The person appointed to this new permanent, part-time; Occupational Therapy Assistant position will work as part of the Early Supported Discharge (ESD) service to support early discharge home for Stroke patients.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant will work under the supervision of a qualified registered occupational therapist (hereafter referred to as an occupational therapist) to ensure a high quality and efficient service to patients. They will assist the Occupational Therapist in their role to facilitate the provision of an effective and efficient service to meet the needs of the service user group and the objectives of the organisation.

As a member of the Occupational Therapy team the Occupational Therapy Assistant will work in conjunction with other team members to ensure the provision of a high-quality Occupational Therapy service to our patients and will carry out clinical, administrative and educational duties as required.

Informal Enquiries: 

Helen Cornelissen, Occupational Therapist Manager In Charge III

Email address: helen.cornelissen@hse.ie

Candidates must have at the latest date of application:

Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

Possess the Certificate in Health Service Skills or Healthcare Support with Occupational Therapy Assistant modules 1 and 2 at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) maintained by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Or

Possess a relevant healthcare qualification at not less than Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) maintained by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and give an undertaking to participate in the appropriate Occupational Therapy Assistant training modules 1 and 2 within 1 year of taking up duty

Or

Are currently employed as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, Healthcare Assistant, Attendant, Multi-Task Attendant or be in a comparable role for at least 1 year and give an undertaking to acquire the appropriate Level 5 or Occupational Therapy Assistant training programme within 1 year of taking up duty

And

Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role

Post Specific Requirements:

The successful candidate must demonstrate ALL of the following Criteria, Skills, Competencies and Knowledge:

• Must have at least one years’ recent experience in an acute hospital setting working with Stroke patients.

Knowledge

1. A good understanding of the philosophy and role of Occupational Therapy Profession in an Acute Care outreach setting
2. Knowledge of the Occupational Therapy Service in CHB
3. Previous experience in working with adults following a Stroke in a fast-paced care hospital setting
4. Assisting an occupational therapists in providing specialised seating systems and 24-hour posture management systems for adults with strokes
5. Demonstrate current up to date experience in transfer techniques
6. Demonstrate experience and competence in ordering equipment electronically, monitoring and maintaining stock control.
7. Demonstrates knowledge of Health & Safety Legislation and its application
8. Demonstrates knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control Standards

Communication and Interpersonal skills:

1. Demonstrates good communication skills
2. Demonstrates good interpersonal skills
3. Demonstrates ability to cope with stressful situations
4. Demonstrates ability to undertake responsibility
5. Demonstrates enthusiasm and interest
6. Demonstrates experience and ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT)
7. Working knowledge of computer skills including Email, Word and Excel.

Teamwork:

1. Demonstrates competence in the ability to develop and maintain good working relationship with all grades of staff and professions
2. Demonstrates the ability to be a team player
3. Demonstrates ability to successfully engage with the service user, their carer(s) / family, key worker(s) and other various members of the multi-disciplinary team
4. Demonstrates a commitment to working in a fast-paced dynamic setting

Planning and Organising:

1. Demonstrates proven competence in a strong organisational ability with practical competence
2. Demonstrates a proven ability to plan and manage own time with Supervision

Quality & Patient Focus:

1. Demonstrates a proven commitment to develop with training and Supervision
2. Demonstrates the required skills to maintain a clean, safe and tidy environment
3. Demonstrates the ability to maintain confidentiality
4. Demonstrates the ability to ensure that all service users and their carer(s) / family are treated with dignity and respect and ensures that the welfare of the service user is a key consideration at all times
5. Demonstrates the ability to use sound practical judgement and decision making.

Other requirements specific to the post:

1. Essential that the applicants must have a full valid driver’s license as a critical requirement of the role.
2. Applicants must have access to their own appropriate vehicle / car as a critical requirement of the role. The candidate must be willing to have their car insurance indemnified for use for work for the HSE.

Relevant Attachment: CHB HSE Job Spec OT Assistant ESD