Occupational Therapist Profile

Job Purpose

To provide an Occupational Therapy service to a designated caseload under the supervision of the Lead Occupational Therapist, including assessment, intervention and management of students’ needs, in order to encourage their independence in self-maintenance, productivity and leisure as a member of the interdisciplinary team within the school and college, including the residential setting.

Key Responsibilities

• To assess the needs of children and young people and implement occupational therapy interventions based on differential diagnosis and evidence-based practice.
• To use relevant agreed models of practice and frames of reference to, enable students to access the curriculum to their full potential, to explore, achieve and maintain balance in their own lives in areas such as self-care, life skills and leisure activities using a person-centred approach.
• To work in partnership with parents and care-givers, by means of effective communication and joint working as appropriate.
• To take a role in, preparation for active learning; behavioural management and support; promoting independence in self-care; assessing and planning of access routes to technology; assessment and implementation of equipment solutions for activities of daily living (including seating, toilet seats, slings, splints, hoists, sleep systems etc).
• To support the development of students’ sensory integration skills through providing direct therapy, sensory diets and differentiated training to staff members who support programmes of intervention under the supervision of a specialist Sensory Integration trained Occupational Therapist.
• To train staff in the use of equipment and strategies and make recommendations for the implementation of suitable resources.
• To complete and contribute to risk assessments for individuals.
• To contribute to funding requests for equipment.
• To contribute to Support plans, Education, Health and Care plans and to liaise with Health, Education and Social Services personnel and other agencies to ensure best management for each student and young person.
• To provide advice, including written reports and programmes to others regarding management, care and needs of children and young people on the caseload under the supervision of the Lead Occupational Therapist.
• To participate in duties and programmes during break and lunchtimes as required.
• To develop and deliver ‘in service’ training and CPD sessions under the supervision of Lead Occupational Therapist.
• To participate in performance and development review, ensuring that objectives set are aligned with St. Rose’s development plans.
• To identify personal and professional development needs and attend relevant training as agreed with Line Manager and Principal.
• To participate in reflective clinical supervision with peers/clinical supervisor in order to develop and enhance practice.
• To fulfil the requirements specified within the St. Rose’s induction plan, in consultation with Line Manager.
• To attend and contribute to appropriate staff meetings at interdisciplinary level.
• To maintain accurate and up to date case notes and records and write reports in line with Royal College of Occupational Therapists professional standards and policy.
• To adhere to HCPC and RCOT professional guidelines.
• Be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate.
• To be responsible for security, care and maintenance of equipment, ensuring standards of infection control and safety are met.
• Any other duties falling within the scope of the post as directed by the Principal or Line Manager.

Vision and Ethos:

• Ensure that the values of the Organisation, its aims, policies and plans are followed in line with the vision and ethos of the Trustees and the Governing Body.
• Be aware of and engage with the vision, mission and aims as a Catholic educational and residential community.
• Ensure you are familiar with the ethos and vision of the Organisation and that these are embedded in the day-to-day work.
• Value and respect all beliefs and religious affiliations, ensuring that the School and the Centre is a genuine community and as such includes all its members in its spiritual life.

Efficient and Effective Use of Resources:

The Occupational Therapist will:
• Be involved in the assessment and report writing for prospective pupils inclusive of equipment costings under the supervision of your line manager.
• To be involved in funding requests for assessed equipment.
• To participate in the funding and provision of equipment for general and student specific use.
• To be involved in the management of equipment and its use.

Accountability:

The Occupational Therapist will:
• To work as part of the therapy team, attending Therapy meetings, multidisciplinary meetings and organisational based meetings.
• To engage and participate in Inservice training days.
• To follow evidenced based person-centred therapy models using agreed outcome measures.
• Knowing the structure of the school and college, understanding the role of the Governing Body and Trustees.
• Contributing towards the accountability of CQC, Ofsted, the Diocese of Clifton (with regard to Section 48 inspections) and all its funding bodies.

Special notes or conditions:

• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post will be subject to a Enhanced DBS to satisfy safeguarding requirements.
• The post holder will be required to fulfil their role adhering to St Rose’s Safeguarding policy and report any concerns in line with this to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or relevant body.
• To fulfil duties and use of equipment, the post holder will need to adhere to the St Rose’s Acceptable Use policy.
• Strict confidentiality should always be observed in line with our Confidentiality policy.