Job Details
Job title: Senior Occupational Therapist
Salary: PO3 £42,839 - £46,142 per annum (pro rata)
Hours: 18.5 Hours
Contract: Temporary part Time to cover maternity leave
Location: Tech North LS7
Overview
Do you want to be part of the Children’s Occupational Therapy team working in the Child Health and Disability Service in Leeds? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join the Child Health & Disability Team. You will play a key role in reducing the barriers experienced by Children and Young People with a Disability in their own homes.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About You
* You will have a degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy and be registered with the HCPC. With a special interest in paediatrics, experience working with children and families would be an advantage. Experience in the provision of specialist equipment, major adaptations and moving and handling is essential.
* You will be a problem solver, develop positive relationships and make sound judgements, have excellent interpersonal skills and be a team player.
* You will be a confident communicator with a can‑do approach. You will be motivated and a critical thinker with the ability to understand the needs of children and families.
* You will be supportive and ambitious with excellent organisational skills. You will be keen to share your knowledge and skills to develop others.
* You will be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, supporting our Child Friendly vision for Leeds to be the best city in the UK and the best city for children and young people to grow up in.
About The Role
You will play a key role in reducing the barriers experienced by Children and Young People with health and disability needs in their own homes. You will be joining a highly motivated and committed team working with Social Workers and multi‑agency colleagues. We will offer supervision and support for continuous professional development.
As Child Friendly Leeds our vision is for Leeds to be the best city in the UK and the best city for children and young people to grow up in. Through our vision and obsessions, we invest in children and young people to help build an increasingly prosperous and successful city. We aim to improve outcomes for all our children whilst recognising the need for outcomes to improve faster for children and young people from vulnerable and deprived backgrounds.
Children’s Occupational therapy in Leeds is underpinned by a culture of restorative practice and working with our children and families.
What We Offer You
* A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How To Apply
Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Jane Fisher or Miranda Chalmers, Occupational Therapy Team Managers. Call 0113 378 5140 or email chad.ot.team.managers@leeds.gov.uk.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex‑offenders policy.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you’ll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Purpose
Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive Occupational Therapy service to disabled adults, children and young people, carers and community in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines. The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures, in particular the Council Policies on Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and also within the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Code of Practice.
This is an experienced Occupational Therapy role with specific responsibilities for managing a caseload of higher levels of challenge and complexity, which will include assessment and management of risk and to provide casework advice, support and guidance to other team members.
Core Responsibilities
* To undertake a range of complex Occupational Therapy assessments. Assessments should have an occupational focus and aim to reduce barriers to inclusion.
* To undertake re‑enablement assessments which have an occupational emphasis. To be responsible for the care planning for the whole process.
* To manage and monitor a workload of complex and diverse cases within the parameters of agreed policies and practices together with professional guidance and support from team managers to safeguard and promote the welfare of individuals, families and carers.
* To develop, implement and review outcome focussed Occupational Therapy intervention to meet assessed needs and promote independent well‑being and inclusion within delegated levels of responsibility.
* To identify specialist housing needs of disabled people and their families and support them in accessing suitable housing/adaptations.
* To organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
* To provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence, for example, recommendations for major adaptations and specialist/bespoke equipment.
* To complete moving and handling and hoist training, and then carry out complex moving and handling assessments, and provide subsequent advice and training to disabled people, carers and staff as appropriate.
* To deliver, fit and collect equipment as appropriate, including necessary moving and handling of equipment.
* Following assessment provide/recommend complex and bespoke services to disabled adults, older people, children and young people which remove barriers to social inclusion, to improve quality of life for disabled people and their carers.
* To obtain the views of the disabled person during the assessment process and take into account their views when making recommendations for service provision.
* To take a lead for the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services.
* To provide comprehensive knowledge of specialist equipment and complex adaptations to users, carers and less experienced members of the team.
* To provide expert advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members, both registered and unregistered.
* To provide support and professional supervision to new graduate OT’s, OT’s and unregistered staff and to ensure the person achieves the appropriate skills and competencies.
* To attend regular personal and professional Supervision with identified Supervisor.
* To provide practice education for OT students, including student placements and other student related activities.
* To maintain up to date accurate case notes and other records, write reports as required.
* To assist with recruitment and selection of new graduate OT’s, Community OTs and unregistered staff.
* To contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
* To use management information systems, keep them up to date and be able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
* To be responsible for analysing information to support the ongoing needs of service users, their families and carers.
* To work with other services within the council to deliver efficient and effective solutions to barriers faced by disabled people.
* To work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal.
* To disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.
* To develop and maintain effective relationships with disabled people, their families and carers: provide advice and support, promote independence and early intervention, as necessary; help resolve conflict, where appropriate.
* To work with individuals, families, carers and communities to help them make informed choices and decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
* To develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of disabled adults, older people, children and young people.
* To contribute to safeguarding investigations, of disabled adults, older people, children and young people, in accordance with legislative requirements and Multi‑agency Safeguarding procedures. Undertake risk assessments, identify needs and options.
* To identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures seeking guidance if required.
* To appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums.
* To work to and within the prescribed standards of the College of Occupational Therapists and be responsible for promoting awareness of these.
* To promote Occupational Therapy to colleagues both within and outside the Council.
* Be responsible for the development of practice by maintaining knowledge of related theories and legislation and using evidence on which to base professional practice.
* To participate in training and development activities that ensures up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.
* To be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures. Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation.
* Maintain up to date personal CPD folder in order to retain registration with the HCPC.
* Under the direction of the team manager undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi‑agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or action plans to implement these to improve service delivery.
* To deputise for the Disability Team Manager as and when required.
* To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and procedures.
* To actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity.
* To undertake and other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job as may be determined by the directorate.
Specific Responsibilities Within The Independent Mobility Assessment Team
* To carry out complex and children’s in‑clinic assessments of service users applying for a Blue Badge using the guidelines determined by the Department for Transport.
* To carry out telescreen assessments.
* To manage, analyse and screen all new referrals, allocating to staff as appropriate.
Specific Responsibilities Within Children And Young Peoples Services
* To consider the development of the Child or Young Person and the needs of the Family/Carer when making recommendations for service provision.
* To obtain the views of the Child or Young Person as well as the family/carer during the assessment process and to take account of these views when making recommendations for service provision.
Specific Responsibilities Within Environment And Housing
* To understand and contribute to the annual service plans of the Health & Housing service that creates opportunities for all disabled people and their families to live independently in quality, affordable, safe and stable housing of their choice across all tenures.
* To have knowledge of the various cross tenure funding streams and the scope of the adaptations and re‑housing services within Council.
Specific Responsibilities With The OT Resources Team
* To have a knowledge of the Council’s Residential and Nursing Care Services (Framework Arrangement) 2012‑2017.
* To understand funding streams for bespoke specialist equipment.
Qualifications
Appropriate professional qualification: Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy, Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement of the post and maintain yearly registration.
Personal Specification – Essential Requirements
It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
Skills Required
* Able to use a range of Occupational Therapy interventions
* Ability to effectively plan, prioritise and time manage a complex workload.
* Ability to carry out Occupational Therapy assessments of people with complex needs and develop, implement and manage planned recommendations.
* Ability to carry out safe functional assessments and give physical assistance to disabled people where necessary.
* Ability to move and handle equipment for assessment and provision.
* A high level of effective written and verbal communication and the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and disabled people, carers and colleagues.
* Able to deal constructively with, and to exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers and other agencies.
* Ability to negotiate, challenge and manage conflict.
* Ability to innovate and problem solve with the ability to identify appropriate Occupational Therapy interventions in order to promote positive change.
* Ability to devise, implement, review and evaluate service and support plans.
* Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach.
* Ability to exercise individual judgement and consult where and when necessary.
* Ability to be flexible, creative and use own initiative.
* Be competent in the use of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet and Email.
* Ability to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure.
* Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology.
* Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision and development of student placements and other Disability Services staff.
* Able to lead and motivate others.
* Car driver.
* Appropriate Occupational Therapy professional qualification – Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
* Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
* Recent relevant professional development.
* Knowledge and understanding of a broad range of physical and mental health conditions.
Knowledge Required
* Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of disabled people from a wide range of backgrounds.
* Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
* Of current, trends, policies, legislation and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting.
* Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families and carers as appropriate.
* Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with people potentially at risk of harm.
* Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
* A good understanding of the challenges of working within a multi‑agency environment.
Experience Required
* Extensive relevant experience of working in a statutory/voluntary setting.
* Experience of fieldwork education.
* Experience of working in a multi professional teams.
* An in‑depth knowledge of specialist equipment and complex major adaptations.
* An in‑depth knowledge of complex moving handling issues and appropriate solutions.
* Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
* Of working within and implementing a person centred focused approach.
* Experience of supervising, supporting, encouraging and advising registered and unregistered staff.
* Use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning.
* Producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function.
* Managing a high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy and procedure.
* Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.
* Of advocacy and user involvement.
* Of using initiative.
* Of developing services to meet customer need.
Behavioural & Other Characteristics Required
* Committed to continuous improvement.
* Identify and take account of the significance of diversity on the lives of people and show application of this understanding in practice.
* To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health & Safety Policies.
* Take responsibility for improving practice through professional development.
* Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.
Personal Specification – Desirable Requirements
Skills Required
* Ability to contribute to service planning.
Knowledge Required
* Of the range of services available to users, families and carers.
Experience Required
* Of working with a wide range of user groups.
* Of moving and handling.
Job Information
* Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
* Employment type: Part‑time
* Job function: Health Care Provider
* Industries: Government Administration
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