Senior Occupational Therapist in Hand Therapy

The role is responsible for the provision of quality service in line with standards of Physiotherapy / Occupational Therapy practice. As a key member of the frontline team, the Senior Out Patient Hand Therapist will demonstrate managerial and leadership skills and facilitate effective communication with colleagues in the hospital. The position requires a participatory approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the management of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives.  Job Background/Context Blackrock Health Hermitage Medical Clinic is a private hospital providing a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities. The Physiotherapy Department provides a range of inpatient and outpatient services and this role is important in making a significant contribution, developing and maintaining best practice in Physiotherapy services. Key Responsibilities  OperationsBe responsible for assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment / intervention programmes for service users according to professional standards.  Collaborate with the service user, family, carers and other staff in goal setting and treatment / intervention planning.Provide clinical leadership in the day-to-day running of the service by supporting and supervising staff, prioritising and allocating work and promoting positive staff morale.Be responsible for maintenance of standards of practice of self and designated staff.Maintain effective liaison with other staff disciplines and consultants by attending relevant meetings, through verbal as well as written reporting.Maintain accurate records and record statistics in accordance with departmental guidelines.Liaise with external services, statutory and voluntary agencies as appropriate.In conjunction with the Physiotherapy Manager, contribute to the development and implementation of procedures, policies, and guidelines while adhering to existing standards and protocols.Critically evaluates interventions and participates in regular standard setting and outcome measurement.Contribute to the development of the Out Patient Hand Therapy service within the Physiotherapy Department of the Hermitage Medical Clinic.Assist with Occupational Therapy services to in-patients in the Hermitage Medical Clinic as the need arises. Learning and EducationMaintain and develop professional expertise and knowledge by actively engaging in continuing professional development e.g. reflective practice, attending and presenting at in-service events, attending training courses, conferences, professional courses or other courses relevant to practice, completing independent literature review and other relevant reading.Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student therapists. Promote and engage in the teaching / training / support of others as appropriate.Supervise Occupational Therapists / Physiotherapists and other department staff that may be assigned to the area and to provide Professional Supervision in accordance with the Physiotherapy departmental policy. Act as a clinical resource for colleagues.Keep abreast of current developments and the implications that they may have for clinical practice. Quality Improvement & Risk ManagementEnsure that there is compliance with all relevant Hermitage Medical Clinic guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. This includes responsibility for dealing with regulatory or professional bodies and inspections. Encourage continuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existing practices through regular audit programmes and review engaging with the multi-disciplinary team where required.Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement across the department involving the team in continuous improvement initiatives and encouraging innovation. Contribute to the setting and monitoring of core objectives, standards and key performance indicators for the service and monitor performance against these standards through internal and (where applicable) external audit.Participate in the requirements of the hospitals accreditation process.Participate in the requirements of the hospital’s risk management programme.Promote the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients. Encourage evidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.Work with members of the Multidisciplinary team in devising Standard Operating Procedures for the development of the Unit.Provide clinical nursing leadership in proactively addressing ethical and quality of service issues with multidisciplinary team members and hospital management.Develop a culture of safety, promoting positive reporting of incidents and near misses; investigate and take remedial action on incidents or near misses involving patients and staff according to hospital policies, protocols and guidelines.  Essential Criteria Knowledge/ ExperienceQualificationsBSc degree in Occupational Therapy from University of DublinB.A. (Hons) degree from the National University of Ireland Diploma U.C.D. or Trinity CollegeA.O.T.I recognised equivalent to above Minimum of 4 years post graduate satisfactory experience Knowledge of the operational procedures in the Physiotherapy DepartmentCurrent member of AOTI or CORU Skills/ Competencies Management skills Leadership skills IT skillsQuality focusInterpersonal and communication skills Audit and evaluationPrioritisation and delegation  Desireable Skills Knowledge/ Experience Post graduate qualification diploma /masters in management /Clinical area Member of relevant special interest group Teaching/tutoring experience Experience in training/supervision of junior staff/students/assistants Skills/ CompetenciesBroad knowledge of the main clinical areas, in all aspects of the serviceBackground knowledge of Hospital operationsPresentation skillsBudgetary skills  This Job Description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position and is subject to regular review and amendment. The role holder will be required to be flexible in this position and is expected to facilitate working additional hours on occasion, when requested.Blackrock Health Hermitage Medical Clinic is an Equal Opportunities Employer