Occupational Therapist Specialist

Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated,enthusiastic and hard working Band 6 Occupational Therapist to work within ourdynamic hand therapy team at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust.
The post ispermanent, full time and you will be expected to work across all 3 sites withinthe Trust.This will include the treatment of a wide variety of handpathologies following acute trauma and elective surgery, as well as referralsfrom Consultant / GP outpatient clinics for patients with chronic conditions.
You will be responsible for the assessment of patients,extrapolating information from a range of sources (x-rays, swab results,operation notes, etc.)
to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan.
The successful candidates will be required todemonstrate previous experience working in Hand Therapy with a sound knowledgeof wound care, splinting and rehabilitation techniques.We offer regular in-service training, supervision and peersupport for CPD from highly specialised, experienced Occupational Therapistsand Physiotherapists, as well as from the Advanced Hand Therapy Practitionerswithin the team.
This role will include opportunities to be involved with servicedevelopment and wider MDT working.
Main duties of the job The post holder will organise and manage acaseload for a defined group of patients/service users within the handtherapy/plastics department, providing specialist Occupational Therapy support,advice and education and care to that specific group.
They will carry continuing responsibilityfor the delivery of a specialised Occupational Therapy service within the HandTherapy and Plastics team utilising in-depth theoretical and technical skills,for those patients referred from the plastic surgery directorate.
They will independently manage acaseload of patients with complex needs within the Hand Therapy and Plasticsspeciality using evidence based, client centred principles to assess, plan,implement and evaluate interventions to minimise disability and maximiseindependence for independent living.
They will provide leadership,supervision, and appraisal for junior and non-qualified staff and students.They will participate in the planning, development and evaluation ofOccupational Therapy Services within the Hand Therapy and Plastics speciality,holding responsibility for defined projects.
About us We are an acute trust caring for over one million people in Wakefield and Kirklees.
Our 10,000 staff work in patients homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield).
We prioritise our people and values so we can deliver the best possible care to patients.
Our team is friendly, passionate, and innovative, always seeking better ways to work.We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs.
Our staff networks offer safe spaces to share ideas and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust.If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.Application guidance: We understand that more applicants are using AI technology to help with their applications.
While these tools can be useful, they cannot fully capture your skills, knowledge, and experience.
Its important that you personalise your application.
Relying solely on AI is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of success.
Our screening process is thorough, so if you have used AI, please make sure to disclose this on your application form.
Job description Job responsibilities Will havecontinuous delegated responsibility for a caseload of patients and will providean effective and patient focused service which is considerate on needs of usersand providers.Organises, prioritises and evaluates workload based on acceptedreferral criteria and discharge criteria in line with operational protocolsWill provide clinical, social and psychological support to theirpatients using excellent communication skills, education and health promotionto enable them to reach their optimum level of independence and health.To provide specialist advice, supervision and support to their definedcaseload and peers.
To understand and apply the Occupational Therapyprocess in order to effectively self-manage a complex, multiple caseload withinthe Hand Therapy and Plasticsspeciality,addressing occupational performance and skill deficits, enabling the patient incomponents of self care, productivity and leisure.Responsible for providing evidence based practice.Will have responsibility for supporting the clinical specialists and team leader in leading identified and agreedaspects of the service, in the development of care systems, protocols andguidelines working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and developingexcellent interdepartmental relationships with excellent communication with afocus on quality improvement.Will ensure cost effective use of all resources and appropriategovernance management.Promote programmes of health education and health promotion relevant toservice.Work within national policy frameworks relevant to the hands/plasticsand trust local guidance.Review, interpret and act upon diagnostic investigations and point ofcare testing which may effect, change to individual care plans, liaising withappropriate medical staff where necessary.Deal effectively and professionally with patient / service user issuescollaborating with PALS as appropriate and take a proactive approach toresolving issues and learning from complaints and escalate when unable toresolve.To maintain accurate appropriate and concise patient records withinagreed databases and electronic systems.Contribute to the multi-professional approach in the management ofpatients / carers within the specialist area in relation to ongoing care needs.Act as a resource for specialist knowledge for clinical staff in HandTherapy and the MDT.Ensure effective multi- disciplinary communication.Support the management function of the department by provision ofreports and information as required.Provide mentorship and preceptorship as required to junior staff in theteam or students on placement.Ensure you work within an agreed divisional work plan.Toundertake visits and/or assessment in a variety of settings work, home,department, burns unit, school and other community settings.
Toassist with the reintegration of patients to work, school and home following traumaticinjury.Tomaintain flexibility within the Hand Therapy and Plastics team to cover forstaff absence.
Person Specification Qualifications Essential Occupational Therapy Degree Registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) Evidence of continued professional development Desirable Advanced communication skills Have completed a recognised professional practice educator course Member of the RCOT and BAHT Completion of BAHT validated course(s) Experience Essential Supervision of junior and/or support staff and students.
Experience within a hand therapy setting, including the assessment and treatment of these patients.
Experience with a range of hand therapy conditions and protocols.
Involvement in professional practice education Evidence of working within a team Desirable Experience of a diverse range of clinical settings and caseload.
Experience with plastics conditions/protocols Involvement in a clinical special interest group relevant to hands/plastics.
Experience of having a lead role for designated projects.
Skills and abilities Essential Be able to analyse and evaluate the information collected and formulate appropriate recommendations.
Ability to work autonomously and utilise supervision and formal appraisal systems.
Be able to use research, reasoning and problem solving skills to determine appropriate actions.
Be able to formulate specific and appropriate management plans including the setting of timescales Ability to develop, monitor and evaluate service provision.
Ability to use complex communication skills in a variety of settings with clients with complex communication difficulties and deal with complex and difficult emotional situations Be able to use appropriate assessment techniques Co-ordination and prioritisation of a caseload IT literate Teaching, assessment and presentation skills Excellent communication skills Desirable Contributing to the development of students and other staff.
Experience of using appropriate presentation skills.
Experience of completion of leadership training LEO, ILM.
Holds a valid driving license Knowledge and awareness Essential Ability to fabricate a diverse range of splints (inc dynamic and static) and in varying materials for a variety of problems.
Awareness of National Guidelines and evidence based protocols related to hands and plastics care Awareness of factors that can influence team working.
Anatomy & physiology of the upper limb and specifically the hand Upper limb rehabilitation modalities.
Standardised/non-standard assessment pertinent to upper limb.
Scar assessment and treatment Understand the need to establish and maintain a safe practice environment.
Awareness of own limitation Evidence of the use of reflective practice for personal development.
Ability to demonstrate/discuss Occupational Therapy process and its application with clients with complex needs in a wide range of environments Desirable Involvement in research and audit.
Evidence of post-graduate study in hand therapy/plastics/leadership.
Knowledge of use of E-link Cosmetic camouflage Personal attributes Essential A wide range of interpersonal skills including ability to prioritise, delegate, negotiate.
Ability to demonstrate a flexible approach to working practice to facilitate effective team working.
Ability to adapt to fluctuating environments and complex situations.
Ability to work on own initiative and take responsibility for specific tasks.
Ability to maintain judgment and professionalism under pressure Motivated and enthusiastic Desirable Knowledge of the impact of disability and its effect on lifestyle.
Commitment to change management processes