specialist occupational therapy assessment, intervention and care planning within patients' homes, managing a varied caseload as part of a larger integrated multidisciplinary team. Community experience and an interest in urgent community-based care are desirable. Serving the diverse populations of Lambeth and Southwark, the role offers exposure to a wide range of cultures, languages and complex needs.
We are looking for adaptable clinicians with strong communication, assessment and clinical reasoning skills. In return, we offer excellent opportunities for professional development, career progression and extended-scope practice.
Main duties of the job
Provide case management for adults and older people through intensive short-term support and rehabilitation, engaging in patient-centred and inclusive goals setting aimed at maximising their independence in the community. Work across traditional professional boundaries; liaising with health and social care professionals and voluntary agencies to deliver individualised and expert patient centred care to a high standard.
Work both autonomously and collaboratively with colleagues acrosshealth and social care to ensure seamless, coordinated care and positive patient experiences in patients' homes. You will have supervisory, teaching and training responsibilities for the Nursing Rehab Support Workers, Allied Health Students, and the wider multidisciplinary team.
Active participation in evidence-based projects, departmental research and audits including recommendations for changes in practice as required and in line with current NHS directives. Maintain ongoing professional development across the four pillars of practice through supervision, reflection, and multidisciplinary working; and adhering to standards set out by Health and Care Professions Council and Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
About us
GSTT @home is an innovative hospital-at-home service, bringing together health and social care professionals to deliver responsive, multidisciplinary care in patients' homes, reducing the need for hospital admission while supporting people to remain independent. The service operates seven days a week, with therapists participating in a four-week rota that includes weekend working.
The 1.0 WTE position would be expected to work predominantly between 8.00 - 2.00, with the 0.8 WTE position between 08:00 and 18:30. We recognise the importance of work-life balance and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements to support individual needs where possible.
What we offer: Collaborative Environment: Work alongside passionate health and social care professionals, committed to patient-centred care Continuous Growth: Contribute to expanding and improving urgent community response services within Lambeth and Southwark Career development : Access opportunities for professional and personal development within a supportive team Meaningful impact: Make a real difference to people with urgent and complex needs Supportive Leadership: Benefit from the guidance and mentorship of experienced therapy leads
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full job description for comprehensive summary of the essential and desirable criteria for this role.
Main headings include: Professional and clinical responsibilities Communication Service Development - Research / Audit / Quality Staff management and Leadership Education and Training Personal and Professional Development Key relationships include:Head of Nursing, Deputy Head of Nursing, Deputy Chief AHP, Therapy Lead Practitioners, Clinical Development Matron, Matrons, @home GPs, Nursing staff and the wider MDT, District Nurses and Community Matrons, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Allied Health Professionals, Consultants and Junior Medical Staff, community and acute therapy and rehabilitation teams, Social Services staff administrative and support staff, Home Care Provider Staff, Voluntary Sector Staff.
General points to note:This job may involve frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions, e.g. bodily fluids, unpleasant smells, exposure to variant weather conditions, and within a fast-paced environment. Being community-based, you will visit patients in their own homes across Lambeth and Southwark.
Travel within the boroughs can be achieved by public transport and/or trust-provided or your personal vehicle for those holding a valid UK driving licence.
Person Specification
Qualifications/
Education · Essential
Degree in Occupational Therapy Evidence of Continued Professional Development including attendance at recent post graduate courses relevant to the clinical field Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
Desirable
Member of RCOT Previous clinical experience
Essential
Experience of working with adults and older people with chronic conditions and complex co-morbidities Post-graduate rotional/rehabilitation experience (minimum Band 5) in all core areas: medicine, vascular orthopaedics, and care of the elderly Excellent knowledge and application of manual handling techniques in line with Manual Handling Guidelines.
Desirable
Community and/or triage experience preferably in an occupational therapy role Experience of the research/Audit process Previous experience in urgent/rapid response, A&E, acute medicine or similar Skills/ Knowledge/ Ability
Essential
Application of Occupational Therapy models of practice and an evidence based approach, including outcome measures Knowledge, understanding and application of Occupational Therapy process relating to client centred practice Demonstrated ability to work as an autonomous practitioner and to make sound clinical judgments and decisions regarding patient care, being responsible and accountable for decisions Working effectively under pressure and with frequent interruptions Demonstrated ability to manage a complex and constantly changing workload of clinical and non-clinical duties, demonstrating excellent time management, prioritisation and organisational skills Demonstrated ability in completing risk assessments and taking a positive risk approach Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills including observation, active listening and empathy to develop effective therapeutic and working relationships Able to effectively manage conflict and difficult situations, and to challenge and support others appropriately and assertively
Desirable
Demonstrated ability supervising junior staff e.g. OT's and physios, AHP Apprentice, AHP students, Rehab Support Workers Experience of running courses, in-service teaching, and presenting to colleagues Committed to personal and team professional development Ability to adopt innovative and flexible working practices and support successful change management
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) .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
