Senior Occupational Therapist - Tribeca House - REQ001224

Job title: Senior Occupational Therapist

Salary: PO3 £41,511- £44,771 pro rata

Hours: 18.5 hours, job share

Contract: Permanent

Location: Tribeca House

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

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who is looking to progress their career and work as a Senior member of the team in one of our established Disability Services Teams.

About the role

As a Senior Occupational Therapist you will visit people in their own homes and undertake assessments of disabled and older people, with complex needs, using a strength based, occupational focus, and aim to reduce barriers to inclusion in day-to-day activities. This will include making recommendations for complex major adaptations and equipment to enable people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

You will also need to bring skills in moving and handling, both including in risk assessment and in identifying solutions to reduce risk which considers the needs and personal outcomes of disabled people and their families.

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.

Professional supervision and line management are provided by a Disability Team Manager, who is a registered Occupational Therapist. Senior OTs are responsible for supervising less experienced members of the team. CPD is supported including through peer groups.

Occupational Therapists have a role in shaping and developing the service and there will also be other opportunities to be involved in development work within the service. We provide opportunities for all our registered Occupational Therapists to support student education and to gain skills in the supervision and support of new graduate Occupational Therapists. Occupational Therapists are given half a day a month for their CPD.

You will need to be a car driver and have access to a car, and a mileage allowance is paid for using your own car.

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 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

Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form

For more information or an informal chat about the role please contact Arif Rehman Disability Team Manager Tel: 07712217211, or email arif.rehman@leeds.gov.uk

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

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

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. 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 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 within the Independent Mobility Assessment Team

To carry out complex and children’s in clinic assessments of service users applying for a Blue Badge using the guidelines determined by the Department for Transport.

To carry out telescreen assessments
To manage, analyse and screen all new referrals, allocating to staff as appropriate.

Specific Responsibilities within Children and Young Peoples 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 a knowledge of the various cross tenure funding streams and the scope of the adaptations and re-housing services within Council.

Specific Responsibilities with the OT Resources Team

To have a knowledge of the Council’s Residential and Nursing Care Services (Framework Arrangement) 2012-2017.

To understand funding streams for bespoke specialist equipment.

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 with the Community Wellbeing Teams

To use a Person-Environment-Occupation Performance model to consider the person and their environment and what tasks they need to do, and how the structure of those tasks needs to be adapted.

To provide Occupational Therapy assessments with people when they first join the Community Wellbeing Teams, and review them as necessary, during their involvement.

To embed reablement principles within the Community Wellbeing Teams and establish a strengths-based approach, with a focus on promoting independence.

To design reablement focussed support plans to work towards a customer’s independence and to promote and support reablement as a core function of the service.

Specific Responsibilities for Enhanced Reviewing Team

To be part of a citywide enhanced 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 Enhanced 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
Committed to continuous improvement.
Identify and take account of the significance of diversity on the lives of people and show application of this understanding in practice
Take responsibility for improving practice through professional development
Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

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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