Occupational Therapist - REQ000856

Job title: Occupational Therapist Graduate - Band 5 equivalent

Salary: SO1 £32,076.00 - £33,945.00

Hours: 37 hours, full time

Contract: Permanent

Location: Citywide

As an Occupational Therapist, you’ll thrive on helping people with disabilities to live a safe and fulfilling life. You will enjoy working with the public and have a holistic view to a person’s health and social care needs.

It’s not about disability being a barrier, but about identifying appropriate solutions to encourage and promote independence within the home and communities.

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 an Occupational Therapist, you will bring to the role:

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.

Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person-centred approach.
Ability to carry out safe functional assessments and give physical assistance where necessary.
Able to identify appropriate Occupational Therapy interventions in order to promote positive change.
You will need to be a car driver and have access to a car.

About the role

As our next Occupational Therapist, you’ll specialise in one of our teams. This role is integral to one of our Local Area Disability Services Team (Southeast, East Northeast, or West Northwest) who assess individuals facing occupational disruption within their own homes. The service has both qualified Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants and Reablement Officers (Vision Impairment officers), all carrying their own caseloads. Their focus is to assess function and safety, providing personalised solutions through specialist equipment, adaptations, and signposting to other required services.

All our teams are as below:

Local Area Disability Services Teams – supporting people in their own homes, you will gain experience in equipment and adaptations.
Recovery Service – supporting people in short term beds, who are unable to go straight home, with rehab and leading on discharge planning.
Early Intervention Team – working with people who are new to the council to prevent, reduce and delay the need for formal services by improving their occupational performance.
Integrated Reviewing Team – undertaking planned reviews of people with formal packages of care and supporting single handed/optimised care at all times.
Community Health and Wellbeing Service – working alongside social workers and home care providers, undertaking Occupational Therapy assessments with a rehabilitation focus.
Blue Badge Eligibility Assessment Team – assessing people who are not automatically entitled to a blue

What we offer you

We take 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 range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

You will be supported in your personal and professional development via clinical supervision, training. Each of the partner organisations offer established programmes for new graduates offering specific support and development throughout your first year. We encourage our staff to grow their career with us, from students and newly qualified Occupational Therapists through to senior and experienced managers.
Continued Professional Development (CPD) is at the heart of our practice and staff are given half a day a month to develop this. There is a clear career progression pathways and work to ensure that there is the right balance between support and challenge in all roles.
Leeds Adults and Health has an Assessed year of supported employment (similar to Preceptorship) to support you as you move into employment.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact: Prosper Matewa, Disability Service Team Manager. Call 0113 3783619 or 07891274051. Email: prosper.matewa@leeds.gov.uk

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - 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 and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job purpose

Under the general direction of a Team Manager, and with support from Senior Occupational Therapists, provide a high quality and comprehensive Occupational Therapy service to adults, children and young people, carers and the community in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines. Provision of different learning experiences for Occupational Therapists on rotation.

The post holder must at all times carry out 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 Code of Practice.

Responsibilities

To undertake Occupational Therapy assessments, deemed suitable for allocation to an OT in line with experience post qualification. Assessments should have an occupational focus and aim to reduce barriers to inclusion.
To undertake re-enablement assessments which have an occupational emphasis. To be responsible for the care planning for the whole process.
To organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
To manage an allocated caseload of disabled people and, with supervision, regularly monitor, review and evaluate changes in a disabled persons needs and ensure that all services contribute effectively to the support plan and remain an effective use of resources.
To complete moving and handling and hoist training, and then, with appropriate guidance from senior staff, carry out appropriate moving and handling assessments.
Under clear supervision, contribute to the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services.
On the basis of assessed needs and risks and, using a person-centred approach, provide/recommend services to disabled people which remove barriers to social inclusion.
To develop, implement and review outcome focussed Occupational Therapy intervention to meet assessed needs and promote independent well-being and inclusion.
To identify specialist housing needs of disabled people and their families and support them in accessing suitable housing/adaptations.
To deliver, fit and collect equipment as appropriate, including necessary moving and handling of equipment.

To provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative, and based on an analysis of complex information.
To work to and within the prescribed standards of the College of Occupational Therapists.
To maintain accurate and up to date case notes and other records and write reports as required.
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 limits of data protection.
To appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums.
To develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the council and partner agencies, to ensure an integrated, holistic, and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of disabled people.
To work closely with other services in the council to deliver effective and efficient solutions to barriers faced by disabled people.
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 contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers, and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
With supervision, work with individuals, families and carers and communities to help them make informed decisions enabling them to clarify and express their needs to promote meaningful activity in their lives and social inclusion.
To actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity.
To be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies, and procedures.
To be compliant with relevant governance, policy, and procedures.
To work within the safeguarding framework to raise concerns and assist with the management of risks where individuals have experienced or are likely to experience significant harm.
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 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 provide support and professional supervision to support staff and to ensure the person achieves the appropriate skills and competencies.

To attend regular personal and professional Supervision with identified Supervisor.
To assist with the practice education of undergraduate OT students, including student placements and other student related activity.
To find and use evidence on which to base professional practice.
With supervision identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures seeking guidance if required.
To promote Occupational Therapy to colleagues both within and outside the council.
To participate in training and development activities that ensures up to date knowledge and skills to retain registration with the HCPC and maintain an up-to-date CPD portfolio.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Specific Responsibilities within the Blue Badge Eligibility Assessment Team

To carry out standard in- clinic assessments for Blue Badges by using the Department for Transport Guidelines.
To contribute to the telescreen assessments.
Undertake visits to establish eligibility for Organisational Badges.

Specific Responsibilities within Children and Young People Services

To consider the development of the Child or Young Person and the needs of the Family/Carer when making recommendations for service provision.
To obtain the views of the Child or Young Person as well as the family/carer during the assessment process and to take account of these views when making recommendations for service provision.

Specific Responsibilities within Environment and Housing

To understand and contribute to the annual service plans of the Health & Housing service that creates opportunities for all disabled people and their families to live independently in quality, affordable, safe and stable housing of their choice across all tenures.
To have knowledge of the various cross tenure funding streams and the scope of the adaptations and re-housing services within Council.

Specific Responsibilities with the Occupational Therapy Recovery Team

To work on a rota pattern between 8am and 8pm 7 days a week – to include some weekend working.
To provide Occupational Therapy advice and support to the SkILS Reablement team outside of Office Hours (5pm-8pm Monday to Friday and 8am-8pm at weekends)
To take a lead in the discharge planning for customers in the Recovery Hubs.

Specific Responsibilities for Integrated Reviewing Team

To be part of a citywide integrated reviewing team and undertake reviews for customers who meet the agreed criteria.
To undertake 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.
Update support plans on CIS and liaise with CCC as appropriate.
To provide detailed moving and handling plans to care providers and provide advice, support and guidance.
To work with care agencies to ensure staff are competent to undertake single handed care/optimised handling.
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.

Specific Responsibilities for Early Intervention Team

To provide enhanced screening to new contacts to the council, who meet the criteria for the Early Intervention Team
Promote Independence and Wellbeing, by intervening early to support individuals, helping people to retain their skills and confidence, and preventing the need or delaying deterioration wherever possible.
To embed reablement principles within the Early Intervention Teams and establish a strengths-based approach, with a focus on promoting independence.
To make appropriate referrals to the area Disability Services Teams
To provide detailed performance information to evidence savings made.

Qualifications

Essential requirements Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.

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.
Ability to effectively plan, prioritise, time manage and evaluate own workload.
Able to communicate and pass information effectively, accurately, and concisely with a range of partners and service users, carers and colleagues.
Able to engage individuals, families, carers, and workers from other agencies.
Able to identify appropriate Occupational Therapy interventions in order to promote positive change.
Ability to carry out safe functional assessments and give physical assistance where necessary.
Ability to move and handle equipment for assessment and provision.
Ability to assess the needs of and work with individuals and groups using a person-centred approach.
Be competent in the use of IT, 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 exercise individual judgement, assess risk and consult where and when appropriate.
Ability to make proactive use of Supervision to reflect critically on practice and explore different approaches to work and understand the boundaries of professional accountability.
Car driver.
Qualified as an Occupational Therapist.
Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Knowledge of the range of models of Occupational Therapy and their use in a community setting.
Knowledge of relevant legislation appropriate to the needs of disabled people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Awareness of the broad range of factors that impact on disabled people and families e.g. range of physical and mental health conditions.
Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
Basic awareness of IT systems including Microsoft Office, internet, and email.
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 vulnerable people.
Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
Report writing and Communications Skills.
Experience of implementing a person-centred focused approach.
Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems.
Experience of using initiative and a commitment to develop services.
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.
Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments.
Experience of using supervision effectively.

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 policies and procedures.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
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 support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
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 Candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

Ability to devise, implement, review, and evaluate service and support plans.
Understanding of the role and function of the Local Authority in providing services to older and disabled people.
Equipment and adaptations available and their application.
Experience of advocacy and user involvement.
Experience of using initiative.
Knowledge of the problems of disadvantaged groups.

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