Occupational Therapist-Dementia Assessment

Job Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join our Dementia Assessment Team based in Horsham. The team focuses on the assessment of people who have been referred due to symptoms that possibly indicate a dementia, to provide a diagnosis where appropriate, and support the person and their family / carers to access appropriate post-diagnostic support.

We are looking for applicants who have a keen interest in dementia, who have experience working in a mental health setting, and who are compassionate and able to demonstrate a holistic and person-centred approach to their work. As the team's occupational therapist, you will use OT standardised assessment to help inform diagnosis, particularly in complex clinical presentations.

The successful candidate will need to be able to demonstrate previous experience of specialist assessment, an ability to effectively manage and reduce risk, holistic and person-centred treatment planning. The interventions offered by the service are time limited and recovery focussed with a plan to transfer the case elsewhere to an external partner, and as such excellent communication and liaison skills with third sector partners is a necessity.

We are passionate about involving people, family and friends in care and we welcome candidates with experience of co-production. We are dedicated to improving services and delivering high quality care.

Main duties of the job
As the team's occupational therapist, you will use OT standardised assessment to help inform diagnosis, particularly in complex clinical presentations.

You will provide specialist occupational therapy interventions for referred clients using evidence based, client centred practice and will tailor your interventions to meet their need.

Your assessment will help inform the post-diagnostic support and coping strategies that will benefit the person to adjust to the diagnosis.

To act as Lead Practitioner if appropriate

Post diagnostically you the OT will be supporting the person diagnosed with dementia and their family to maintain or improve occupational engagement. This could be 1-1 or in groups, as well as increasing safety and promoting independence.

Additionally, there is a key focus in supporting transitions and social engagement, supporting the person to connect with other appropriate services and establish meaningful routines and activities in community.

You will liaise closely with carers and other professionals involved in the clients care, to ensure joined up, collaborative working.

Working for our organisation
In return for your skills and expertise we can offer you challenging and highly rewarding work within an established, innovative, forward thinking occupational therapy team that prides itself on being supportive, providing regular learning and development opportunities and clinical supervision. The organisation has regular CPD events and networks, and excellent training opportunities, with a professional structure in place.

You will also have access to our fantastic AHP training prospectus and communities of practice including sensory processing, Recovery through Activity, Research and Innovation and Occupational Formulation.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
To manage a caseload of clients, acting as a lead practitioner.

To complete outcome measures, care plans assessments and risk assessments.

To provide specialist clinical advice and input for older adults with complex problems and needs.

Inform the post diagnostic support and coping strategies that will benefit the person to adjust to their diagnosis.

Post diagnostically you will be supporting the person diagnosed with dementia, and their family to maintain or improve occupational engagement. This could be one to one or in groups, as well as increasing safety and promoting independence.

To ensure occupational therapy contribution to the provision of quality clinical care and performance standards.

To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of occupational therapy and local multi-professional services.

Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria

• Degree/Diploma in occupational therapy
• Evidence of post graduate level study/training
• Registration with the HPC as an occupational therapist
• Management/Leadership training
• Training in the use of standardised occupational therapy assessment tools

Knowledge/Experience
Essential criteria

• Experience as a qualified occupational therapist in mental health
• Broad experience of working with clients with a range of mental health problems
• Experience of both group and individual work
• Experience of multidisciplinary working
• Experience of supervising staff and students
• Experience as a Care Coordinator
• Experience in a clinical area related to the post
• Leadership experience
• Experience in applying a range of assessment tools and a comprehensive knowledge of occupational therapy clinical approaches used in mental health