A fantastic opportunity has emerged for an Occupational Therapist. You will assist individuals within their residences, aiming to minimise the necessity for hospital admissions. The Rapid Response team operates across four key areas, ensuring a dynamic and rewarding daily experience:

Hospital Avoidance and Diversion (HAD): Provide in-home treatment through a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to address all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), supporting acutely unwell patients who prefer staying home to avoid hospitalisation.

Urgent Community Response (UCR): Encompassing nine pillars (Falls, Carer Breakdown, Urgent Equipment, Frailty, End of Life, Reduced Mobility, Confusion, Urgent Catheter, Diabetes), significant enhancements align with the national two-hour standard. Somerset FT mandates UCR services, operating 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Rapid Response Service (RRS) for End of Life Care: Support patients approaching end of life, addressing deterioration or the desire to return home for final moments in a preferred environment.

Supporting Intermediate Care Services:Collaborate on initiatives like Discharge to Assess (D2A) for short-term reablement needs at home. Assist the hospital at home team in managing complex cases within the community, aiming to prevent hospital admissions.

Main duties of the job

The Rapid Response Service (RRS) team aims to keep patients at home, aiding in their recovery, reintegrating them into crucial aspects of their lives, and preventing hospital admissions. As part of your role, you'll assess and clinically manage patients targeted for RRS intervention, aiming to prevent further deterioration or hospitalizations. Collaboration with local neighborhood teams is vital for positive outcomes.

Responsibilities encompass conducting focused therapy assessments to prevent hospital admissions, participating in Urgent Community Response (UCR) activities, including assisting patients using appropriate lifting equipment. Additionally, you'll facilitate prompt discharges from Accident and Emergency (A& E) departments, involving comprehensive treatment planning, risk assessment, and promoting independent functioning. The role requires a dedication to a person-centred approach, prioritising tasks, and flexibility in work.

About us

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.

The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!

Job description

Job responsibilities

Utilise verbal and non-verbal communication tools to obtain valid informed consent, addressing barriers like hearing loss, altered perception, and dysphasia.

Optimise rehabilitation potential by effectively communicating with patients and caregivers, employing persuasion and motivation to encourage adherence to treatment programs.

Hold professional and legal responsibility for managing patients, including delegation to students and assistants.

Manage clinical risk within the caseload, responding to unpredictable demands, and prioritising patient needs.

Maintain accurate records and statistics using relevant IT systems, understanding service data requirements.

Provide high-standard therapy services, developing individualised treatment programs and goals.

Oversee safe use of therapeutic equipment, function autonomously in clinical supervision.

Support sickness/absence management, commit to professional development, and maintain clinical professional development.

Demonstrate flexibility in working locations.

Possess a valid driver's license with business insurance for Trust transportation needs.

Person Specification

Essential

Essential

• Occupational Therapy degree
• HCPC registered
• Extensive Community Experience
• Car driver and UK licence

Desirable

• Experience of service development
• Experience of supervising junior staff/students

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bridgwater

Somerset

Bridgwater

TA6 4GU

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

184-AR5281701-H