We would like to invite applications for the following full-time, 12 month fixed term contract post.
Senior Occupational Therapist
Area C – Based in Waterford
IWA is committed to promoting, maintaining, and adding to our diverse and inclusive work environment and would encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
The post will be working with young adults attending HSE-funded disability day services across Waterford and South Tipperary catchment area that meet the criteria for Young Adult Therapies service. OT service is provided within day services and is provided on a tiered basis, depending on needs identified, with a focus on transition support.
OT input includes: staff training, individualised staff coaching, and 1:1 OT assessment and intervention.
The purpose of the role is to co-ordinate and develop the OT service to meet the needs of the participants and the objectives of the steering group.
The Senior Occupational Therapist will be responsible for the provision of a high-quality Occupational Therapy service and will carry out clinical and educational duties as required.
You will report to the IWA Area Manager. Clinical Supervision is provided by Occupational Therapy Supervisor, monthly, depending on needs. Referrals will be received through Young Adult Therapies admin supports provided through the office of the Day Opportunities Services.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Professional / Clinical
1. Be responsible for the maintenance of standards of practice of self and staff appointed to clinical / designated area(s).
2. Be responsible for managing own caseload and for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of treatment programmes for participants according to service standards.
3. In conjunction with the YAT steering group and Director of Services, lead service planning by anticipating and responding to the changing needs of the service and participants.
4. Participate in teams and foster and maintain professional working relationships with other team members.
5. Ensure the quality of documentation of all assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, reports and discharge summaries are in accordance with local service, professional and legislative standards.
6. Establish & operate a prioritisation criteria to be applied for the prioritisation of all eligible referrals received, updating the YAT admin on quarter intervals on waiting lists on the prioritisation rating of all referrals on the waiting list.
7. Communicate verbally and / or in writing, results of assessments, treatment / intervention programmes and recommendations to relevant stakeholders in accordance with service policy.
8. Attend clinics, review meetings, team meetings, case conferences etc. as appropriate to the service.
9. Ensure that duties are carried out in a timely manner, within settings appropriate to participant’s needs, and in line with local policy/guidelines.
10. Be responsible for adhering to existing standards and protocols and for leading out on the development and maintenance of standards / strategies for quality improvement and outcome measurement.
11. Seek advice and assistance with any assigned duties in line with principles of evidence-based practice and clinical governance.
12. Ensure that professional standards are maintained in relation to confidentiality / data protection, ethics and legislation.
13. Operate within the scope of Occupational Therapy practice as per CORU requirements and in accordance with local guidelines.
Education and Training
1. Participate in mandatory training programmes.
2. Participate in continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to practice, contributing to research etc. as identified in professional development plan alongside clinical supervisor.
3. To develop and implement relevant training across service providers in Waterford and South Tipperary supporting the school leaver cohort and the staff who support them as necessary.
4. Engage in professional clinical Occupational Therapist supervision with the Occupational Therapy Supervisor.
5. Engage in peer support with Senior Occupational Therapist colleagues.
6. Participate in performance review with the Director of Services.
7. Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student therapists. Take part in teaching / training / supervision of other Occupational Therapy and non-Occupational Therapy staff / students and attend practice educator courses as appropriate.
8. Ensure newly qualified therapists have adequate induction and clinical supervision and assist in implementing annual staff development and performance review.
Health & Safety
1. Promote a safe working environment in accordance with Health and Safety legislation.
2. Be aware of and implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
3. Actively participate in risk management issues, identify risks and take responsibility for appropriate action.
4. Document appropriately and report any adverse incidents, near misses, hazards and accidents in accordance with organisational guidelines.
Administrative
1. Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of service in designated area(s).
2. Review and allocate resources within the designated area, in collaboration with the Director of Services and relevant others.
3. Promote good working practice and uniformity of standards of best practice.
4. Promote quality by reviewing and evaluating the Occupational Therapy service regularly, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services, in collaboration with the Director of Services and relevant others.
5. Develop and implement service / business plans, quality initiatives, audits etc. and report on outcomes in collaboration with the Director of Services.
6. Collect and evaluate data about the service user group and demonstrate the achievement of the objectives of the service.
7. Oversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements and the Freedom of Information Act, GDPR, and render reports and other information / statistics as required.
8. Represent the department at meetings and conferences as appropriate.
9. Promote good teamwork, and a culture that values diversity.
10. Participate in the management of Occupational Therapy stock and equipment in conjunction with the Occupational Therapy colleagues and the Director of Services.
11. Engage in IT developments as they apply to service user and service administration.
12. Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health Service.
13. Actively ensure that standards and practices regarding health and safety are fully adhered to in all areas of the service. Record and report any incidents/accidents to the Service Co-ordinator.
14. Carry out other duties and/or responsibilities which may be assigned to you from time to time.
15. Ensure that your responsibilities to safeguard children and adults from abuse or harm is a core aspect of your role and that IWA’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures are adhered to.
16. Provide feedback reports for the YAT Steering Group on referral statistics, waiting lists, prioritisation levels etc on a quarterly basis.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Training, Experience and Qualifications
1. Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc
2. (a) Candidates for appointment must:
1. (i) Be registered, or be eligible for registration, on the Occupational Therapists Register maintained by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU.
2. AND
3. (ii) Have three years full time (or an aggregate of three years) post qualification clinical experience.
4. AND
5. (iii) Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
6. AND
7. (iv) Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Occupational Therapists Register maintained by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.
3. 2. Annual registration
1. (i) On appointment practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Occupational Therapists Register maintained by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU.
2. AND
3. (ii) Practitioners must provide documentation of confirmation of annual registration with CORU to The Collective Sensory Group.
4. 3. Health
1. A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
5. 4. Character
1. Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Knowledge and Skills
1. Understanding Neurodiversity and experience working with diverse neurotypes, including intellectual differences.
2. Experience in assessment for and prescription of equipment, aids and appliances is desirable.
3. Experience in service development is desirable.
4. Professional Knowledge & Experience
5. Planning and Managing Resources
6. Managing and Developing (Self and Others)
7. Commitment to providing a Quality Service
8. Evaluating Information and Judging Situations
9. Communications and Interpersonal Skills
The Salary scale for the post €62,038 to €73,048 DOE
Excellent working conditions
25 days annual leave pro rata
Access to Defined Contribution Pension scheme
Employee Assistance Service
Bike to Work and Tax-Saver Schemes
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad and approved by Management.
Documentary evidence of your relevant qualification(s) will be required in advance of or during the recruitment process.
The closing date for applications is Friday 21st March 2025.
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