Neurological Occupational Therapist

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist to work in our friendly community neurological team. If you are interested in gaining new skills in neuro rehabilitation or if you already have experience and rehabilitation is your passion, then this is the opportunity is for you!

You will be working closely with your AHP colleagues to deliver high quality care to patients with a variety of neurological conditions.

You will be part of a well-structured MDT with support from experienced clinical specialists within the team across all professions.

There is a dedicated in service training program, regular clinical and management supervisions, team meetings and a dedicated MDT. There are also opportunities for funded training to further develop clinical or leadership skills.

To support this service, we require an additional Band 6 Occupational Therapist. The position is part time (22.5 hours per week). This services does not currently provide cover at the weekend, however if this alters in the future there is an expectation that staff would equally participate in this, as the service requires.

Main duties of the job

You will be joining a friendly, dynamic and cohesive integrated community therapy team which prides itself on close working relationships with the MDT. Person-centred care and an approach which promotes self-management and independence are at the centre of our philosophy.

We require a person who is an excellent communicator with a flexible approach, who can work autonomously but has close support of colleagues when required.

We strive to use current best practice and do so by regularly reviewing our service and adapting to provide patients with the best possible outcomes using evidence based practice.

HCPC registration and a degree/diploma in Occupational Therapy is required for this role. Also a strong team player and proactive problem solver is an advantage.

It is also essential to hold a full valid driving license and have access to a car to use regularly for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).

Working for our organisation

A big thank you for considering joining us at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust. You’ll find it a great place to work with many benefits offered to you as a member of our staff.

We put our patients, their families and carers at the centre of our vision - Outstanding Services and Healthier Communities

Our staff are proud to be Innovative, Caring and Agile in their work to help achieve the Trust vision

We welcome diversity in our workforce and are interested in applicants from all backgrounds

We don’t want you to miss out so we’d like you to know that if we have a high level of interest in this role, the vacancy may close prior to the advertised closing date, so please make your application as soon as possible - Apply now

You’ve made a great decision to apply to join to HCT - we’re looking forward to taking the next steps of the journey with you

You can apply to Access to Work to get money for communication support at a job interview - please use this link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-communication-support-at-a-job-interview-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-access-to-work

You need to apply before the interview takes place.

• To provide Occupational Therapy assessment to neurological patients with diverse physical and cognitive presentations, and deliver an individualised treatment programme, in clinic, patients homes and community settings.
• To be responsible for delivering group education and or rehabilitation programmes and specialist clinics e.g. splinting, Parkinson’s and MS as required.
• To provide expert advice, guidance and information to health and social care professionals, carers and relatives and other non-professionals.
• To hold responsibility for own case load, working without direct supervision. Supervision takes the form of regular formal training and clinical reasoning sessions, peer review, case conferences and reflective practice. Access to advice and support from a senior occupational therapist is available regularly.
• To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner.
• To provide expert advice, guidance and information to health and social care professionals, carers and relatives and other non-professionals.
• To be responsible for clinical supervision, education and assessment of a band five or rehabilitation assistant.
• To supervise, educate and assess the performance of occupational therapy students; this would be to a graduate standard and involve working with universities to ensure the standard practice and teaching meets the standards set by the degree level qualification.
• To participate in seven day working rota, as service requires

Please see student feedback below!

"During my time with the outpatient team at Danesbury, I had the incredible opportunity to learn and grow under outstanding supervision and support. This guidance allowed me to develop my skills in a complex yet deeply rewarding area of occupational therapy.

The staff's wealth of experience across various specialties was invaluable, and their willingness to share their knowledge-no matter how simple my questions-created an environment of continuous learning. I particularly appreciated how my background in mental health became an asset in this role.

The opportunity to integrate my experience with the physical health aspects of neurology made for a fascinating and fulfilling combination. I would highly recommend working in this team if you would like a rewarding role in a lovely team."

Person specification

Essential and Desirable

• Occupational Therapy degree or equivalent
• HPC registration
• Experience of working with neuro patients in a community or inpatient setting at Band 5 level.
• Documented evidence of professional development and reflective practice in relevant aspects of neurological rehabilitation: e.g. attendance at inservice training sessions, reflective practice etc.
• Ability and experience of carrying out a comprehensive neurological occupational therapy assessment in order to formulate a comprehensive neurological treatment plan and goals.
• Knowledge and experience of using a wide range of therapeutic occupational therapy interventions for the treatment of patients with a stroke.
• Knowledge and experience of using a range of recognised outcome measures and goal setting skills as appropriate to the rehabilitation of patients with stroke.
• Good understanding of current NHS issues, professional standards, CPD, clinical governance.
• Able to work as an autonomous practitioner

• Attendance at relevant post-graduate neurological training courses e.g. Normal movement, spasticity management, splinting, cognition and perceptual assessment, fatigue management
• Experience of working in a neurological rehabilitation setting at band 6 level.
• Experience of supervising and appraising other staff e.g. rehabilitation assistants
• Experience of supervising student occupational therapists.
• Experience in delivering training to occupational therapists and other members of the MDT