About this role
Job summary
You will be part of a supportive and experienced multidisciplinary team working alongside Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Therapy Assistants, Neurological Nurses and Psychology colleagues. The role offers the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and skills in neurological rehabilitation through structured supervision, protected continuing professional development, in-service training and regular support from experienced Band 6 and Band 7 Occupational Therapists.
The team delivers a range of innovative rehabilitation programmes including group interventions, self-management support and digital rehabilitation opportunities. We have a strong commitment to quality improvement, service development and evidence-based practice, with opportunities to participate in audit, research and service improvement initiatives.
The post will primarily support the Warrington Community Neurosciences Team; however, flexibility may be required to work across Warrington and Halton services to support patient care and service delivery.
If you are looking for a rewarding role within a friendly and supportive team and want to develop your career in community neurological rehabilitation, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
You will provide occupational therapy assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for adults with stroke and a range of neurological conditions across community, clinic and home-based settings throughout Warrington and Halton. Working as part of the multidisciplinary Community Neurosciences Team, you will manage a delegated caseload whilst developing specialist skills in neurological rehabilitation with support from experienced Band 6 and Band 7 Occupational Therapists.
You will undertake holistic assessment, goal setting, treatment planning and discharge planning, delivering person-centred rehabilitation to support functional independence, participation and quality of life. The role involves working closely with patients, carers, therapy assistants, health and social care professionals and partner agencies to coordinate care and achieve meaningful outcomes.
You will contribute to multidisciplinary meetings, undertake risk assessment, utilise outcome measures to evaluate progress, maintain accurate clinical records and participate in audit, service evaluation and quality improvement activities. The successful candidate will primarily support the Warrington Community Neurosciences Team but may be required to work across both Warrington and Halton services in response to service needs.
The role requires excellent communication, organisational and clinical reasoning skills together with the ability to work autonomously and safely within community settings, including lone working
About us
Flexible working will be considered for all roles.
North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (NCM) serves more than one million residents across the Halton and Warrington boroughs and the wider North West region.
Bringing together community and out-of-hospital services (formerly provided by Bridgewater Community Healthcare) with inpatient and elective care (formerly Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals) we provide services at two hospital sites and more than 70 community hubs and facilities.
Our mission, vision and values are at the heart of North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (NCM).
They underpin everything we do and everything we aspire to be as an organisation.
Our mission
We will be exceptional for our patients, our communities and each other
Our vision
We will be a great organisation providing excellent healthcare and opportunities to work and learn
Our values
Kind: We are caring, supportive and respectful to everyone Open: We are honest, transparent and open to new ways of working Fair: We listen, value our differences and are inclusive to all One team: We work well together and with our communities
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Purpose:
To provide occupational therapy assessment, intervention and rehabilitation for adults with neurological conditions within the Community Neurosciences Team. The post holder will manage a delegated caseload under the supervision of Band 6 and Band 7 Occupational Therapists, developing specialist knowledge and skills in community neurological rehabilitation whilst delivering person-centred, evidence-based interventions across community, clinic and home-based settings throughout Warrington and Halton. The role requires autonomous practice and lone working, active participation in multidisciplinary assessment, treatment planning and team meetings, and collaborative working with patients, carers and partner agencies to maximise functional independence, optimise participation and improve quality of life for people living with a range of neurological conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The post holder will provide occupational therapy assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for adults with neurological conditions, contributing to multidisciplinary service delivery and supporting patients to maximise independence, participation and quality of life within community, clinic and home-based settings. Working under the supervision of Band 6 and Band 7 Occupational Therapists, the post holder will develop specialist knowledge and skills in community neurological rehabilitation whilst managing a delegated caseload and delivering person-centred, evidence-based interventions.
Clinical Responsibilities
To undertake holistic occupational therapy assessments for adults with neurological conditions, including those with multiple and complex health needs, considering physical, cognitive, functional, occupational, psychosocial and environmental factors. To work collaboratively with patients, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team to identify meaningful, person-centred rehabilitation goals. To plan, implement and evaluate individualised, evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to maximise functional independence, participation, safety and quality of life. To monitor and evaluate patient response to intervention, adapting treatment plans using clinical reasoning and appropriate outcome measures. To develop and apply knowledge of standardised and non-standardised assessments, occupational therapy models and outcome measures, using supervision and support from senior Occupational Therapists to develop clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. To contribute an occupational therapy perspective to multidisciplinary assessments, treatment planning, goal setting, clinical reviews and case discussions, developing confidence and competence through supervision from senior Occupational Therapists. To identify, assess and manage clinical and environmental risks, including therapeutic risk-taking where appropriate, documenting decisions and rationale in accordance with professional standards and Trust policies. To prioritise occupational therapy referrals and manage a delegated caseload according to clinical need, risk, service priorities and available capacity, with support and supervision from Band 6 and Band 7 Occupational Therapists. To recognise the limits of personal knowledge, skills and competence and seek advice, support or escalation from a senior Occupational Therapist when required. To delegate appropriate rehabilitation programmes and activities to therapy assistants and other support staff, providing clear instructions and monitoring progress and outcomes. To contribute to discharge, transfer and ongoing care planning in collaboration with patients, carers, multidisciplinary colleagues and partner agencies. To work autonomously and as a lone practitioner across community, clinic and home-based settings in Warrington and Halton, in accordance with Trust lone-working, risk-management and health and safety procedures. Communication and Partnership Working
To establish effective therapeutic relationships with patients and carers, adapting communication methods to meet individual physical, cognitive, emotional, sensory, language and communication needs. To communicate occupational therapy assessment findings, treatment plans, goals, progress and recommendations clearly and effectively to patients, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team. To support patients to make informed choices regarding their care, obtaining and recording valid consent in accordance with Trust policy and relevant legislation. To provide clear information regarding neurological conditions, rehabilitation programmes, self-management strategies and expected outcomes. To use encouragement, negotiation and motivational approaches to support patient engagement in rehabilitation, particularly where participation may be affected by fatigue, cognitive impairment, pain, anxiety, low mood or adjustment to long-term disability. To contribute an occupational therapy perspective to multidisciplinary meetings, case reviews, goal-setting discussions and discharge planning. To liaise effectively with hospital services, primary care, social care, care providers, voluntary organisations and other agencies to support coordinated care and continuity across pathways. To communicate complex or sensitive information professionally and appropriately, seeking support from senior Occupational Therapists where required. To provide advice, education and support to patients, carers, colleagues and partner agencies regarding occupational therapy, neurological rehabilitation, equipment, environmental adaptation and promotion of independence. To maintain effective professional relationships with patients, carers, multidisciplinary colleagues and external stakeholders. Professional Development
To maintain Health and Care Professions Council registration and practise in accordance with relevant professional standards, codes of conduct, Trust policies and legislation. To apply evidence-based occupational therapy practice and relevant national and local clinical guidance. To participate in regular clinical and professional supervision with Band 6 and Band 7 Occupational Therapists. To develop specialist knowledge and skills in community neurological rehabilitation through supervised clinical practice, reflective learning, continuing professional development and participation in service-based training opportunities. To participate in the Trust appraisal process and preceptorship programme where applicable. To take responsibility for identifying personal learning and development needs and agreeing appropriate objectives through supervision and appraisal. To maintain an up-to-date continuing professional development portfolio and use reflection, feedback and learning opportunities to develop clinical practice. To participate in statutory, mandatory and role-specific training required by the Trust. To participate in the Community Neurosciences Team's continuing professional development and in-service training programme. To continually review and evaluate personal clinical practice, modifying approaches in line with evidence, patient need, service objectives and organisational requirements. To contribute to a culture of professional learning by sharing relevant knowledge, evidence and learning with colleagues. Education and Training
To provide advice and education to patients, carers and relevant professionals regarding occupational therapy, neurological rehabilitation, self-management and promotion of independence, seeking support from senior Occupational Therapists where required. To share relevant knowledge, skills and learning with colleagues through formal and informal learning opportunities. To contribute to induction and learning opportunities for therapy assistants, occupational therapy students and other colleagues within the limits of competence and with senior support. To support practice-based learning and student placements where appropriate and following relevant preparation. To participate in peer learning, case discussion, reflective practice and multidisciplinary education activities. Please see attached Full Job Description attached.
Person Specification
Job Specific Requirements Essential
Ability to travel independently and safely across Warrington and Halton to meet the requirements of the role. Ability to work autonomously within community settings, including lone working in accordance with Trust procedures. Ability to work flexibly to meet service needs.
Desirable
Access to transport suitable for undertaking the requirements of the role.
Right to Work Essential
Do you currently have the unrestricted right to work in the UK? If appointed, will you require sponsorship under a UK work visa route (now or in the future)? Please note that sponsorship is not available for all roles. Sponsorship will only be considered where the post meets the relevant UK immigration requirements and where the organisation determines that sponsorship is appropriate for the role.
Professional Development Essential
Commitment to continuing professional development and lifelong learning.
Desirable
Experience of supporting students, therapy assistants or other learners.
Experience Essential
Experience gained through undergraduate placements across a range of clinical settings and patient groups. Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to organise and prioritise own workload. Experience of assessment, treatment planning and goal setting.
Desirable
Experience of working within the NHS. Experience of working with adults with neurological conditions, stroke or acquired brain injury. Experience of community-based rehabilitation. Experience of facilitating group interventions.
Qualifications Essential
Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy. Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Desirable
Post-registration professional development. Demonstrable interest in neurological rehabilitation and community-based practice.
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Understanding of the occupational therapy process and evidence-based practice. Knowledge of occupational therapy assessment and intervention approaches. Understanding of rehabilitation principles and promotion of functional independence. Evidence of clinical reasoning skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Effective communication skills. Good organisational and time-management skills. Knowledge of clinical risk assessment and management. Ability to work under supervision, recognise limitations and respond appropriately to feedback. IT skills appropriate to clinical practice.
Desirable
Knowledge of neurological rehabilitation pathways and interventions. Awareness of safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act and relevant health and social care legislation. Experience of clinical audit, quality improvement or service evaluation. Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Relationships Essential
If you are related to a director or have a relationship with a director or employee of an appointing organisation, please state the relationship.
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).
Employer details Employer name North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (BCH)
Address Warrington Community Neurosciences Team
First Floor, Orford Jubilee Hub
Jubilee Way, Orford
Warrington
Cheshire
WA2 8HE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://northcheshireandmersey.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)