Purpose of the Post
The post holder will provide the professional and clinical leadership, management and support to facilitate the Occupational Therapy team in St Columcille’s Hospital to provide a quality Occupational Therapy service to meet the needs of the service-user population.
The post holder will manage staff resources and ensure professional standards of care are adhered to and that appropriate skill mix is available to provide a service user-centred quality service with equitable and timely access to Occupational Therapy within scheduled and unscheduled care.
The position requires a strategic approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement, which is underpinned by organisational objectives. This role will include both Clinical and Management duties.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Accountability
1. Provide strategic direction and leadership for the delivery of an evidenced based, quality assured and person centred Occupational Therapy service, including staffing and use of resources.
2. Ensure integration of the mission and values of the organisation in the work of the department.
3. Develop a shared sense of commitment and participation among Occupational Therapy staff in the planning and development of the service.
4. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and mutual co-operation in the achievement of the highest possible standards of professional practice and maximum efficiency.
5. Ensure that appropriate governance and professional supervision structures are in place for all staff members within the Occupational Therapy service.
6. Work closely with Quality & Risk, and other Clinical Service Heads of Department in the development of services and consult on issues of concern to the Occupational Therapy Service.
7. Keep the General Manager informed of any significant developments within his/her area of responsibility.
8. Attend appropriate meetings of the HSE / Department of Health, the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI), including CORU to keep up-to-date with developments and standards in professional practice.
9. Maintain good collaborative working relationships and communications with appropriate statutory, professional and voluntary organisations responsible for and/or participating in health and social care.
10. Act as spokesperson for the Organisation as required.
11. Demonstrate pro-active commitment to all communications with internal and external stakeholders.
Service Planning and Development
1. To be responsible for the co-ordination, planning and review of Occupational Therapy services to meet service level agreement requirements and to support the development of plans to achieve required changes in service provision, working closely with all relevant Heads of Departments and staff.
2. Lead changes in work practices, procedures, techniques or technologies having regard to developments in the field of Occupational Therapy and in accordance with agreed core standards and best practice.
3. Lead projects which improve the quality of services provided to patients evidenced by improved performance against national and international benchmarks.
4. Participate and co-operate with any internal or external evaluation of the service.
5. Contribute to the strategic and development planning of the wider organisation.
6. Co-ordinate and facilitate a quality improvement programme in line with best practice within the Occupational Therapy service.
Operations Management
1. Develop, implement and evaluate operational policies, protocols and guidelines in accordance with standards of best practice and in compliance with statutory and risk management requirements.
2. Ensure, in so far as is practicable, that staff have the right facilities, equipment and resources for the safe and proper discharge of their duties.
3. Ensure work schedules and work programmes are created to provide for the most effective and efficient deployment of staff and other resources in response to national and organisational priorities and goals.
4. Liaise closely with internal and external service users to ensure effective and efficient utilisation of available resources.
5. Continue to deliver the Action Van initiative in collaboration with the Royal Hospital Donnybrook monitoring stock levels and activity, and issuing essential enabling equipment as appropriate to prevent discharge delays.
Staff Management
1. Recruit, in liaison with the Human Resources Department, develop and lead a skilled team of Occupational Therapy staff and create a positive working environment.
2. Ensure the optimum and effective use of staff through efficient planning, rostering, skill mix, workload measurement, staff deployment, and the prioritisation of service delivery within available resources.
3. Ensure a comprehensive range of Continuous Professional Development activities are available to provide staff with the necessary skills / and supports to fulfil their roles.
4. Ensure that all Occupational Therapy staff are compliant with the relevant mandatory training appropriate to their position and role.
5. Implement a positive staff development and performance management policy and foster a high level of morale among Occupational Therapy staff by effective motivation and communication.
6. Participate in the formulation of relevant policies & procedures and be familiar with regulations / legislation regarding disciplinary and grievance procedures implementing the appropriate course of action in accordance with the relevant organisational policies.
7. Develop contingency plans to ensure cross cover for other areas when required and such duties as required.
Performance and Financial Management
1. Working with the General Manager and Deputy Manager, the Head of Finance, and Human Resources; monitor, control and report on Occupational Therapy activity, income and expenditure accounts, to include both pay and non-pay costs.
2. Participate in the overall financial planning of the Occupational Therapy service including the negotiation of resources and the assessment of priorities in pay and non-pay expenditure.
3. Work to develop mechanisms to ensure that the Occupational Therapy service is measured accurately and fully costed where appropriate.
4. In collaboration with the relevant managers, contribute to initiatives and monitor/track performance targets and develop internal and external comparative performance monitoring information to support and inform decision-making within the organisation.
5. Ensure that all data regarding the day to day activity of the Occupational Therapy service is of the highest quality.
Education and Training
1. Monitor and research new developments & practices in Occupational Therapy promoting a culture of on-going best practice throughout the Occupational Therapy service in SCH.
2. Initiate, facilitate and take part in audit and relevant research supporting and promoting awareness of ongoing and current research within the profession.
3. Develop and maintain a professional working relationship third level institutes as appropriate, in relation to the ongoing training of undergraduate Occupational Therapy students, collaborative research and other activities.
4. Be responsible, in partnership with local general management for the practice education of student therapists through provision of placements and through support for therapists who are practice educators within their department.
5. Facilitate the arrangements necessary and participate where appropriate, in education and training of other internal & external staff, both at undergraduate and post-graduate level, as the need arises.
6. Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and staff as appropriate.
Risk Management, Quality, Health & Safety
1. Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility.
2. Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
3. Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
General
1. To present and act in a professional manner at all times and ensure colleagues do likewise.
2. Ensure confidentiality in all matters of information obtained during the course of employment.
3. Have a working knowledge of and adhere to St. Columcille’s Hospital policies at all times.
The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or experience
1. Candidates for appointment must:
1. Be registered, or be eligible for registration, on the Occupational Therapists Register maintained by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU.
2. Have five years full time (or an aggregate of 5 years fulltime) post qualification clinical experience.
3. Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability, management, leadership and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
4. 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.
1. Annual registration
1. On appointment, practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Occupational Therapists Register maintained by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU.
2. Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the Annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).
Please note that appointment to and continuation in posts that require statutory registration is dependent upon the post holder maintaining annual registration in the relevant division of the register maintained by: CORU.
Health
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.
Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Post Specific Requirements
Experience Essential
1. Have five years full time (or an aggregate of 5 years fulltime) post qualification clinical experience in one or more of the following areas, Care of the Older Person, Palliative Care, Respiratory Medicine, Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Neurology or General Medicine.
2. Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability, management, leadership and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
3. Evidence of continuing professional development in Occupational Therapy knowledge, skills and practice.
4. Competent and proficient IT skills.
Desirable
1. Third level qualification in Healthcare Management.
2. Previous experience in managing an Occupational Therapy Service.
3. Evidence of personal research and/or involvement in multidisciplinary research.
4. Evidence of experience & involvement in regional or national healthcare initiatives/ committees.
Other requirements specific to the post
Have access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge
Continuous Learning and Development
1. Promotes engagement in continuous improvement and learning.
2. Provides and supports learning opportunities for staff.
3. Utilise information provided from professional bodies to improve knowledge and resources available to staff.
4. Has appropriate specialist knowledge in the clinical area(s).
5. Is known and respected as a clinical and managerial resource.
6. Stays abreast of new technologies and research relevant to the area.
7. Demonstrates a willingness to further develop skills relevant to the role.
Professional Knowledge and Skills
1. Demonstrates a high level of Occupational Therapy knowledge and evidence based clinical practice to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.
2. Demonstrates analytical skills related to service development, statistical and budget activity.
3. Demonstrates and encourages a strong work ethic.
4. Acts as an advocate for the organisation by projecting a professional image and making a respectful representation.
5. Acts as a role-model for others.
6. Has a transparent approach to work.
7. Adheres to standards and professional codes of practice.
8. Demonstrates knowledge of legislative requirements relating to the healthcare services and the workplace.
Organisational Knowledge
1. Anticipates and manages the impact of the political environment on the organisation.
2. Identifies strategic priorities in line with organisational objectives.
3. Understands how each department contributes to the overall strategic objectives for the organisation.
4. Understands and influences national frameworks/ strategies relevant to the service.
5. Utilises available resources to ensure the organisation operates from a ‘value for money’ mind-set.
Planning & Organisation
1. Plans ahead with a vision and understanding of the overall integration of different activities and departments.
2. Develops strategic plans and objectives.
3. Monitors performance and progress of long term goals.
4. Develops and implements efficient and effective systems and processes to ensure smooth and consistent execution of service delivery.
5. Delegates effectively to ensure objectives are achieved.
6. Manages competing and changing priorities effectively.
7. Demonstrates a flexible and adaptable approach in a changing environment.
8. Sets realistic goals and time-scales, taking account of potential problems and competing priorities.
9. Devotes time and energy to the most important task at any given time.
Managing People & Communication
1. Adopts a strategic approach to communicating across the organisation.
2. Establishes a culture of open communication to maintain an atmosphere of trust and integrity.
3. Opens up the channels of communication through the implementation of systems and processes.
4. Establishes and maintains communication networks across the Health Service.
5. Asks strategic questions to get to the root of complex situations.
6. Skilfully mediates conflict situations.
Team Player
1. Promotes a culture of diversity.
2. Inclusive of key stakeholders for decision making.
3. Facilitates team discussions.
4. Encourages consultation and collaboration across disciplines.
5. Reacts constructively to setbacks and avoids blaming individual team members.
People Management
1. Establishes a formal structure to ensure staff involvement in key decisions.
2. Anticipates staffing needs within service areas.
3. Allocates responsibilities fairly to effectively manage caseloads.
4. Clarifies roles, responsibilities and accountabilities.
5. Committed to and promotes team and personal development.
6. Involves and consults with staff and other relevant groups to gather their opinions and support for new initiatives.
Change Management & Leadership
1. Enthusiastically articulates a strategic vision.
2. Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to inspire and guide individuals toward goal achievement.
3. Recognises own natural leadership style and capable of adapting leadership style to suit all.
4. Facilitates change and Influences others through evidence based arguments that are aligned to strategic priorities.
5. Persuasive and skilled negotiator and coaches others.
Innovation
1. Creates a work environment that encourages creative thinking and innovation in the design of programmes and processes.
2. Demonstrates creative thinking to overcome resource restrictions.
3. Constantly looking for ways that one can improve one’s department.
4. When required, introduces innovative solutions with confidence in the presence of conflicting opinions.
5. Understands and utilises technology to improve work processes.
6. Adequately identifies, manages and reports on risk within area of responsibility.
Problem Solving & Decision Making
1. Develops operating plans that align with strategic priorities.
2. Thinks creatively and conceptually considering the external environment and potential impact decisions might have.
3. Recognises and identifies patterns and trends when assessing data.
4. Anticipates potential issues and opportunities and reacts to same.
5. Considers the impact of decisions, both short term and long term.
6. Demonstrates leadership and courage in making tough or unpopular decisions.
7. Works collaboratively and tests ideas with a wide range of people internally and externally.
8. Makes decisions through weighing up the cost-benefit and risk implications.
9. Provides specialist authoritative advice to others as required to enable them to make decisions.
Campaign Specific Selection Process
Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview
A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not progressing to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process, where applied, will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.
Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.
The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.
The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long-term health condition.
Read more about the HSE’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
Code of Practice
The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).
The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles to be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards to be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.
Read the CPSA Code of Practice.
The reform programme outlined for the health services may impact on this role, and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.
This Job Specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
Please complete and upload the application form attached to the job advert. CVs will not be accepted.
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