Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and motivated Occupational Therapist to join Lewisham Community Falls Service. This is a therapist led, multidisciplinary team who provide community falls interventions to older adults that live both at home and in care homes; as well as community-based strength and balance classes and falls prevention training to the local community.



The post offers applicants the opportunity to further develop specialist knowledge and skills in the delivery of high-quality services to clients in the field of falls prevention and management. The post holder will be expected to work closely with partners in health and social care and contribute to the services public health and education agenda including supporting falls awareness training and health promotion events.

Please note:

this vacancy will be based at Honor Oak Health Centre, Turnham Road, SE4 2LA



Applicants should have a minimum of 12 months experience at a band 6 level. Excellent communication skills, initiative; flexibility; good problem-solving skills; and an ability to prioritise a large caseload of complex patients are essential. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who would like to take part in projects and development work to further develop the service.



Since the post is community based; the post holder is required to be a car driver/owner. The service has an agile working policy and has hybrid working arrangements between office and home. Informal visits are welcomed.



Lewisham Community Falls Service are an award-winning, multi-disciplinary therapy led falls prevention service whose innovative work has led to recognition from the Health Innovation Network; Royal College of Occupational Therapists; Health Service Journal; and British Geriatrics Society.



Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:



Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development



Widening access (anchor institution) and employability



Improving the experience of staff with disability



Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development



Making equalities mainstream



Job Summary



To manage a designated case load with complex needs using evidence based / client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate



Maintain records which fulfil legal requirements



To regularly supervise O.T. students on practice placements



To provide leadership for junior/support staff, through supervision and appraisal



Contribute to health promotion and education responsibilities of Community Falls Service



SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



1 Clinical



1.1 To assess and treat a specific caseload of patients of older adults with falls



1.2 To demonstrate a broad level of knowledge and understanding of clinical conditions.



1.3 To undertake multifactorial falls assessments and home hazard assessments to identify falls risk factors with a specific focus on falls linked to environment risks, ADL's, cognition and sensory impairment.



1.4 To design / plan individual patient treatment programmes to implement oneself, or to delegate as appropriate



1.5 To assess and provide treatment for the functional level of patients with regard to personal and domestic activities of daily living, to maximise independence.



1.6 To select and conduct standardised cognitive and perceptual testing with further assessment when needed.



1.7 To carry out an initial risk assessment where necessary and to monitor ongoing risk



1.8 To advise, recommend, make provision for the installation of appropriate aids and adaptations to the patient's social and physical environment.



1.9 To identify and set client centred goals to promote activity and exercise and reduce falls risks



1.10 To monitor and evaluate treatment, including the use of outcome measures, in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention



1.11 To work as a lone practitioner with telephone support from a senior Therapist, if required.



1.12 To refer on to appropriate agencies for the continuation of treatment, reassessment, monitoring and provision of further adaptations.



1.13 To participate in the weekend service if introduced.



2 Communication



2.1 To communicate effectively with patients and carers, O.T colleagues, multidisciplinary team members and other agencies



2.2 To participate in the multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences/ MDT meetings



2.3 To advise and educate patients and carers regarding aids / equipment and falls safety in the home and community



2.4 To participate in staff meetings and other meetings as directed by senior staff and the Lead O.T.



2.5. To cover shifts the falls helpline or a rota system; triaging referrals and giving specialist advice



3 Documentation



3.1 To maintain up to date activity data and activity records in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.



3.2 To provide specific reports to other agencies as appropriate



4 Professional Ethics



4.1 To adhere to the COT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and all other relevant policies and procedures. These include maintaining confidentiality and respecting the patient's dignity, privacy culture and wishes.



5 Leadership, Supervision and Appraisal



5.1 To participate in the individual performance review programme



5.2 To effectively use supervision and appraisal to reflect on own practice and performance.



5.3 To undertake the supervision and appraisal of junior/support staff as delegated by a senior member of staff



5.4 To delegate tasks to support staff as appropriate



5.5 To provide advice to junior/support staff on a day to day basis as required.



5.6 To deputise for the Band 7 in his/her absence, taking responsibility for operational management of the team, allocating and organising the work of junior and assistant staff to meet service priorities on a daily basis.



6 Training Staff and Students



6.1 To participate in the planning and implementing of the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting.



6.2 To be responsible for the supervision and written assessment of O.T. students on practice placement on a regular basis



6.3 To give presentations on specific chosen topics.



6.4 Responsibility for organising specific aspects of training within the department.



6.5. Contribute to Falls service health and education agenda



7 Service Development and Delivery



7.1 To work with other staff within the department to ensure that equipment is maintained and stock monitored.



7.2 To manage the caseload efficiently in order to achieve timely and safe discharges of patients from hospital.



7.3 To assist senior staff and lead in implementing new policies within the department.



7.4 To undertake specific departmental duties



7.5 To work constructively with other therapists and assistants to support development issues, adapting practice and/or making recommendations for change as indicated.



8 Personal / Professional Development



8.1 To participate in internal and external training opportunities, including mandatory and statutory training, to meet identified objectives and demonstrate ongoing development.



8.2 To demonstrate an increasingly complex skills and knowledge base to establish competence and fitness to practise as a senior O.T.



8.3 To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD.



9 Clinical Governance



9.1 To comply with all Trust Policies and procedures (including Infection Control), the Health & Safety at Work Act, and the Data Protection Act.



9.2 To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures



9.3 To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency procedures on and off site and to respond as necessary e.g. emergency resuscitation



9.4 To report on complaints, accidents and any deficits in equipment as soon as possible.



9.5 To assess for and advise on risk factors in given situations.



9.6 To contribute to the Therapy clinical governance and quality agenda.



9.7 To participate in the evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the clinical area as required .



9.8 To demonstrate knowledge and application of national guidelines and legislation relating to health care.



10 Research & Practice Development



10.1 To demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate current research, apply to practice and disseminate findings at local level.



10.2 To develop research and audit skills through participation in local projects.



10.3 To participate in groups facilitating good practice.



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The post holder may be required to undertake other duties which fall with the grade of the job, in discussion with the Clinical lead



This job description will be reviewed in the light of changing service requirements. Any such changes will be discussed with the post holder.