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Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist - Critical Care & Medical
The closing date is 14 July 2025
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Dorset County Hospital for a for a motivated and experienced Occupational Therapist to join our dynamic Critical Care, medical and surgical Therapy Team at Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust. The post is full time, working 37.5 hours per week, but part time and flexible working will be considered if raised at interview.
The Therapies Service at Dorset County Hospital is an integrated Therapies Service working together to ensure that Therapies provision is the best that it can be, balancing quality and resourcing to provide and improve patient centred services. The Therapies Team is committed to the principle of seven day working and is currently working towards it. There is a requirement to be part of the Front of House weekend rota.
You will be working in a rewarding and challenging clinical environment and will have responsibility for supervision and line management within the team. The therapies department at Dorset County Hospital is committed to ensuring staff feel supported with their wellbeing and career progression through supervision, appraisal, in-house and external training and leadership development.
The Occupational Therapy Team has expanded over the past year under a new Head of Occupational Therapy, and it is an exciting time to join the Trust.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will provide expert Occupational Therapy assessment and rehabilitation for patients on Critical Care and step-down wards planning for discharge via the MDT D2A pathways. This post will offer the opportunity to develop highly specialist skills in the management of critical care patients at all stages of their rehabilitation journey. The post has a strong emphasis on identifying patients at risk of morbidity, leading on the management of delirium and providing expert rehabilitation strategies for the critically unwell patient.
In line with critical care rehabilitation standards, the post will involve leading weekly critical care MDT meetings, ensuring patients at risk of morbidity have timely and achievable goals set. You will be an active participant in the Critical Care rehab follow up clinic - contacting patients at home, talking through their rehab journey and signposting to community services as necessary.
You will have the opportunity to take on leadership responsibilities, which will include developing and leading on the operational management and service delivery for the critical care /medical /surgical team as well as the wider OT team. You will be joining an established team of physiotherapists, dietitians, SLTs and support workers and will be encouraged to take an active role in current projects, service development, internal and external training, audit and research review as well as undergraduate and apprentice supervision.
About us
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a modern District General Hospital offering an excellent working environment. Much of West Dorset is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the Jurassic coastline is protected by World Heritage status. There are numerous beaches within easy reach, and Portland Harbour (host of 2012 Olympic Sailing) promotes a wide range of water sport activities. The area is largely rural, with good rail and road links. The closest airport is situated in Bournemouth.
The Critical Care unit at Dorset County Hospital is expanding into a newly designed building due for completion in 2027. The bed base is increasing from 11 beds to 24 beds. This is an exciting time to join the team, as you will have input into the set up of the new unit.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in groups which are under-represented in our organisation. If you are a forward thinking and dynamic therapist looking to further your professional experience then we would like to hear from you.
Secondment opportunities, flexible working and part time hours will be considered.
Job responsibilities
Responsible for providing clinical leadership and day-to-day management to the critical care, medical and surgical therapy service. To undertake a lead role in the day-to-day management of the critical care therapy service.
To provide clinical support to occupational therapists within the inpatient teams
This will be in conjunction with other Band 7 Therapists with and senior management as required.
To participate in daily operational activities including management, planning, implementation and direction of the critical care, respiratory. medical and surgery therapy service in conjunction with the clinical lead. To provide professional support to qualified staff, students and support staff. To be involved in the strategic planning and policy development for the critical care, respiratory, medical and surgical therapy service and deputise for the clinical lead where necessary. To ensure clinical effectiveness of therapy intervention incorporating evidence based practice and professional standards.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
* Current HCPC Registration
* Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy
* Demonstration of commitment to lifelong learning
* UK driving licence (manual) and to have access to car
* RCOT membership or specialist interest group
Knowledge & Experience
* Evidence of C.P.D in relevant areas of practice.
* Post registration experience relevant to clinical area.
* Extensive experience working in an acute health setting and complex discharge planning.
* Experience in supervising/teaching staff/student/volunteer.
* Experience in acute rehab.
* Relevant other associated work experience.
* Experience of involvement in audit / service development.
Skills & Abilites
* Effective written and verbal communication skills to a range of audiences
* Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning skills and management of complex cases.
* Ability to relate clinical knowledge to practice.
* Able to work independently as an autonomous practitioner
* Ability to work as part of a team including MDT
* Good organisational skills
* Reflect & critically approve own performance.
* Ability to lead and motivate self and team
* Effective time management skills and ability to prioritise case load and managerial tasks
* Ability to laterally think and problem solve
* Ability to apply appraisal teaching and supervision skills
* Highly specialist knowledge of current therapy in relevant area
* Awareness of current health issues
* Able to maintain judgment and make decisions under pressure
* Excellent presentation & training skills
* Clear vision of role/commitment to specialty
* Committed to personal and team development
* Adaptable and supportive of change
* Punctual and reliable
* Research-minded
* Able to work on different sites
* Able to work weekends in line with the Therapy 7 day working provision
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.
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
£46,148 to £52,809 a yearPro Rata Per Annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time,Part-time,Job share,Flexible working
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