An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Occupational Therapy team Victoria School and Millie College as our Head of Occupational Therapy. The successful applicant will be motivated and enthusiastic and ready to lead our skilled multidisciplinary therapy team based at both Victoria School in Poole, Dorset and Millie College in Holton Heath, Dorset.
This will be a shared post between both sites.
Victoria School is a school for students aged 3-19 with primarily physical and medical needs and associated learning difficulties. Millie College is a further education College for young adults over the age of 16 with wide and varying physical, learning, social and emotional and medical conditions.
Both sites also cater for young people who have autistic spectrum conditions.
Both education sites are fully inclusive and integrated schools that inspire and create a wonderfully calm and nurturing environment.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will be responsible for leading the Occupational Therapy Team at both sites, as well as delivering Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions to children and young adults with a variety of developmental and life-long disorders. You will work closely with families and with other professionals to provide an excellent quality of care and to act as a source of information, support and advice. You will be responsible for the supervision of the Occupational Therapists and OT Technicians. You will have experience of supervising junior staff and ideally leading a team. You will have experience of working with children/young adults either in a special school or within a paediatric occupational therapy setting and/or neurological conditions. Additional qualifications within sensory integration would be an advantage. A minimum of 4 years' experience post-graduation is required. If you are passionate about working with young people, able to use an integrated therapy and education approach; working with children, families, therapy and teaching staff to improve outcomes for children we would love to hear from you. We look forward to welcoming applicants that value knowledge, skills and ideas and have excellent communication skills and who want to develop their leadership skills. About us
Working with us can provide you with exciting career development and training opportunities. You will receive a comprehensive induction programme, access training, regular supervision, excellent support from the Head of Therapies, experienced OTs and OT Technicians and a range of opportunities for CPD. We also offer excellent holidays, as well as a pension plan. In return, you will join a supportive, friendly and experienced team and an organisation with strong core values and a commitment to professional development, including in-service training and opportunities to gain further qualifications. Job responsibilities
HEAD OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PURPOSE OF THE JOB To lead and manage the provision of a high-quality Occupational Therapy service for students and young people with a variety of special needs with the aim of maximising their potential and independence. To supervise and manage the OT department at both Victoria School and Millie College, delegating duties where appropriate and dealing with staffing matters pertaining thereto. To manage own clinical caseload and provide an Occupational Therapy (OT) service for students at Victoria and Millie with the aim of maximising their functional potential, independence and quality of life. To take responsibility for the liaison and coordination of their care relating to their functional, physical, self-care and sensory needs within a multi-agency team. Where appropriate to support the students' transition process. MAIN DUTIES To lead and manage the Occupational Therapy team; having overall responsibility for the development, provision and quality of the OT team within the school and college. To line manage the Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants which will include; disseminating information, allocating and monitoring caseloads, regular staff support and supervision sessions and a yearly Annual Appraisal (APR). Take overall lead in the planning and development of the OT teams, as part of the therapy service and contribute to the annual department development plan. Follow departmental and organisational policies, procedures and systems relevant to own role. To identify and lead changes in policies, procedures and systems as required. Coordinate and delegate administrative tasks as required. To undertake evaluation of the clinical practice of OT teams, in order to provide optimum care. To lead and contribute to departmental audits and research projects within specialist area in close liaison with the Head of Therapies. To liaise closely with the Head of Therapies in identifying need and all aspects of service delivery. To attend meetings as laid out by the Head teacher. To act upon identified actions required from said meetings. To carry out additional duties and tasks that may be required within the range of the responsibilities of the post of Head OT. To be responsible for own clinical assessments and to subsequently plan and deliver programmes that encourage the development of the students' maximum potential towards independence, either in groups or individually. These will encompass the following: physical, sensory, cognitive, play skills and social skills. To assess the individual seating, self-care and personal care needs of students and regularly review any specialist equipment provided within the school environment. To advise staff with regard to providing the optimum classroom environment to support student learning, including the assessment of their ICT access ability classroom to ensure maximum effectiveness of the learning environment. To liaise closely with members of the multi-disciplinary team; physiotherapists, speech & language therapists, rehabilitation engineers, IT Technicians, teachers and student support workers when assessing functional seating, switch access, communication aids, class-based activities and other relevant needs concerned with daily living; toileting, bathing/showering, feeding/drinking. To liaise closely with parents/carers and community services making referrals to community teams as appropriate. To carry out home visits if requested by a member of the community OT team or indeed if deemed appropriate by the school MDT. To support with transition from paediatric to adult therapy services including developing and maintaining strong links with community services to ensure referrals are completed and transition is well managed and the student well supported with their needs being met in the best way. To further develop strong therapeutic links between the 2 sites; Victoria School and Millie College. To keep necessary OT documentation up to date and write reports as required, including Person Centred reviews and EHCP reviews and PLP goals. To attend meetings, clinics, reviews and case conferences as necessary. To be responsible for and able to evidence own personal and professional development by undertaking the relevant training, attending meetings, conferences and events ensuring that you are updated in all matters relevant to the role in-line with agreed Personal Development Plan and CPD. To be accountable for own professional actions, working within codes of practice, professional guidelines and policies and planning own caseloads therapy programme in line with short and long term goals. To disseminate highly skilled knowledge through training and advice regarding all aspects of OT, within own skill base, providing a second opinion as required. Undertake OT assessments as required, of new and existing Students/Service Users to inform placement requirements and fee bands. Person Specification
Experience
Well-established knowledge of assessment tools and a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group. Very good awareness of national policies and procedures (relevant to the client group) and their implications for O.T. Very good awareness of current research. Very good understanding of the principles of clinical governance/audit. Very good understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client group). Knowledge of hand splinting and neurological conditions. Very good knowledge of specialist paediatric equipment. Very good knowledge of appraisal systems and staff development. Previous experience of working within a paediatric setting or with young persons with neurological or developmental impairment. Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team. Experience of supervising and or managing an OT team. Demonstrates very good leadership skills. Demonstrates well developed ability to be a good team member and function very effectively in the multidisciplinary team. Able to judge limits of skills/competence and professional boundaries of self and others. Highly supportive to other staff. Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy, maintaining appropriate assertiveness. Able to adapt communication style to varied listeners. Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal. Effective and confident public speaker. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent Awareness of communication, cultural and communication impairment issues. Very well developed insight into own CPD needs and appropriate strategies for addressing them. Enthusiasm for the development and promotion of the service and the ability to take initiative for change as change is required. Demonstrates strategies for keeping up-to-date e.g. Involvement in Special Interest Groups and Professional bodies. Able to work in a flexible manner within a broad range of ongoing programmes which impact across all departments. Qualifications
Occupational Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent. Current registration with Health Professions Council. Registered Member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists. 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. Depending on experience Band 7 NHS Equivalent (dependent on experience).
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The postholder will be responsible for leading the Occupational Therapy Team at both sites, as well as delivering Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions to children and young adults with a variety of developmental and life-long disorders. You will work closely with families and with other professionals to provide an excellent quality of care and to act as a source of information, support and advice. You will be responsible for the supervision of the Occupational Therapists and OT Technicians. You will have experience of supervising junior staff and ideally leading a team. You will have experience of working with children/young adults either in a special school or within a paediatric occupational therapy setting and/or neurological conditions. Additional qualifications within sensory integration would be an advantage. A minimum of 4 years' experience post-graduation is required. If you are passionate about working with young people, able to use an integrated therapy and education approach; working with children, families, therapy and teaching staff to improve outcomes for children we would love to hear from you. We look forward to welcoming applicants that value knowledge, skills and ideas and have excellent communication skills and who want to develop their leadership skills. About us
Working with us can provide you with exciting career development and training opportunities. You will receive a comprehensive induction programme, access training, regular supervision, excellent support from the Head of Therapies, experienced OTs and OT Technicians and a range of opportunities for CPD. We also offer excellent holidays, as well as a pension plan. In return, you will join a supportive, friendly and experienced team and an organisation with strong core values and a commitment to professional development, including in-service training and opportunities to gain further qualifications. Job responsibilities
HEAD OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PURPOSE OF THE JOB To lead and manage the provision of a high-quality Occupational Therapy service for students and young people with a variety of special needs with the aim of maximising their potential and independence. To supervise and manage the OT department at both Victoria School and Millie College, delegating duties where appropriate and dealing with staffing matters pertaining thereto. To manage own clinical caseload and provide an Occupational Therapy (OT) service for students at Victoria and Millie with the aim of maximising their functional potential, independence and quality of life. To take responsibility for the liaison and coordination of their care relating to their functional, physical, self-care and sensory needs within a multi-agency team. Where appropriate to support the students' transition process. MAIN DUTIES To lead and manage the Occupational Therapy team; having overall responsibility for the development, provision and quality of the OT team within the school and college. To line manage the Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants which will include; disseminating information, allocating and monitoring caseloads, regular staff support and supervision sessions and a yearly Annual Appraisal (APR). Take overall lead in the planning and development of the OT teams, as part of the therapy service and contribute to the annual department development plan. Follow departmental and organisational policies, procedures and systems relevant to own role. To identify and lead changes in policies, procedures and systems as required. Coordinate and delegate administrative tasks as required. To undertake evaluation of the clinical practice of OT teams, in order to provide optimum care. To lead and contribute to departmental audits and research projects within specialist area in close liaison with the Head of Therapies. To liaise closely with the Head of Therapies in identifying need and all aspects of service delivery. To attend meetings as laid out by the Head teacher. To act upon identified actions required from said meetings. To carry out additional duties and tasks that may be required within the range of the responsibilities of the post of Head OT. To be responsible for own clinical assessments and to subsequently plan and deliver programmes that encourage the development of the students' maximum potential towards independence, either in groups or individually. These will encompass the following: physical, sensory, cognitive, play skills and social skills. To assess the individual seating, self-care and personal care needs of students and regularly review any specialist equipment provided within the school environment. To advise staff with regard to providing the optimum classroom environment to support student learning, including the assessment of their ICT access ability classroom to ensure maximum effectiveness of the learning environment. To liaise closely with members of the multi-disciplinary team; physiotherapists, speech & language therapists, rehabilitation engineers, IT Technicians, teachers and student support workers when assessing functional seating, switch access, communication aids, class-based activities and other relevant needs concerned with daily living; toileting, bathing/showering, feeding/drinking. To liaise closely with parents/carers and community services making referrals to community teams as appropriate. To carry out home visits if requested by a member of the community OT team or indeed if deemed appropriate by the school MDT. To support with transition from paediatric to adult therapy services including developing and maintaining strong links with community services to ensure referrals are completed and transition is well managed and the student well supported with their needs being met in the best way. To further develop strong therapeutic links between the 2 sites; Victoria School and Millie College. To keep necessary OT documentation up to date and write reports as required, including Person Centred reviews and EHCP reviews and PLP goals. To attend meetings, clinics, reviews and case conferences as necessary. To be responsible for and able to evidence own personal and professional development by undertaking the relevant training, attending meetings, conferences and events ensuring that you are updated in all matters relevant to the role in-line with agreed Personal Development Plan and CPD. To be accountable for own professional actions, working within codes of practice, professional guidelines and policies and planning own caseloads therapy programme in line with short and long term goals. To disseminate highly skilled knowledge through training and advice regarding all aspects of OT, within own skill base, providing a second opinion as required. Undertake OT assessments as required, of new and existing Students/Service Users to inform placement requirements and fee bands. Person Specification
Experience
Well-established knowledge of assessment tools and a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group. Very good awareness of national policies and procedures (relevant to the client group) and their implications for O.T. Very good awareness of current research. Very good understanding of the principles of clinical governance/audit. Very good understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client group). Knowledge of hand splinting and neurological conditions. Very good knowledge of specialist paediatric equipment. Very good knowledge of appraisal systems and staff development. Previous experience of working within a paediatric setting or with young persons with neurological or developmental impairment. Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team. Experience of supervising and or managing an OT team. Demonstrates very good leadership skills. Demonstrates well developed ability to be a good team member and function very effectively in the multidisciplinary team. Able to judge limits of skills/competence and professional boundaries of self and others. Highly supportive to other staff. Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy, maintaining appropriate assertiveness. Able to adapt communication style to varied listeners. Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal. Effective and confident public speaker. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent Awareness of communication, cultural and communication impairment issues. Very well developed insight into own CPD needs and appropriate strategies for addressing them. Enthusiasm for the development and promotion of the service and the ability to take initiative for change as change is required. Demonstrates strategies for keeping up-to-date e.g. Involvement in Special Interest Groups and Professional bodies. Able to work in a flexible manner within a broad range of ongoing programmes which impact across all departments. Qualifications
Occupational Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent. Current registration with Health Professions Council. Registered Member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists. 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. Depending on experience Band 7 NHS Equivalent (dependent on experience).
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