Job description

Job responsibilities

1. To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work and maintain high standards of clinical care.
2. To independently manage a caseload of driver, passenger and outdoor mobility assessments, often working autonomously.
3. To undertake comprehensive assessments of clients with physical, cognitive, neurological and learning impairments, including those with complex or multiple conditions.
4. To undertake assessments informed by evidence-based practice, specialist training and professional development.
5. To identify physical, cognitive and psychosocial factors that may impact assessment outcomes and recommendations.
6. To build effective working relationships with external agencies including NHS services, Adult Social Care, DVLA, Motability and equipment providers.
7. To ensure clients feel informed, supported and at ease throughout the assessment process.
8. To communicate sensitively and effectively with clients who may experience anxiety, distress or frustration.
9. To support the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) during assessments by providing clinical insight into a clients needs and potential risks.
10. To communicate assessment outcomes clearly and professionally, including situations where difficult or sensitive information must be shared.
11. To ensure clients understand any recommendations made, including responsibilities relating to notifying the DVLA where appropriate.
12. To undertake risk assessments in line with William Merritt Centre policies and procedures.
13. To ensure the safe use of equipment including vehicles, vehicle adaptations, wheelchairs and moving and handling equipment.
14. To coordinate equipment required for assessments and liaise with external agencies where necessary.
15. To participate in referral discussions, screening and service planning.
16. To provide information and advice regarding assistive technology, vehicle adaptations and mobility solutions.
17. To contribute to the development of displays, resources and information materials within the Centre.
18. To undertake outreach clinics in Doncaster and surrounding areas. A vehicle will be provided for outreach travel.
19. To work in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and maintain the physical capability required to undertake assessments safely.
20. To maintain HCPC registration and work within professional standards and codes of conduct.
21. To contribute to flexible working practices to meet service and organisational needs, including occasional promotional or educational events.

Person Specification

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Ability to use clinical reasoning to inform practice and make sound decisions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner
• To contribute to service development
• To remain up to date with professional practice
• Ability to understand the legal implications of the profession
• Ability to cope with stressful situations
• To demonstrate competent IT skills and ability to learn.

Desirable

• To demonstrate good presentation skills

Personal attributes

Essential

• Ability to maintain judgment under pressure and deal with complex medical conditions
• Ability to solve problems and think flexibly to solve them
• Reliable and flexible in approach to complex situations and service developments
• Team worker being able to work with clinical and non-clinical support staff
• Knowledge of the work of The William Merritt Centre
• Ability to cope with organisational change
• Ability to develop rapport with clients quickly

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
• HCPC Registration.

Desirable

• Membership of professional body
• Evidence of CPD maintained in a professional portfolio.
• Awarded the Driving Assessment and Outdoor Mobility certificate.

Experience

Essential

• Working knowledge of a broad range of physical and cognitive conditions in adults and older people.
• Experience of carrying out Occupational Therapy assessments.

Desirable

• 1-3 years post-graduation work experience.
• Experience of carrying out cognitive standardised and non-standardised Occupational Therapy assessments.
• Contribution to education / CPD and training of colleagues

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

William Merritt Disabled Living Centre

Address

Soar Works Enterprise Centre

14 Knutton Road

SHEFFIELD

S5 9NU

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.wmdlc.org (Opens in a new tab)