CHW Occupational Therapist, Senior, Community Neuro-rehabilitation Team

Occupational Therapist, Senior,

Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team,

Community Heathcare West

Job Specification & Terms and Conditions

Job Title, Grade Code

Occupational Therapist, Senior, Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team,

Community Healthcare West

(Grade code: 3301)

Remuneration

The salary scales for this post as of 01/06/2024:

€61,424 -€62,735 -€64,085- €65,423 -€66,762 -€68,172 -€69,656 -€71,137 -€72,325

Campaign Reference

CHW061-OTSNRT-2024

Closing Date

Thursday 10th of October 2024 at 12 noon

Proposed Interview Date (s)

Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks' notice of interview. The timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.

Taking up Appointment

A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.

Location of Post

There is currently one permanent whole-time vacancy for Occupational Therapist, Senior available in Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team, Tuam , Co Galway

A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Occupational Therapist, Senior Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team, Community Healthcare West from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

Informal Enquiries

Name: Dr. Aoife O’Donohue

E-Mail:Aoife.odonohue1@hse.ie

Telephone: 091 775117/ 0871198334

Details of Service

As part of the 'National Strategy and Policy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland – Implementation Framework 2019-2021, the HSE are developing networks of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services. The overarching aim of the Strategy is the development of Neuro-Rehabilitation services to improve outcomes for people by providing safe, high quality, person-centred Neuro-Rehabilitation at the lowest appropriate level of complexity. This must be integrated across the care pathway and provided as close to home as possible. These services are to be configured into population based Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Networks (MCRNs). The new model would see the introduction of a multi-tiered system, with access to services based on clinically assessed need. This means that instead of people being referred to a single service, they are now referred to a network of services and can access services within the network based on their need. All referrals to the network are received on a standardised referral form and are processed through a single point of entry through the Network Rehabilitation Coordinator role. Services would work together across organisational boundaries with people moving across the continuum of care seamlessly based on their needs. The MCRN model consists of a multi-tiered system of Neuro-Rehabilitation services and the Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team (CNRT) provides a critical link in the care pathway by facilitating early discharge and continuity from both acute and post-acute rehabilitation facilities.

The Community Neuro Rehabilitation Team is an inter-disciplinary therapy team providing a specialised service for adults with a range of progressive or acquired neurological conditions. This is a multi-professional team including a Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, Nursing and Administrative staff. This team will provide assessment and intensive therapy to people in both their own homes and in a clinic based setting for up to a period of 12 weeks. This service will provide people with earlier access to specialist rehabilitation close to home. The team provide a person centred service, improving people’s quality of life and working together to support people with neuro-rehabilitative needs.

As this team is part of the Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network, the newly established Community Neuro-rehabilitation Team will have a significant role to play with respect to evaluation of the service and contributing to further development of the team and the wider Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network.

Reporting Relationship

Operational governance for this post will be through the Operational Team Manager. The professional reporting relationship for clinical governance and clinical supervision will be to the Occupational Therapy Manager through the professional line management structure.

Key Working Relationships

The Occupational Therapist, Senior will work closely with the rest of the Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team along with the team lead. The Occupational Therapist, Senior will link in with in-patient and community therapists as required. They will also connect with the Programme Manager for the National Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy as required.

Purpose of the Post

The Occupational Therapist, Senior will be responsible for the provision and delivery of a high-quality, evidence-based Occupational Therapy Service for persons with acquired and progressive neurological conditions and will carry out clinical, educational, and administrative duties as required.

The post holder, together with the interdisciplinary team will provide a specialist neuro-rehabilitation service. This includes providing information and advice to other professionals and carers. This may involve assisting in induction and supervision of staff, and education of Occupational Therapy and work experience students, when appropriate. The post-holder will participate in training opportunities as required.

As a member of the Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team, the post holder will be responsible for planning, developing, co-ordinating and evaluating the service to meet the needs of the service user and the objectives of the CNRT.

The post involves working autonomously and as part of an interdisciplinary team within a community setting.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Occupational Therapist, Senior will:

Professional / Clinical

· Be responsible for the maintenance of standards of practice of self and relevant staff appointed to clinical / designated area(s).

· Be responsible for managing own caseload and for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment programmes for service users according to service standards.

· Be responsible for the day-to-day running of a designated service area(s) by supervising staff, prioritising and allocating work and promoting positive staff morale and team working.

· Foster and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, front line managers, and other healthcare personnel in the team.

· Ensure the quality of documentation of all assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, reports and discharge summaries are in accordance with local service and professional standards.

· Communicate verbally and / or in writing results of assessments, treatment / intervention programmes and recommendations to the service user, team and relevant others in accordance with service policy.

· Participate in team meetings, communicating and working in co-operation with other team members.

· Be responsible for adhering to existing standards and protocols and for leading out on the development and maintenance of standards / strategies for quality improvement and outcome measurement.

· Seek advice and assistance with any assigned duties in line with principles of evidence based practice and clinical governance.

· Ensure that professional standards are maintained in relation to evidence based practice, confidentiality, ethics and legislation.

· Be responsible for goal setting in partnership with service users, family members and team members as appropriate.

· To plan and carry out Therapy programmes which reflect the client’s goals, this may be inclusive of treatments such as splinting/hand therapy relevant to the role.

· To evaluate treatment and use reflective practice within supervision to improve client care and modify as required.

· To possess and demonstrate a good knowledge of neurological conditions and application to daily living skills including the clinical reasoning of the use of equipment, technology and adaptations in the physical and social environment to maximise independence.

· Operate within the scope of Occupational Therapy practice within Ireland and in accordance with local guidelines.

· Demonstrate initiative and innovative ways of delivering cost-effective, evidence based services i.e. education, training, groups as appropriate.

Education and Training

· Participate in mandatory training programmes.

· Participate in continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to practice, contributing to research etc.

· Engage in professional clinical Occupational Therapist supervision.

· Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student therapists. Take part in teaching / training / supervision of other Occupational Therapy and non-Occupational Therapy staff / students and attend practice educator courses as appropriate.

Professional Communication

· Liaise with referring hospital/ consultant / treating team to ensure that referral information is complete and provides rehabilitation needs information.

· To attend and contribute to client case reviews and multi-disciplinary meetings.

· To be skilled in communicating with clients with a range of physical, cognitive, and communication difficulties.

· Ensure that feedback and appropriate information is given to clients in a client centred manner.

· Liaise with members of the IDT and work jointly, as appropriate with regard to patient identified goals and treatment plans.

· To provide feedback and advice to care staff and other members of the inter-disciplinary team regarding the assessment and treatment of a client’s physical, functional, cognitive, sensory and perceptual abilities.

· Provide feedback the client and to relatives, carers and external agencies e.g. occupational health and university support staff, as consented by the client or their advocate(s).

· Make referrals to other agencies as required/appropriate.

· To work with clients, families and the interdisciplinary team to identify client centred goals as part of their overall rehabilitation programme.

Health & Safety

· Promote a safe working environment in accordance with Health and Safety legislation.

· Be aware of and implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

· Actively participate in risk management issues, identify risks and take responsibility for appropriate action.

· Report any adverse incidents in accordance with organisational guidelines.

Administrative

· Promote good working practice and uniformity of standards of best practice.

· Promote quality by reviewing and evaluating the Occupational Therapy service regularly, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services, in collaboration with the relevant others.

· Develop and implement service / business plans, quality initiatives, audits etc. and report on outcomes in collaboration with the Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network Lead.

· Collect and evaluate data about the service user group and demonstrate the achievement of the objectives of the service.

· Oversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements and the Freedom of Information Act, and render reports and other information / statistics as required.

· Promote good team working, and a culture that values diversity.

· Engage in IT developments as they apply to service user and service administration.

· Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health Service.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at latest date of application:

1.Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

(a) Candidates for appointment must:

(i) Be registered, or eligible for registration, on the Occupational Therapists Register maintained by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU.

And

(ii) Have three years full time (or an aggregate of three years full time) post qualification clinical experience.

And

(iii) 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.

And

(iv) Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Occupational Therapists Register maintained by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.

2.Annual Registration

(i) On appointment practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Occupational Therapists Register maintained by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU.

And

(ii) Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

3.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.

4. Character

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

Post Specific Requirements

Candidates must:

· Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience of working in a Neuro-rehabilitation setting and/or specialist Neuro-rehabilitation area as relevant to the role. This may include post graduate Neuro-rehabilitation specific training/education.

· Demonstrate experience in service development and/or quality improvements or other relevant improvement initiatives as relevant to the role.

Other requirements specific to the post

Have access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate:

Professional Knowledge and 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 a knowledge of relevant outcome measures Psychosocial and cognitive skills.

· Demonstrate knowledge of & experience in the provision of appropriate assistive devices.

· Demonstrate knowledge of cognitive, visual, and perceptual deficits & experience in assessment/treatment interventions for same.

· Demonstrate knowledge of motor and sensory impairment & experience in assessment/treatment interventions for same. E.g. Bobath/NDT, upper limb rehabilitation programmes, sensory regulation programmes.

· Demonstrates knowledge of and experience in completing home visits/community living skills training.

· Demonstrate knowledge of & experience in educational and therapeutic group interventions.

· Demonstrate knowledge of & experience in seating and 24-hour postural management.

· Demonstrate knowledge of vocational assessment.

· Demonstrate knowledge of national / professional standards relevant to this post e.g. HIQA standards and of relevant clinical guidelines.

Planning and Managing Resources

· Demonstrate the ability to lead on planning and managing the delivery of an optimum service in an effective and resourceful manner.

· 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)

· Demonstrate ability to take initiative and to be appropriately self-directed.

· Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions.

· Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop self and others in a working environment.

· Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

· Demonstrate ability to organise time and workload effectively.

· Demonstrate effective teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills with experience of collaborative joint assessments and interventions with other team members /relatives as appropriate.

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 audit and research skills.

· Demonstrate the ability to follow line management directions appropriately and to utilise supervision effectively.

· Demonstrate evidence of commitment to 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

· Demonstrate a command of the English language so as to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

· Demonstrate a willingness to engage and develop IT skills relevant to the role.

· Demonstrate knowledge of OT models of practice and treatment interventions relevant to these client groups.

· Demonstrate knowledge of neurological impairments and their impact on physical.

· Demonstrate competence in goal setting, treatment planning, report writing and documentation in partnership with service users.

Campaign Specific Selection Process

Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview

A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.

The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.

The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long term health condition.

For further information on the HSE commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, please visit the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion web page at https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/diversity/

Code of Practice

The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).

The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles that should be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards that should be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.

The CPSA Code of Practice can be accessed via https://www.cpsa.ie/.

The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.

This Job Specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

Occupational Therapist, Senior

Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team,

Community Healthcare West

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure

The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time.

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Remuneration

The salary scales for this post at 01/06/2024:

€61,424 €62,735 €64,085 €65,423 €66,762 €68,172 €69,656 €71,137 €72,325

Working Week

The standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed at Job Offer stage.

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation

Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.

Protection of Children Guidance and Legislation

The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff. You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.

Some staff have additional responsibilities such as Line Managers, Designated Officers and Mandated Persons. You should check if you are a Designated Officer and / or a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.

For further information, guidance and resources please visit: HSE Children First webpage.

Infection Control

Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

Health & Safety

It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

Key responsibilities include:

· Developing a SSSS for the department/service[1], as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.

· Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.

· Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.

· Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.

· Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures[2].

· Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.

· Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.

[1] A template SSSS and guidelines are available on the National Health and Safety Function, here: https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/health-and-safety/safety-statement/

2 See link on health and safety web-pages to latest Incident Management Policy