Occupational Therapist (NHS Band 7 Equivalent)

Westminster Education Outreach Service Occupational Therapy

Responsible to: Manager of the Access and Inclusion Team , Westminster Federation of Special Schools

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Purpose of Role:

• To develop and manage the Occupational Therapy Education Outreach Service for Westminster Local Authority.
• To provide Occupational Therapy advice as part of the statutory assessment process as requested by Special Education and Additional Needs team.
• To provide services to school aged children in mainstream schools who have Occupational Therapy as a special education provision in their statement of special education needs from Westminster Council.
• To review the Occupational Therapy provision of children in main stream schools who have a statement of special education needs on the request of the Special Education and Additional Needs team.
• To deliver the best possible outcomes for these children through the provision of Occupational Therapy services, ensuring schools are inclusive of pupils with special education needs.
• To advise the Manager of the Access and Inclusion Team and the Local Authority on Occupational Therapy matters relating to educational needs.

Main Responsibilities:

• To provide a high quality, school based Occupational Therapy Service to children, their families, caregivers and mainstream schools. This can include, but is not limited to: assessment, strategies, advice, training, modelling, programs, equipment/adaptation recommendations.
• To contribute to Statutory Assessments and Annual Reviews where appropriate and within required deadlines.
• To take a lead on the review and development of Occupational Therapy services procedures within the Outreach Team and across Westminster.
• To assist the Manager of the Access and Inclusion Team in developing Occupational Therapy Services by identifying trends and service issues and undertaking service development tasks as required.
• To be responsible for measuring and evaluating outcomes in service provision.
• To work in partnership with a wide range of professionals in education, health and social care, and represent the Westminster Education Outreach Service competently.
• To liaise with other occupational therapy services within Westminster and between other boroughs to maintain effective joint working, to minimise duplication or gaps in service provision and to ensure equitable distribution of OT resources.
• To participate in continued professional development and keep informed of relevant research and best practice, and to maintain HCPC registration.
• To maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation and provide reports using IT appropriately.
• To participate in and contribute to team meetings as appropriate.
• To be conversant with essential local policies and procedures and government legislation as necessary.
• To ensure the Council’s Equal Opportunity Policy is fully implemented in professional practice and service delivery.

Supervision:

• The postholder will be expected to operate with a high degree of professional autonomy, while keeping the manager and clinical supervisor informed of any key developments in important clinical cases and service updates.
• The postholder will report directly to the Executive Head of Westminster Special Schools and will receive supervision and direction accordingly.
• The postholder will engage in the Westminster Special Schools performance management scheme.
• The postholder will receive external clinical supervision from Central London Community Health Occupational Therapy team lead on a monthly basis.

Professional Links and Contacts:

• The postholder will establish and maintain contact with a wide range of professionals, including but not limited to:
• Senior Health Professionals from NHS
• Special Education Needs Coordinators in schools
• School Head Teachers, Teachers and Teaching Assistants
• Learning Support Assistants
• Special Education and Additional Needs Case Officers
• Early years staff in various settings
• Voluntary Sector Staff

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

1. Tertiary Qualification in Occupational Therapy and eligible for registration by the Health Care Professionals Council. The postholder will undergo an enhanced CRB check as part of the appointment process.
2. Advanced knowledge of appropriate assessments and the ability to plan, implement and evaluate Paediatric Occupational Therapy programmes.
3. Leadership and Management skills relevant to a Paediatric Occupational Therapy Service.
4. Efficient and Effective time and caseload management skills.
5. Effective organisation and problem-solving skills.
6. Effective interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication.
7. Ability to work as an effective member of internal and external multi-disciplinary team at a senior level.
8. A good understanding of working in partnership with school staff and families to provide Occupational Therapy services.

Desirable Criteria:

1. A good understanding of childhood illnesses, conditions and disabilities.
2. Knowledge of current service issues for children with disabilities, families and schools.
3. Enjoys challenge and is innovative.
4. Current knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements in the areas of Special Education Needs and Disability, Equal Opportunity, and Occupational Safety and Health, and how these impact on service delivery.
5. Training and experience of Sensory Integration.

You would be most welcome to visit the team and appointments may be made by contacting Alison Stewart, Training and Outreach Manager on 020 7641 5825 or just call for an informal chat.

Application forms can be downloaded from the school’s website: www.qe2cp.westminster.sch.uk

Completed applications and supporting statements to be sent to Alison Stewart at e.ilenbarenemen@qe2cp.westminster.sch.uk

Closing date for applications: midnight Wednesday 30 November 2016

Safeguarding

Westminster Special Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and therefore expect all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made subject to receipt of a completed application form, satisfactory references and Enhanced CRB Disclosure.