To work in conjunction with other team members in co-ordinating and developing the service to meet the needs of the service user group and the objectives of the organisation. The Senior Occupational Therapist will be responsible for the provision of a high quality Occupational Therapy service and will carry out clinical and educational duties as required.

Occupational Therapy Service

Louth County Hospitals has an established Occupational Therapy Service, 34.5 staff across three sites (Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda, Cottage Community Hub Drogheda and Louth County Hospital Dundalk).

Louth County Hospitals Occupational Therapy department provides a wide range of acute, outpatient and rehabilitation services i.e. Medical, Neurology, Care of the Elderly, Frailty, Critical Care, Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation, Stroke, Surgical, Early Supported Discharge Stroke (ESD) etc.

The aim of the Early Supported Discharge team is to support people with stroke to be discharged early from hospital, delivering goal-centred rehabilitation in their home environment.  The Senior OT will work collaboratively as a core member of the specialist stroke team to provide a high quality rehabilitation service, in line with current evidence based practice for stroke patients. The team aims to empower people with stroke to maximise their potential to reach their goals of self-management, accessing their environment and local community as well as returning to previous occupations and roles.

Job Spec Senior OT ESD Oct 25

Candidates must on the latest date for receiving applications for the above post:

1. Statutory Registration Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc

(a) Candidates for appointment must:

(i) Be registered on the Occupational Therapists Register maintained by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU.

Or

(ii) Applicants who satisfy the conditions set out in Section 91 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, (see note 1 below*), must submit proof of application for registration with the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU. The acceptable proof is correspondence from the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU confirming their application for registration as a Section 91 applicant.

And

(iii) Have three years full time (or an aggregate of three years) post qualification clinical experience of which at least one year must be related to stroke care.

And

(iv) Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

2. Annual registration

(i) Practitioners must maintain annual registration on Occupational Therapists Register maintained by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU

And

(ii) Confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC)

1. Age

Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where s/he is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs.

2. Health

Candidates 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.

3. Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Note 1*:

Professional Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrate clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning skills and evidence based practice appropriate to carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the role in line with relevant legislation and standards.
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of the Occupational Therapy process, the underpinning theory and its application to the role.
• Demonstrate evidence of having applied / used appropriate assessment tools and treatments and knowledge of the implications of outcomes for service users.
• Demonstrate the knowledge, abilities and technical skills required to provide safe, efficient and effective service in the area of practice.
• Demonstrate a willingness to engage and develop IT skills relevant to the role.

Planning and Managing Resources  

• Demonstrates the ability to plan activities and co-ordinate resources to ensure value for money and maximum benefit for the organisation.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead on planning and managing the delivery of an optimum service in an effective and resourceful manner.
• Demonstrate ability to take initiative and to be appropriately self-directed
• Demonstrates ability to prioritise the most important tasks on an ongoing basis.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in response to workforce demands.
• Demonstrate ability to take initiative and to be appropriately self-directed.

Managing and Developing (Self and Others)

• Demonstrates ability to lead by example and adapts leadership style to suit the demands of the situation and the people involved.
• Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a team, collaborates well with others.
• Demonstrates the ability to react constructively to setbacks and to both give direction / feedback, and take direction / feedback, from others.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development and knowledge sharing.

Commitment to providing a Quality Service

• Demonstrate a commitment to and the ability to lead on the delivery of a high quality, person centred service.
• Demonstrates innovation in the provision of person-centred care and in overcoming resource limitations.
• Ensures that all service users are treated with dignity and respect and ensures that the welfare of the service user is a key consideration at all times.
• Works at an operational level to build alliances and learn how to best position service delivery to meet the needs of its service users.
• Is open to change and supports the implementation of change.
• Demonstrate a proven record of clinical/academic achievement in participating in continuing professional development.

Evaluating Information and Judging Situations

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information and make effective decisions in relation to service user care.
• Explains the rationale behind decisions confidently when faced with opposing or competing demands. Is objective but also aware of sensitivities in their approach.
• Regularly quantifies and evaluates activities against service plans and takes timely action to correct potential difficulties. Recognises how service constraints impact on service delivery.

Communications and Interpersonal Skills

• Displays effective communication skills (verbal & written).
• Tailors the communication method and the message to match the needs of the audience; demonstrates active listening skills.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate in partnership with others.
• Demonstrates sensitivity, diplomacy and tact when dealing with others; is patient and tolerant when dealing with conflict situations.

Demonstrates strong negotiation skills; remains firm but flexible when putting forward a point of view.