Senior Occupational Therapist Acute Medicine (03.023 (2024))

Permanent

Tallaght, County Dublin, Ireland

Job Details

Job Title: Senior Occupational Therapist Acute Medicine
Reference No: 03.023 (2024)
Department / Directorate: Occupational Therapy Department, COO Directorate
Reports to: Occupational Therapist Manager or Deputy

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals, adult, psychiatric and age-related healthcare on one site. The Hospital has 450 adult beds with over 3,500 people on staff and more than 60 different nationalities represented. The Hospital is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is a designated trauma unit incorporating the National Pelvic and Acetabular Unit, a regional Urology Centre and the second largest provider of renal dialysis services in the country.  

One of the two main academic teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin -  TUH specialise in the training and professional development of staff in areas such as Medicine, Nursing, Health and Social Care Professionals. TUH is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties.

The Hospital is an exciting and dynamic place to work, in the midst of implementing a new hospital strategy, the team have already delivered on the opening of a new Renal Dialysis unit, Reeves Day Surgery Centre, a step down facility in the community, a new ICU and the development of a supraregional Endometriosis Service. It is an exciting time to join the TUH team and one of Ireland’s main teaching hospitals with so many plans to enhance patient care. The Hospital believes in investing in their team and offers excellent education and research opportunities.
TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.
Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:
  • Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
  • Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
  • Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
  • Equity – for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally.  We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.
A full overview of TUH is available on www.tuh.ie/about us

Purpose of the role:
The Acute Medicine role is one of our long established posts that oversees the general medical and surgical services within the hospital.  This covers specialties including but not limited to Endocrinology, Cardiology, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Respiratory, Oncology and General Surgery.
The OT team in Acute Medicine also consists of two rotational basic grades.  The post holder will work closely with OT’s including the Discharge Planning Senior Occupational Therapist and the ICU Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist to establish and lead out on implementation of care pathways, manage complex cases and complex discharges.
The Senior Occupational Therapist will work in conjunction with other team members in coordinating and developing the service to meet the needs of the patients and the objectives of the Hospital.  The Senior Occupational Therapist will be responsible for the provision of a high quality Occupational Therapy service and will carry out clinical and educational duties as required.  The Senior Occupational Therapist will also be responsible for supervising Basic Grade / Student Occupational Therapists as well as Therapy Assistants and participate in their continuing professional training and development.

Qualifications & Experience required
Must have:
  • Be registered as an Occupational Therapist with CORU, the professional body for regulating Health & Social Care Professionals or be in the process of obtaining same as applicable.  
  • Hold an Occupational Therapy qualification (BSc/MSc) from an Irish University approved by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU. Candidates who have not received their degree in Occupational Therapy in the Republic of Ireland must ensure that their qualification is validated by the Department of Health and Children and/or by CORU
And
  • Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years full time (or an aggregate of 3 years full time) post qualification clinical experience for offer of senior contract. Candidates with 2.5 years clinical experience are eligible to apply with a view to forming a panel.
  • Evidence of experience relevant or comparable to the required area of specialism.
  • Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office as described in this job description. 
  • Experience supervising Staff Grade Occupational Therapists / Students.
All Must Have criteria must be evidenced within your CV to be shortlisted.
Desirable:
  • Experience of working in an acute hospital or community setting.
  • Experience assessing for and provision of adaptive and enabling equipment to facilitate discharge from hospital.
  • Experience of planning complex discharges including home and access visits.
  • Experience working with patients requiring specialist seating/wheelchairs.
  • AOTI / equivalent membership and advisory group membership to area relevant to the job you are applying for.
Reward & Recognition
  • Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 3301
  • This position is fulltime, permanent and pensionable.
  • The annual leave entitlement is 29 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
  • Normal working hours are 35 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.
Overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Be responsible for the development, delivery and maintenance of high standards of clinical practice and service in designated area(s) provided in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Promote quality by reviewing and evaluating the Occupational Therapy service regularly, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services, in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Be responsible for managing own caseload and for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment programmes for patients according to service standards.
  • Be responsible for supervising staff, prioritising and allocating work
  • Promote positive staff morale, team working and a culture that values diversity in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Foster and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, front line managers, and other healthcare personnel and teams throughout the hospital
  • Ensure the quality of documentation of all assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, reports and discharge summaries are in accordance with local service and professional standards
  • Communicate verbally and / or in writing results of assessments, treatment / intervention programmes and recommendations to the team and relevant others in accordance with service policy
  • Attend and represent the department at clinics, review meetings, team meetings, case conferences, ward rounds etc. as designated by Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Ensure that staff arrange and carry out duties in a timely manner, within settings appropriate to patient’s needs, and in line with local policy/guidelines
  • Be responsible for adhering to existing standards and protocols and for the development and maintenance of standards / strategies for quality improvement and outcome measurement
  • Seek advice and assistance with any assigned duties in line with principles of evidence based practice and clinical governance
  • Liaise with the Occupational Therapist Manager regarding the needs, interests and views of Occupational Therapy staff
  • Monitor and keep up to date with new developments in Occupational Therapy and keep informed about current practice
  • Participate in continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to practice
  • Maintain a record of CPD activities to demonstrate evidence of ongoing professional development in line with local departmental guidelines and CORU registration
  • Contribute to a structured process for education, training and supervision of OT students, colleagues, undergraduates and attend practice educator courses as appropriate
  • Ensure newly qualified therapists have adequate induction and clinical supervision and assist in implementing annual staff development and performance review
  • Engage in mandatory training programmes within the department and hospital
  • Participate in supervision and performance review with the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with the Occupational Therapist Manager and identify own strengths and development needs
  • Actively participate in and promote continuing education and research activities consistent with the position
  • Develop and implement service / business plans, quality initiatives, audits etc. and report on outcomes in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Collect and evaluate data about the service and patient group and demonstrate the achievement of the objectives of the service
  • Oversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements and the Freedom of Information Act, and render reports and other administrative records / statistics as required within the Occupational Therapy department
  • Participate in the management of Occupational Therapy stock and equipment in conjunction with the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health Service
  • Comply with department procedures with regard to assessment, recommendation and provision of all assistive equipment / custom made devices
  • Attend and occasionally chair regular department meetings
  • Manage time effectively to balance clinical and administrative responsibilities
  • Perform such other duties appropriate to the office as may be assigned by the Occupational Therapist Manager
Application process
Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV.  Please clearly state on top of your CV or cover letter which job/s you are interested in, the roles require similar skill mix so interview questioning will be the same for both positions, hence why they are being advertised together.
Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application.  Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
 
Informal Enquiries to: Ms. Laura Ahern, Occupational Therapist Manager Telephone (01) 4142791 or email laura.ahern@tuh.ie

***This is an open active panel, candidates who meet the criteria may be contacted on a weekly basis for interview***

TUH Core Competencies:
Core AreaCompetencyLevel
Managing the serviceQuality & Safety of Service3
Managing the serviceDelivery of Results3
Managing ChangeProblem Solving & Decision Making3
Managing ChangeCommunications & Influencing 3
Managing YourselfTeam player3
Managing YourselfPlanning and Organising 3
Managing PeoplePeople Management 3
Managing PeopleLeadership 3

Please go to www.tuh/careers for details of the core competencies

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004).
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day
of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.

Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the  office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital.  Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate.  The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment.  Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.

Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.
Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period.  Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.

Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.

Sick Leave
  • There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
  • In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data
  • Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
  • Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) 
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme

Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes).  The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

Health & Safety
  • All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
  • Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
  • Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Hygiene / Infection prevention and control 
  • All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness.  Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
  • All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
  • All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
  • All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.
Quality, safety and risk management
  • Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
Data Management
  • Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.
Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality.  To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.

Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others.  This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015.  Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first.  It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.