Occupational Therapist - Assistive Technologies

NHS; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

Occupational Therapist - Assistive Technologies

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated, dynamic and experienced Occupational Therapist to join the North West Assistive Technology (NWAT) team.

NWAT is a specialist NHS Regional Service providing assistive technology, advice, and support to patients with complex needs, to enable them to retain greater independence in their place of residence. It serves a population of almost 7 million people living in the Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside, Lancashire and South Cumbria Region.

The service provides environmental control equipment to enable patients with complex needs to enhance their independence within their home environment, which may include the installation of technology to access remote control telephones, bed controls, intercoms, sockets, and entertainment equipment.

The successful candidate should have a strong clinical background and possess the knowledge and skills acquired across a variety of settings, in particular complex and neurological presentations, and have an active interest in Technology. The role requires excellent interpersonal, organisational, and communication skills and a commitment to effective multi-disciplinary team working and skill sharing. An ability to think laterally, to be creative and innovative with treatment planning is essential, as is a positive approach to service development.

Main duties of the job

See detailed JD below.

Post also sits within the NWAT leadership team and represents the regional service at key events.

Job responsibilities

To be responsible for the provision of highly specialist OT assessment of patients with complex needs to facilitate the provision of appropriate equipment to enhance independence.

Demonstration of a level of clinical expertise that will result in the provision of appropriate clinical care plans, working in collaboration with patients, carers, and other healthcare professionals, following specialist assessment.

Regular review of service users to support changing needs and to provide advice as required. In addition, the post holder will provide regular training and support to service users and their carers to support the use of specialist equipment provided.

Close working with the Rehabilitation Engineering Technical Team to ensure the most appropriate Assistive Technology is provided for service users.

Regular liaison with relevant healthcare professionals, agencies, and other providers throughout the North West Region regarding service provision and delivery, and to act as an expert resource for information regarding Environmental Controls and Specialist Computer Access.

Ongoing development of knowledge and expertise for practice in the areas of Environmental Controls, Specialist Computer Access, and some Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices, and the range of acquired, progressive, and congenital diagnoses of service users.

The development of training courses in the provision of Environmental Controls and Specialist Computer Access for Therapy, Medical, and other healthcare professionals. To work collaboratively with AAC Teams to develop linked training for Assistive Technology and Specialist Computer Access.

Represent the OT profession, providing professional leadership and knowledge to the Clinical Lead for Assistive Technology.

Provide professional input to the strategic development of the service working with the Clinical Lead.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree in Occupational Therapy
• HCPC registration
• Completion of Professional Practice Educator qualification

Experience

• Demonstrable post-qualification experience

Skills

• Effective communicator across all levels
• Ability to demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and empathy within clinical and team settings; high level of interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and collaborative teams
• High level of organisational and negotiation skills
• Ability to lead effectively and motivate patients/staff
• Ability to demonstrate assertiveness within clinical/team and service settings
• Ability to delegate appropriately
• Ability to represent the service and the organisation at Trust initiatives and with outside agencies
• Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of OT in Orthopaedics & Rheumatology, including hand therapy as a specialism
• Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of principles of client-centred care and rehabilitation approach to patient care
• Excellent time management skills to juggle clinical and managerial role
• Ability to assess for and treat patients with a wide range of orthopaedic conditions

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.

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Aintree

North West Assistive Technology, Aintree House, Lower Lane