0.5 WTE Senior Occupational Therapist in Rheumatology

  • Dublin
  • Tallaght University Hospital
Job Title: 0.5 WTE Senior Occupational Therapist in Rheumatology Permanent Reference No: 04.017 (2024) Department / Directorate: Occupational Therapy Department, COO DirectorateReports to: Occupational Therapist Manager or DeputyTallaght University Hospital (TUH) is one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals, adult, psychiatric and age-related healthcare on one site. The Hospital has 450 adult beds with over 3,500 people on staff and more than 60 different nationalities represented. The Hospital is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is a designated trauma unit incorporating the National Pelvic and Acetabular Unit, a regional Urology Centre and the second largest provider of renal dialysis services in the country. One of the two main academic teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin - TUH specialise in the training and professional development of staff in areas such as Medicine, Nursing, Health and Social Care Professionals. TUH is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties. The Hospital is an exciting and dynamic place to work, in the midst of implementing a new hospital strategy, the team have already delivered on the opening of a new Renal Dialysis unit, Reeves Day Surgery Centre, a step down facility in the community, a new ICU and the development of a supraregional Endometriosis Service. It is an exciting time to join the TUH team and one of Ireland’s main teaching hospitals with so many plans to enhance patient care. The Hospital believes in investing in their team and offers excellent education and research opportunities.TUH Vision and ValuesThe vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partnersAchieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeingRespect – for patients, each other and our environmentEquity – for patients and staffAt TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally. We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.Purpose of the role:The Senior Occupational Therapist will work in conjunction with other Rheumatology Occupational Therapy and wider Rheumatology multi-disciplinary team members in coordinating and developing the service to meet the needs of patients within the Outpatient Rheumatology service and the objectives of the Hospital. The Senior Occupational Therapist in Rheumatology will be responsible for the provision of a high quality Occupational Therapy service and will carry out clinical and educational duties as required. The Rheumatology OT service consists of two other Senior Occupational Therapists. The Senior Occupational Therapist will also be responsible for supervising Basic Grade / Student Occupational Therapists as well as Therapy Assistants and participate in their continuing professional training and development.Qualifications & Experience required Must have:Be registered as an Occupational Therapist with CORU, the professional body for regulating Health & Social Care Professionals or be in the process of obtaining same as applicable. Hold an Occupational Therapy qualification (BSc/MSc) from an Irish University approved by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU. Candidates who have not received their degree in Occupational Therapy in the Republic of Ireland must ensure that their qualification is validated by the Department of Health and Children and/or by CORUAndHave the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the officeDemonstrate minimum 3 years post graduate clinical experience as an Occupational Therapist, 1 year of which is in the area of musculoskeletal conditions (including Orthopaedics, Burns and Plastics or Rheumatology) or in managing chronic conditions including Rheumatology, Pain and ME.Evidence of continuing professional development and clinical knowledge relevant to the required area of specialism – RheumatologyDesirable:AOTI / IAHT or equivalent membership involvement. Experience in service development, clinical audit relevant to the role.Splinting skills desirable.Experience delivering treatment/intervention in a group setting.Experience working with patients with long term/chronic conditions.Overview of role:Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesBe responsible for the development, delivery and maintenance of high standards of clinical practice and service in designated area(s) provided in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist ManagerPromote quality by reviewing and evaluating the Occupational Therapy service regularly, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services, in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist ManagerBe responsible for managing own caseload and for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment programmes for patients according to service standards.Be responsible for supervising staff, prioritising and allocating workPromote positive staff morale, team working and a culture that values diversity in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager Foster and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, front line managers, and other healthcare personnel and teams throughout the hospitalEnsure the quality of documentation of all assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, reports and discharge summaries are in accordance with local service and professional standardsCommunicate verbally and / or in writing results of assessments, treatment / intervention programmes and recommendations to the team and relevant others in accordance with service policyAttend and represent the department at clinics, review meetings, team meetings, case conferences, ward rounds etc. as designated by Occupational Therapist ManagerEnsure that staff arrange and carry out duties in a timely manner, within settings appropriate to patient’s needs, and in line with local policy/guidelinesBe responsible for adhering to existing standards and protocols and for the development and maintenance of standards / strategies for quality improvement and outcome measurementSeek advice and assistance with any assigned duties in line with principles of evidence based practice and clinical governanceLiaise with the Occupational Therapist Manager regarding the needs, interests and views of Occupational Therapy staffMonitor and keep up to date with new developments in Occupational Therapy and keep informed about current practiceParticipate in continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to practiceMaintain a record of CPD activities to demonstrate evidence of ongoing professional development in line with local departmental guidelines and CORU registrationContribute to a structured process for education, training and supervision of OT students, colleagues, undergraduates and attend practice educator courses as appropriateEnsure newly qualified therapists have adequate induction and clinical supervision and assist in implementing annual staff development and performance reviewEngage in mandatory training programmes within the department and hospitalParticipate in supervision and performance review with the Occupational Therapist ManagerDemonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with the Occupational Therapist Manager and identify own strengths and development needsActively participate in and promote continuing education and research activities consistent with the positionDevelop and implement service / business plans, quality initiatives, audits etc. and report on outcomes in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist ManagerCollect and evaluate data about the service and patient group and demonstrate the achievement of the objectives of the serviceOversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements and the Freedom of Information Act, and render reports and other administrative records / statistics as required within the Occupational Therapy departmentParticipate in the management of Occupational Therapy stock and equipment in conjunction with the Occupational Therapist ManagerKeep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health ServiceComply with department procedures with regard to assessment, recommendation and provision of all assistive equipment / custom made devicesAttend and occasionally chair regular department meetingsManage time effectively to balance clinical and administrative responsibilitiesPerform such other duties appropriate to the office as may be assigned by the Occupational Therapist ManagerReward & RecognitionRemuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 3301The appointment is part time (17.5hours), permanent and pensionableThe annual leave entitlement is 29 working days per year, pro rata. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.Normal working hours for this grade are 35 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.