About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a dedicated professional to support children and young people living with ME/CFS. Using evidence-based approaches, you will help them develop the awareness and skills needed to respond flexibly to everyday situations and experiences.
Working as part of a creative and supportive multidisciplinary team, you will deliver interventions both individually and in group settings, develop resources, and liaise with families and key stakeholders.
With a focus on emotional and physical wellbeing, you will work therapeutically to enhance young people's understanding of self-regulation and activity management. Your input will empower them to manage symptoms effectively and improve their functional capacity across all areas of life.
We are seeking someone committed to ongoing professional development and staying informed about advances in the field of ME/CFS.
If you are passionate about making a positive impact and working collaboratively to improve outcomes for young people and their families, we would love to hear from you.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful
Main duties of the job
Assess, treat, monitor and evaluate the progress of young people diagnosed with ME/CFS, considering the holistic and developmental needs of the individual, and any relevant environmental factors.
Provide specialist knowledge and skills to support the needs of children and young people diagnosed with ME/CFS, working with the team to further develop and facilitate educational and support groups for young people and parents.
Advance own clinical knowledge, skill and competence based on current evidence to support CYP with ME/CFS
To maintain the Occupational Therapy Service Standards by use of agreed frames of reference, models of practice and related forms of assessment, goal setting, and reporting and outcome measures.
Develop and deliver educational group work for children, young people, parents/carers
To work with individuals referred with full regard to informed consent or agreed indicators of consent.
To manage own caseload and to be responsible for own time management and balance of clinical work and non clinical tasks.
To provide relevant training, information, advice and support to the individual, colleagues or carers regarding the needs of young people with ME/CFS
Liaise and work closely with the relevant agencies, colleagues and carers to promote maximum functional ability of the individual referred and facilitate social inclusion, providing ongoing consultancy and support, where agreed, to meet the needs of those with complex functional needs.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.
Job description Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do [email protected]
Person Specification
Knowledge Essential
Degree/Diploma BSC in - Occupational Therapy, HCPC Registration
Desirable
Appropriate Post Graduate qualification.
Knowledge Essential
Previous experience in Paediatrics, Children's Mental Health/CAMHS/ Broad experience of working with clients with a range of mental health problems
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of the legislative framework within which occupational therapists work. Understanding of therapy outcome measures. Knowledge and application of therapy assessments and interventions relevant to the client group.
Knowledge Essential
Understanding of issues in the speciality.
Desirable
Experience in teaching on in house training sessions to own profession.
Job Specific Essential
Ability to manage time and conflicting demands and prioritise workload accordingly. Ability to communicate verbally with patients/carers and colleagues. Willing to work flexibly and pro-actively.
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 Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Wareham Hospital
Streche Road
Wareham
BH20 4QQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)