Job Overview
Are you an innovative & motivated Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist who wishes to learn more about Falls prevention and address frailty in the older population?
We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to join our small multidisciplinary Ealing Community Falls prevention service who are motivated to provide excellent falls prevention input, reducing the falls risk and addressing the frailty of our service users. The post holder will work within the Falls Prevention Service with the Band 7 Occupational Therapist, band 7 Physiotherapist, Band 6 physiotherapist and rehabilitation assistants to reduce the falls risk of our patients.
You will be supported to build your competencies and develop as an independent Falls Prevention Therapist in the community.
Main duties of the job
This post involves completing multi-factorial falls risk assessments at patients' home, carrying a clinical caseload, engaging in the falls prevention classes, providing support to a Band 4 and 3 rehabilitation assistants, and involvement in service development & transformation.
The service is part of the Maximising Independence Directorate and has strong links with other NHS community services and local organisations to ensure a comprehensive falls prevention service is provided and learning opportunities are supported for staff.
You will work cohesively within our small team and the wider services in Ealing to prevent falls amongst the older population of Ealing. We offer extensive support to build your clinical skills and expertise.
Working for our organisation
We will support you to develop your clinical skills. Funding is available for external learning opportunities.
We value clinician autonomy and encourage all team members to contribute to the development of the service.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Please see attached JD&PS for full details of duties and responsibilities.
* To undertake a multi factorial falls prevention Therapy assessment ie a multi-factorial risk assessment incorporating a home hazard assessment and addressing the patient's fear of falls) as an autonomous practitioner, interpret results appropriately, use clinical reasoning skills and knowledge of evidence based practice, in relation to the individual's clinical and psycho-social issues to determine treatment options, recommending the best course of action.
* To seek support and engage in regular clinical supervision and joint working with Senior team members as an opportunity for development.
* To engage in the Trust wide preceptorship programme
* To educate patients and carers regarding falls prevention and how to access local preventative services
* To identify patients who are frail and undertake a comprehensive geriatric assessment within your competency when indicated.
* To provide comprehensive falls prevention interventions to patients in the community, making use of assessment and treatment facilities where appropriate.
* To be responsible for a clinical caseload working within multi-disciplinary teams, sharing care appropriately ensuring clients and carers receive optimum level of therapy and holistic care within available resources.
* To work cross-professionally with physiotherapy and Occupational therapy colleagues and discuss outcomes with multidisciplinary team members.
* Participate in offering Falls prevention exercise and education groups with registered colleagues or rehab support workers.
* Identify patients who benefit from onward referral to other services or the Falls Service Consultant clinic and undertaking these referrals in a timely manner.
Person specification
Skills and knowledge
Essential criteria
* Able to complete a comprehensive assessment for a patient who has fallen or is at risk of falls.
* Demonstrate ability to use Computers including: internet, word, power point, excel and electronic patient records
Desirable criteria
* Awareness of current issues in health, including clinical governance and understand the impact on team practice
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience of working in the community with older people.
* Undergraduate experience across a variety of core clinical settings.
* Experience of working in the UK health service as an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, student or related role
Desirable criteria
* Significant post-registration working as band 5 or equivalent in physical disability, community rehabilitation with elderly population.
Other
Essential criteria
* Valid driving license and car owner or able to drive pool car.
Education And Qualifications
Essential criteria
* State registration with UK Health Professions Council
* Degree/diploma in Physiotherapy/Occupational therapy
Desirable criteria
* Membership and/or involvement in National special interest group
* Post graduate training, in-services or clinical placement training relevant to falls prevention, physical disability, or community rehabilitation with elderly population.