About this role
Job summary
We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who wants to develop their skills and knowledge in adult and paediatric assessments, which include delivering Occupational Therapy Assessments at outreach centres across the region, including powered wheelchair, mobility scooter, passenger access, car seat and car seat safety assessments (travel time to outreach centres to be included within working hours).
You will need to bring enthusiasm, knowledge and experience of carrying out assessments in a variety of settings.
Main duties of the job
1. To provide Occupational Therapy equipment assessments for disabled children, young people and adults identifying current needs and future requirements and provide relevant information.
2. To provide advice and information about appropriate equipment for the families of disabled children, adults, professionals, carers and volunteers so they can make an informed choice about their needs.
3. To manage own caseload and work as an autonomous practitioner carrying out Occupational Therapy assessments.
4. To be responsible for leading on and delivering Occupational Therapy Assessments at outreach centres across the region, including powered wheelchair, mobility scooter, passenger access, car seat and car seat safety assessments (travel time to outreach centres to be included within working hours).
5. To maintain professional records and produce comprehensive reports as required.
6. To assess clients and families ability to use this equipment safely.
7. To contribute to service delivery and improvements and promote the work of the William Merritt Centre.
About us
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Occupational Therapist to join our team at the William Merritt Centre, which is a registered charity and Social Enterprise, based in the West of Leeds, but supporting the whole of Yorkshire.
Job description Job responsibilities
1. To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work to ensure the maintenance of high standards of clinical care.
2. To manage a caseload of adult and paediatric assessments as an autonomous practitioner often working alone.
3. To undertake comprehensive assessments of paediatric and adult clients with physical, cognitive and learning impairments and those with complex/multi pathology presentations demonstrating a high level of understanding of the effects of disability/illness.
4. To work alongside an Occupational Therapy Assistant to undertake joint assessments, including working together at the outreach centres across the region.
5. To identify social, environmental and clinical issues that will impact on the final equipment recommendations.
6. To undertake assessments based on knowledge of evidence based practice, training and professional development.
7. To take a broad approach to assessments and develop good working relationships with other bodies e.g. NHS, other Driving Mobility centres, Social Care and Retailers.
8. To create a good working relationship with the client and their families/carers, ensuring that they are fully informed and put at ease.
9. To assess the clients understanding of the assessment process and inform in an understanding and empathetic manner dealing sensitively with those who have a high level of anxiety and/or aggression.
10. To be responsible for good communication with the client about assessment outcome including giving unwelcome or bad news.
11. To undertake risk assessments as part of the assessment process.
12. To be responsible for the safe use of appropriate equipment e.g. car seats, powered wheelchairs, moving and handling equipment etc.
13. To identify equipment required for assessments, liaise with other agencies and ensure appropriate equipment is available in time for planned assessment.
14. To participate in discussion and screening of new referrals.
15. To collate information in the form of literature, leaflets, internet articles, manufacturer and retailer information in response to information requests.
16. To be involved in developing the Equipment and Information display within the Centre for the Paediatric and Adult Services.
17. To be able to travel locally and across the region.
18. To work in line with Health and Safety legislation and to take responsibility for your own health and fitness to meet the physical demands of the job. E.g. being aware that the role may involve moving equipment around the Centre and driving across the region.
19. Maintain standards in respect of the Royal College of Occupational Therapy, Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Occupational Therapists.
20. To contribute to flexible working practices to meet the needs of the service and business development.
21. To undertake regular supervision with a Lead Occupational Therapist.
22. Any other duties commensurate with the post holders abilities as agreed with their line manager.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy. HCPC Registration. Evidence of CPD
Desirable
Membership of professional body. Certificated evidence of attendance at relevant courses. Membership of RCOT, CYPF Special Interest Group.
Experience Essential
Working knowledge of a broad range of physical and cognitive conditions in children and adults. Experience of carrying out Occupational Therapy equipment assessments. An understanding of working with individuals with neurodiversity and adapting assessment and intervention approaches to meet their individual needs
Desirable
4+ years experience working in health and social care settings. Experience of completing basic seating or wheelchair assessments Experience of working flexibly across a range of settings. Experience of educating and training colleagues and students Experience of using assistive technology.
Skills and Abilities Essential
Ability to undertake paediatric and adult assessments independently. Ability to make complex clinical decisions. Ability to communicate clearly and present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner. To contribute to service development. To remain up to date with professional practice. Ability to understand the legal implications of the profession. Ability to cope with stressful situations and clients with behavioural and sensory needs. Ability to maintain moderate physical activity throughout the working day in support of occupational therapy assessments, including moving and handling activities relevant to the assessment. To demonstrate competent IT skills.
Desirable
To demonstrate good presentation skills.
Personal attributes Essential
Ability to maintain judgment under pressure and deal with complex medical conditions. Ability to solve problems. Ability to cope with distressing situations. Reliability. Confidence. Team worker. Enthusiasm for the work of the William Merritt Centre. Ability to cope with organisational change. Ability to develop rapport with clients quickly. Full UK driving license essential.
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.
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 William Merritt Disabled Living Centre
Address Aire House
100 Town Street, Rodley
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS13 1HP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.wmdlc.org (Opens in a new tab)