About this role
Job summary
Due to a member of the team retiring we are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a motivated and forwardthinking Occupational Therapist (HCPC registered) to join our Health, Wellbeing and Rehabilitation Team. This is a pivotal role within Pendleside, delivering consistently highquality, safe and compassionate palliative care.
Working as part of the Health, Well-Being and Rehabilitation Multi-Disciplinary Team, partner organisations and community services, you will use your specialist occupational therapy knowledge and skills to deliver holistic, person-centred assessment, intervention and support for patients with palliative and life-limiting conditions.
Main duties of the job
You will provide Occupational Therapy interventions across Pendleside's Health, Wellbeing and Rehabilitation Services, supporting patients within the Inpatient Unit, Day services and community settings. Through a focus on enablement and rehabilitation you will empower patients to maintain independence, maximise function, adapt to changing needs and engage in activities that are meaningful to them.
Working collaboratively with patients, families, carers and colleagues, you will deliver responsive, person-centred care that promotes independence, wellbeing, dignity and choice. We welcome compassionate, adaptable Occupational Therapists with an interest in palliative and end-of-life care who will champion Pendlesides values, learning and continuous improvement.
Employees joining us from the NHS may continue with their NHS pension.
By joining #TeamPendleside, you will become part of a caring, collaborative and committed team focused on delivering exceptional experiences for the patients, families and communities we serve.
About us
Pendleside Hospice was founded as a charity in 1988 and is one of the principal providers of palliative and end of life care services to adults in Burnley and Pendle. Pendleside is widely known throughout the area of Burnley and Pendle and is held in deep affection by the local community. It is truly a privilege to work here.
All our care is free of charge to the patients and their families/carers but, of course, it isnt free to provide and most of it is funded through the generosity of the local community in which we serve. It costs over £6.5 million to run Pendleside Hospice of which over £5 million needs to be raised through voluntary donations.
By joining #TeamPendleside, you will become part of a caring, collaborative and committed team focused on delivering exceptional experiences for the patients, families and communities we serve.
Job description Job responsibilities
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Occupational Therapist
REPORTS TO: HWR Team Leader
ACCOUNTABLE TO: HWR Team Leader
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide a high standard of holistic, skilled, patient-centred, palliative care across all areas of the Hospice includingone to one,communityand group settings.
Work flexibly as part of a rehabilitation team in providing an occupational therapy service to patients with palliative care needs.
Promote the benefits of occupational therapy to all who access Hospice services and staff and volunteers within the Hospice.
Work as an autonomous practitioner, managing a complex caseload and using clinical reasoning to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care.
Support patients to maximise independence, participation,comfortand quality of life through engagement in meaningful occupations.
Assess and respond to the physical, psychological,socialand environmental impact of life-limiting illness on patients and those important to them.
Support families and carers to adapt to changing needs andmaintaintheir wellbeing throughout the patient's journey.
Support and supervise the work of rehabilitation assistants, Assistant Practitioner, students and volunteers.
To act as clinical lead on a regular basis.
CORE TASKS
Clinical
Undertake occupational therapy assessments of patients with palliative and end-of-life care needs across the Inpatient Unit, Community and Health, Well-Being and Rehabilitation services.
Assess physical, psychological, social, cognitive, spiritual and environmental factors affecting occupational performance, independence and quality of life.
Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate person-centred occupational therapy treatment plans.
Deliver evidence-based occupational therapy interventions on both an individual and group basis for patients and families in collaboration with other members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team.
To have in-depth knowledge in specialist palliative care and act as a knowledge base / resource for others including staff and patients.
Support patients to maximise independence, function, participation and engagement in meaningful occupations.
Provide interventions including fatigue management, energy conservation, breathlessness management, adaptive techniques and symptom management strategies.
Assess for and provide specialist equipment and environmental adaptations to support safety, comfort and independence.
Support patients to achieve their preferred place of care wherever possible through effective discharge planning and liaison with community services.
Provide education, support and practical advice to families and carers.
Ensure that all clinical policies, procedures and guidelines are adhered to.
To ensure that patient documentation is completed accurately and fully in line with HCPC guidance on documentation.
Management and Leadership
Work autonomously within professional scope of practice, taking responsibility for clinical decision-making and caseload management.
Contribute to the leadership and development of Occupational Therapy services within the Hospice.
Act as a specialist resource for Occupational Therapy and rehabilitation within the multidisciplinary team.
Support the supervision and delegation of work to assistants, volunteers and students as appropriate.
Contribute to service planning and development initiatives that improve patient outcomes and experience.
Promote the role and value of Occupational Therapy throughout the organisation and wider healthcare community.
Manage and maintain a safe clinical environment utilising allocated resources safely and effectively.
Be aware of and always adhere to the Hospice policies and procedures and act within the HCPC standards, Code of Conduct and Guidelines.
To undertake appraisal, one to ones and competency assessments of Rehabilitation Assistants.
To participate in and support the development of organisational and departmental objectives.
Commit to attendance at team meetings, contributing positively and constructively.
Communication Skills
Lead daily huddle and attend MDT/DC planning meeting.
Establish effective therapeutic relationships with patients, families and carers.
Communicate sensitively with individuals facing life-limiting illness, deterioration, loss and bereavement.
Communicate effectively with patients and families ensuring they contribute and consent to treatment plans.
Communicate information to distressed and /or bereaved people in a sensitive manner.
Manage situations where people are distressed or angry in an effective, safe manner.
Be able to communicate effectively with people exhibiting challenging behaviours, ensuring they are respected but expectations are made as clear as possible.
Manage complaints in a sensitive manner ensuring the Hospice policy and procedure is adhered to.
Work collaboratively with members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated care.
Foster good working relationships with all Hospice departments and members of the multidisciplinary team.
Liaise effectively with community health and social care professionals, statutory agencies and voluntary organisations.
Advocate for service users ensuring their views are known to the team including supporting advanced care planning discussions and documentation.
Maintain accurate, timely and legally compliant patient records.
Present information clearly through written reports, assessments and verbal handovers.
Deliver education, training and presentations to patients, volunteers and staff as required.
Personal and People Development
Maintain HCPC registration and professional competency.
Participate in appraisal, clinical supervision and reflective practice.
Undertake and be responsible for continuing professional development and maintain a portfolio of evidence to maintain relevant knowledge and skills
Keep up to date with developments in occupational therapy, rehabilitation, palliative care and end-of-life care.
Support the learning and development of colleagues, students and volunteers.
Actively contribute to a culture of learning, education and professional excellence.
Attend mandatory training and any other essential training relevant to the job role.
Quality and Service Improvement
Support the implementation of evidence-based practice across Occupational Therapy.
Be aware of organisational strategic direction and futures issues pertaining to the provision of specialist palliative and supportive care and contribute to and participate in organisational service development.
Contribute to the identification of practices that could improve service delivery outcomes and participate in the development of appropriate action plans through:
Audit/Research/Evaluation/Education +Training/User Involvement.
Participate in the implementation and review of subsequent action plans. Take an active role in meetings, highlighting areas requiring quality improvement. Use and maintain resources efficiently and effectively and encourage others to do so.
Health, Safety & Security
Identify risks as they arise and carry out risk assessments, taking immediate remedial action as required and updating risk assessments regularly.
Adhere to the adverse and serious incident reporting policy and take appropriate further action.
Be familiar with and support implementation of safeguarding policies, the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Promote an environment that supports infection prevention and control policies and procedures, ensuring staff practice accordingly.
Use equipment safely and in accordance with instructions and departmental procedures, reporting faults as necessary.
Adhere to lone-working procedures when undertaking community visits.
Governance
Ensure that Hospice policies, procedures and standards are adhered to at all times with particular regard to those concerning confidentiality, information governance, health and safety, prevention and control infection.
Ensure the effective utilisation of the Hospices computer-based patient record system, promoting the use of information technology for recording patient information, communication and information sharing; implementing procedural change as necessary.
Contribute to the Care Quality Commission inspection process.
Practice in accordance with HCPC Standards of Proficiency and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Maintain accurate and contemporaneous clinical records in line with legal and organisational requirements.
Participate in clinical governance activities and maintain accountability for professional practice.
Contribute to maintaining high standards of clinical effectiveness, patient experience and professional practice.
This document is intended to convey an outline of the post and the post-holders responsibilities. You may be asked to carry out other duties relevant to your job role.
Person Specification
Disposition/Attitude Essential
Demonstrates compassion, empathy and professionalism. Commitment to person-centred and holistic care. Flexible and adaptable approach to changing service needs. Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to relate positively to colleagues and members of the MDT. Self-motivated with the ability to work independently. Commitment to maintaining professional standards and lifelong learning. Excellent interpersonal skills. Demonstrates integrity, accountability and resilience. Positive attitude to change and flexible working practices. Ability to work sensitively with patients and families experiencing life-limiting illness. Demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality and information governance
Desirable
Understanding of hospice philosophy and values. Experience of working within a charitable organisation. Passion for developing and promoting Occupational Therapy services within specialist palliative care.
Health and Physical Essential
Ability to carry out moving and handling activities in accordance with risk assessments and training. Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including equipment assessment and demonstration. Emotional resilience to work with patients and families facing advanced illness, deterioration, loss and bereavement. Satisfactory Employee Health clearance. Vaccination appropriate to role.
Desirable
Experience of working in emotionally demanding healthcare settings.
Equal Opportunities Essential
To have an understanding or, and an ability to promote and implement equal opportunities. Demonstrates respect for individual differences and promotes a culture of fairness and dignity. Respects the rights, dignity, values and beliefs of patients, carers, colleagues, and volunteers. Demonstrates an understanding of how to provide equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive care. Commitment to upholding Hospice values and behaviors. Commitment to client-centered, non-discriminatory practice.
Experience Essential
Experience of undertaking holistic assessments and delivering person-centred interventions. Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team. Experience of equipment assessment and provision. Experience of caseload management and prioritisation Experience of maintaining accurate clinical records. Experience of providing interventions on an individual basis
Desirable
Post-registration Occupational Therapy experience Experience working within specialist palliative care, hospice, oncology, neurology or rehabilitation services. Experience delivering group interventions and therapeutic programmes. Experience of discharge planning and community-based working. Experience of student supervision, mentorship or volunteer support. Experience of audit, quality improvement or service development initiatives.
Circumstances Essential
Must be a car driver with full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle Willing and able to work flexibly across the week, including occasional evenings or weekends. Able to undertake regular independent communitybased work offsite Work flexibly accroding to the needs of the service. Enhanced DBS clearance.
Qualifications Essential
Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy. Current HCPC Registration. Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Evidence of mandatory and statutory training relevant to practice.
Desirable
Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). Practice Educator Qualification. Postgraduate study or specialist training in Palliative Care, Oncology, Rehabilitation, Long-Term Conditions or related field
Practical/Intellectual skills Essential
Ability to undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessment and clinical reasoning. Knowledge of Occupational Therapy theory and evidence-based practice. Ability to formulate, implement and evaluate treatment plans. Knowledge of risk assessment and risk management. Ability to assess for and prescribe equipment safely. Excellent organisational and time management skills. Good IT skills including electronic patient records and Microsoft Office systems. Ability to work autonomously and make sound clinical decisions. Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and professional standards. Understanding and sensitivity to the needs of patients with a life limiting illness/families and carers. Liaison with other agencies and professionals. Good communication skills.
Desirable
Knowledge of specialist palliative and end-of-life care. Knowledge of fatigue management, energy conservation and breathlessness management. Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation approaches. Knowledge of community services, equipment services and housing adaptations. Experience of service evaluation, audit and research activity.
Equal Opportunities Essential
To have an understanding or, and an ability to promote and implement equal opportunities. Demonstrates respect for individual differences and promotes a culture of fairness and dignity. Respects the rights, dignity, values and beliefs of patients, carers, colleagues, and volunteers. Demonstrates an understanding of how to provide equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive care. Commitment to upholding Hospice values and behaviors. Commitment to client-centered, non-discriminatory practice.
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 Pendleside Hospice
Address Colne Road
Reedley
Burnley
Lancashire
BB10 2LW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.pendleside.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)