Overview
We are recruiting an experienced Occupational Therapist to join the Acute and General Medicine team at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The post supports early assessment, discharge planning, cognitive and mental capacity assessments, and complex manual handling within our Integrated Therapy Team across ED, AMU and MSSU and works with physiotherapists and the wider MDT to provide early intervention and prevent unnecessary admissions.
We offer supervision, development opportunities and flexible working, with access to our Wellbeing Matters Hub. The role requires a 7-day working model which may include Bank Holidays and extended hours.
Main duties
Deliver early assessment and intervention to support Home First and patient flow in a busy Acute Hospital setting. Manage a caseload of patients with varied conditions, collaborate with community teams, and implement discharge plans using existing pathways. Promote OT philosophy and functional assessments to identify interventions. Provide support and learning opportunities to other therapy team members and students. Lead service development projects within the Acute & General Therapy Team and the wider Therapy service.
Work within a dedicated team of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Therapy Assistants, and participate in a 7-day rota including weekends and bank holidays. Travel to support OT service and service provision as required.
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
The post holder will be a highly specialist autonomous practitioner, professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of their work, including patient care, documentation and use of specialist equipment. Deliver advanced OT assessment and treatment for medical patients in an acute ward setting and act as a source of expertise for colleagues, managers and other services as required.
Lead and supervise staff and students within Medicine; contribute to training and development of clinical practice and service; undertake clinical audits and evaluate evidence-based practice, initiating or participating in research within the specialist area.
Key duties
* Provide expert OT assessment and treatment programmes in a variety of settings to enable individualised intervention and discharge planning.
* Offer consultative guidance to relatives and staff; manage and prioritise own caseload and maintain records.
* Provide daily leadership to the therapy team in the specialist area, involvement in recruitment, supervision and development of staff and students; liaise with universities to ensure practice standards.
* Deliver training to MDT members to ensure competence within the scope of practice; undertake evidence-based audits and lead changes to practice and service protocols within the specialist area.
* Take a lead role within the Medicine team, providing highly specialist OT assessment and treatment for patients with diverse and complex medical and psychological needs in acute and community settings.
* Manage caseload, service delivery priorities and demands; participate in weekend rotas and flexible working as required; travel as needed.
Clinical and professional
* Plan and lead the medicine service countywide, prioritising clinical needs to provide an effective and efficient service.
* Ensure safe care management within MDTs, including risk assessments; develop and deliver OT assessment, treatment planning and patient workload management.
* Monitor clinical input of others, ensure high-quality care, and develop discharge planning with complex case management and outcome measurement.
* Provide highly specialist OT that may include physical, cognitive/perceptual/visual and upper limb assessments; liaise with Neuro and complex care teams for integration of care.
* Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning, risk assessment for patients and carers, and eligibility for discharge planning and continuing care; provide staff training and supervise junior colleagues.
* Work across ward-based and community settings, with exposure to challenging environments and circumstances; support junior staff and colleagues.
Other information
* 7-day service alignment; weekend and bank holiday work as required; travel to support OT service.
* Disability discrimination disclosure and DBS checks as applicable; current UK registration is required.
Qualifications and experience
Essential
* Diploma/BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy
* HPC Registration
* Relevant postgraduate training
* Significant post-graduate experience at Band 6 or above in the designated area
* Experience of MDT working in an acute setting
Desirable
* Masters level qualification or advanced practice
Personal qualities and knowledge
* Flexible and adaptable; engaged with current health care topics; capable of promoting the OT profession
* Leadership and supervisory ability; strong communication across MDTs; evidence of teaching and developing others
* Excellent organisational and time management skills; high-level clinical reasoning for complex needs
Additional information
DBS and UK registration
This post requires DBS clearance. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Contact for information
For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact Natalie Morris, Therapy Service Lead for Acute & General Medicine, on 01905 760683.
Employer details
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, WR5 1DD
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