Senior Occupational Therapist - REQ002594

Job title: Senior Occupational Therapist

Salary: £41,511 to £44,711

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent

Location: Leeds citywide

As a Senior Occupational Therapist, you’ll thrive on improving inclusion for people with disabilities, using your skills and experience to ensure they receive the care and support they need.

We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Occupational Therapist to join our Integrated Reviewing Team. The team works closely alongside social work colleagues on assessments and reviews, so we can gain a full picture of an individual’s eligible care needs and provide considered interventions for maximum impact.

In this senior role your caseload will involve higher levels of complexity, and you will offer casework advice and guidance to other team members.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Senior Occupational Therapist you will bring to the role:

degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy, with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration on commencement in post
significant clinical experience in a physical health setting, including assessing of people with complex needs, devising interventions and care plans and managing risk
ability to plan, prioritise and manage a challenging caseload autonomously
high level communication and engagement with colleagues and partners, service users, their families and carers, with ability to negotiate and manage conflict
driving licence (citywide travel required)

About the role
You’ll be joining our Integrated Reviewing Team at an exciting time of expansion for the team, reflecting the positive impact of our work on those we care for.

What sets our team apart is our multi-disciplinary approach; by coordinating closely with social work colleagues we can conduct a truly joined-up review of an individual’s care and support needs. This streamlines our processes to provide a better experience for people we support and deliver efficiencies within the service. We work primarily with people newly discharged from hospital with a package of care and people identified by a social worker as requiring a full functional assessment.

We’re a closeknit inclusive team with a culture of peer support for everyone, from students to senior occupational therapists and managers. Our supportive Team Manager, an experienced occupational therapist, is always on hand for advice or just to talk and will provide your professional supervision. As a Senior Occupational Therapist, you will have a key role yourself in mentoring less experienced team members.

There is a wealth of opportunity for you in Leeds. You’ll further develop competencies in complex moving and handling, standardised adaptations, assessments involving care providers and referrals to other services. You’ll also gain in-depth knowledge of the Care Act and the role of the local authority and will have opportunities internally and with partner agencies for involvement in service improvement initiatives.

We encourage our staff to grow their career with us, with clear progression pathways evidenced by our management team. Continuing professional development (CPD) is central to our practice, with protected CPD time every month for all team members.

Everyone has a say in their own learning journey. Occupational therapy team members take the initiative in their own development, recognising where there are training needs and convening a quarterly series of peer-led training events for colleagues from across the council.

What we offer you

Benefits of working in the Integrated Reviewing Team:

working days Monday to Friday (no evening, weekend or bank holiday shifts)
dress code smart casual - we don’t wear uniform
manage your own caseload and diary
flexibility of location, work from council buildings across the city

Leeds City Council takes pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements

a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidancefor further advice on completing your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Lauren Kemp, Occupational Therapy Team Manager, Enhanced Reviewing Team:

Tel: 07545 604163/ 0113 5351889
Email: kemp@leeds.gov.uk

ADisclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visaroute before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description - Senior Occupational Therapist

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive Occupational Therapy service to disabled adults, children and young people, carers and community in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines.

The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures, in particular the Council Policies on Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and also within the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Code of Practice.

This is an experienced Occupational Therapy role with specific responsibilities for managing a caseload of higher levels of challenge and complexity, which will include assessment and management of risk and to provide casework advice, support and guidance to other team members

Core Responsibilities

To undertake a range of complex Occupational Therapy assessments. Assessments should have an occupational focus and aim to reduce barriers to inclusion.

To undertake reablement assessments which have an occupational emphasis. To be responsible for the care planning for the whole process.

To manage and monitor a workload of complex and diverse cases within the parameters of agreed policies and practices together with professional guidance and support from team managers to safeguard and promote the welfare of individuals, families and carers.

To develop, implement and review outcome focussed Occupational Therapy intervention to meet assessed needs and promote independent well-being and inclusion within delegated levels of responsibility.

To identify specialist housing needs of disabled people and their families and support them in accessing suitable housing/adaptations

To organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.

To provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence, for example, recommendations for major adaptations and specialist/bespoke equipment.

To complete moving and handling and hoist training, and then carry out complex moving and handling assessments, and provide subsequent advice and training to disabled people, carers and staff as appropriate.

To carry out complex moving and handling assessments, make appropriate recommendations for specific equipment, to reduce the risk for carers.

To deliver, fit and collect equipment as appropriate, including necessary moving and handling of equipment.

Following assessment provide/recommend complex and bespoke services to disabled adults, older people, children and young people which remove barriers to social inclusion, to improve quality of life for disabled people and their carers.

To obtain the views of the disabled person during the assessment process and take into account their views when making recommendations for service provision.

To take a lead for the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services.

To provide comprehensive knowledge of specialist equipment and complex adaptations to users, carers and less experienced members of the team.

To provide expert advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members, both registered and unregistered.

To provide support and professional supervision to new graduate OT’s, OT’s and unregistered staff and to ensure the person achieves the appropriate skills and competencies.

To attend regular personal and professional Supervision with identified Supervisor.

To provide practice education for OT students, including student placements and other student related activities.

To maintain up to date accurate case notes and other records, write reports as required.

To assist with recruitment and selection of new graduate OT’s, Community OTs and unregistered staff.

To contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.

To use management information systems, keep them up to date and be able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.

To be responsible for analysing information to support the ongoing needs of service users, their families and carers.

To work with other services within the council to deliver efficient and effective solutions to barriers faced by disabled people.

To work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal

To disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.

To develop and maintain effective relationships with disabled people, their families and carers: provide advice and support, promote independence and early intervention, as necessary; help resolve conflict, where appropriate.

To work with individuals, families, carers and communities to help them make informed choices and decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.

To develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of disabled adults, older people, children and young people.

To contribute to safeguarding investigations, of disabled adults, older people, children and young people., in accordance with legislative requirements and Multi-agency Safeguarding procedures.

Undertake risk assessments, identify needs and options.

To identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures seeking guidance if required.

To appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums.

To work to and within the prescribed standards of the College of Occupational Therapists and be responsible for promoting awareness of these.

To promote Occupational Therapy to colleagues both within and outside the Council.

Be responsible for the development of practice by maintaining a knowledge of related theories and legislation and using evidence on which to base professional practice.

To participate in training and development activities that ensures up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.

To be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures. Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation

Maintain up to date personal CPD folder in order to retain registration with the HCPC.

Under the direction of the team manager undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi-agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or action plans to implement these to improve service delivery.

To deputise for the Disability Team Manager as and when required.

To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and procedures.

To actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity.

To undertake and other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job as may be determined by the directorate.

Specific Responsibilities for Integrated Reviewing Team

To be part of a citywide integrated reviewing team to customers who have 2 paid carers and large packages of care.
To undertake complex moving and handling risk assessments with customers and carers – both paid and unpaid, and make recommendations to reduce the packages of care either by change in process or equipment.
To provide detailed moving and handling plans to care providers and provide expert advice, support and guidance.
To work with care agencies to ensure staff are competent to undertake single handed care.

Priorities will be:

people who have been discharged from hospital, with a new package of care, where there are two carer staff members
people who, have a large package of care, would benefit from a full functional assessment, with an aim to reduce the package of care where:

They have not seen an occupational therapist before
Where the person has no equipment to support them

The Occupational Therapists will work closely with social workers in the Integrated Reviewing Team
To work to agreed KPIs for numbers of assessments to be completed on a weekly basis
To provide detailed performance information on a weekly basis to evidence savings made, and any expenditure spent on equipment.

Qualifications Appropriate professional qualification Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy, Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement of the post and maintain yearly registration.

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

Able to use a range of Occupational Therapy interventions
Ability to effectively plan, prioritise and time manage a complex workload.
Ability to carry out Occupational Therapy assessments of people with complex needs and develop, implement and manage planned recommendations.
Ability to carry out safe functional assessments and give physical assistance to disabled people where necessary
Ability to move and handle equipment for assessment and provision
A high level of effective written and verbal communication and the ability to pass information accurately and concisely with a range of partners and disabled people, carers and colleagues
Able to deal constructively with, and to exercise assertiveness in appropriate situations when working with individuals, families, carers and other agencies
Ability to negotiate, challenge and manage conflict.
Ability to innovate and problem solve with the ability to identify appropriate Occupational Therapy interventions in order to promote positive change
Ability to devise, implement review and evaluate service and support plans
Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person centred approach
Ability to exercise individual judgement and consult where and when necessary
Ability to be flexible, creative and use own initiative
Be competent in the use of IT systems including Microsoft Office, Internet and Email,
Ability to maintain accurate service user records, assessments and follow policy and procedure
Able to record, evidence and communicate using technology
Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision and development of student placements and other Disability Services staff
Able to lead and motivate others
Car driver
Appropriate Occupational Therapy professional qualification- Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Recent relevant professional development
Knowledge and understanding of a broad range of physical and mental health conditions.
Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of disabled people from a wide range of backgrounds
Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
Knowledge of current, trends, policies, legislation and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families and carers as appropriate.
Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with people potentially at risk of harm.
Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
A good understanding of the challenges of working within a multi-agency environment
Extensive relevant experience of working in a statutory/voluntary setting
Experience of fieldwork education
Experience of working in a multi professional teams
An in-depth knowledge of specialist equipment and complex major adaptations
An in-depth knowledge of complex moving handling issues and appropriate solutions
Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems
Experience of working within and implementing a person centred focused approach
Experience of supervising, supporting, encouraging and advising registered and unregistered staff
Use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning
Producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function
Managing a high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy and procedure
Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments
Experience of advocacy and user involvement
Experience of using initiative
Experience of developing services to meet customer need

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

Identify and take account of the significance of diversity on the lives of people and show application of this understanding in practice.
Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.
Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

Ability to contribute to service planning
Knowledge of the range of services available to users, families and carers.
Experience of working with a wide range of user groups
Experience of moving and handling

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