Candidate Manager -

Job Type

Permanent

Location

Tallaght, County Dublin, Ireland

Job Title: Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist (1.0 WTE Permanent) Institute of Memory and Cognition, TUH
Reference No: 02.013 (2024)
Department / Directorate: Occupational Therapy Department, COO Directorate
Reports to: Manager of Occupational Therapy 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 Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will:

Deliver expert Occupational Therapy advice and care in the Regional Specialist Memory Service (RSMC) based in TUH. In particular, the appointee will focus on providing expert input into the care of those with complex motor-cognitive syndromes, e.g. Huntington’s disease; Lewy body dementias; other atypical parkinsonian syndromes such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy/ Corticobasal Syndrome, and frontotemporal dementia.
Work in conjunction with other team members in coordinating and developing the service to meet the needs of the service user group and the objectives of the organisation.
Be responsible for the provision of a high quality Occupational Therapy input to the RSMC and will carry out clinical and educational duties as required.
Possess skills and expertise greater than those expected of a senior grade therapist. This includes research and prior experience in relevant service development.
Develop, manage and evaluate the Occupational Therapy input to the RSMC.
Develop and maintain high standards of clinical practice within this area through clinical evaluation, audit opportunities and evidence based practice.
Develop a program of Occupational Therapy excellence within the RSMC including a structured process for education of colleagues, undergraduates and other disciplines in this clinical specialist area in collaboration with peers.
Balance clinical demands with non-clinical responsibilities, e.g. (service development, supervision, administration, CPD, research etc.) through effective time management and organisation.
Lead and support research and patient advocacy within the Institute of Memory and Cognition.

Overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities

Deliver expert Occupational Therapy advice and clinical care in the RSMC, in particular in relation to those presenting with motor-cognitive syndromes.
Clinical leadership role in the Institute of Memory and Cognition, supporting other Occupational therapists working in this area.
Ensure that professional standards are met and that a quality and equitable service is provided at all times; and ensure that the client and family’s needs are adequately met by the Occupational Therapy service
Be responsible for the development and maintenance of standards of practice of self and staff appointed to the Institute of Memory and Cognition.
Carry and effectively time manage complex caseloads commensurate with an advanced specialist in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.
Identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the hospital’s service plan and departments’ targets and develop Action Plans to address identified KPI targets
To undertake a complex patient caseload and to plan and deliver client centered services
Take responsibility for the day to day administration of the caseload, including the maintenance of clinical records, recording of statistics as per departmental policies
Devise and implement Occupational Therapy intervention programmes, appropriate to each clinical caseload; assess and prescribe relevant equipment when necessary from Occupational Therapy stock
Have the clinical, managerial and administrative capacity to properly carry out the functions of the role
Liaise with MDT members, and take part in MDT meetings and case conferences as required
Effectively manage waitlists where appropriate in line with departmental policy
Be responsible for identifying service gaps and be proactive in developing services to meet the need

To demonstrate leadership and direction to ensure efficient management of the designated service and to enable this service to respond positively to any changes affecting TUH.
To participate in the recruitment, appointment and retention of staff within the service and other professional groups as appropriate
To act as role model for Occupational Therapy staff and staff of other professions, in the areas of clinical competence, attitude and enthusiasm of Occupational Therapy, being readily available for staff as a resource for any situation arising within the designated clinical area
To collect, collate and analyze workload statistics required for departmental purposes and for service reviews
To promote Occupational Therapy through liaison with other health professionals, patients, carers and the public by establishing professional and departmental standards in work undertaken
To participate in relevant planning activities to ensure that the occupational therapy services provided are adequate and develop according to patient needs, and that services are planned effectively to meet current and future needs of TUH in consultation and agreement with the Occupational Therapist Manager
To establish, monitor and evaluate quality initiatives and quality standards to enable the provision of quality Occupational Therapy services to patients and families. This includes the development and maintenance of high standards of clinical practice within the designated clinical area
To be involved in research projects, as appropriate and practical within existing workload commitments in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager and members of the multidisciplinary team; to initiate or participate in innovations in multidisciplinary practice; to disseminate information through seminars and publications, as appropriate
To ensure that practice is research-based and encourage the use of research in further development of clinical practice; incorporating national and international Evidence Based Occupational Therapy Practice.
Adhere to the Ethics for Occupational Therapists from CORU and the AOTI.
To demonstrate professional skills and standards consistent with an advanced specialist in the designated clinical area and to ensure that services provided comply with professional and departmental standards of practice
To organise the allocation of work among the staff within the designated clinical area so as to ensure a high standard of service to patients and good staff morale
To provide clinical leadership, direction, relevant development opportunities, clinical supervision and mentoring to Occupational Therapy staff and students; to act as advisor and clinical expert to Occupational Therapy staff in the designated clinical area, ensuring staff have current information to inform their decisions
To liaise with external services, statutory and voluntary agencies as appropriate
To explore all avenues to provide additional resources, to be creative and implement new ideas in practice
To demonstrate a multidisciplinary view of practice development, with the client and the carer at the center
To further develop and consolidate collaborative working practices within the designated clinical area and with community staff to ensure an integrated pattern of service delivery
To network with other clinical specialists, the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland, education providers and other professional bodies to exchange and enhance professional knowledge base, developing the advisory role
To develop strategies for responding to requests for advice from external agencies. To document requests and input provided
Where required, deputise for the Occupational Therapist Manager in their absence, undertaking specified duties
Be ICT competent having experience in the use of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint along with other desktop software
Undertake any other duties that may be assigned by the Occupational Therapist Manager
Demonstrate a command of the English language so as to effectively carry out the duties and responsibility of the role

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Must have Criteria:

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

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.
Demonstrate minimum 5 years post graduate clinical experience with significant experience in neurology including treating patients with neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s disease) and movement disorders.
Experience in the supervision of senior and junior occupational therapists and/or students and/or therapy assistants
Demonstrate achievement in clinical audit, quality improvement initiatives, practice development, teaching and/or research

Desirable:

Experience in the application of advanced neuropsychological and functional assessments for people presenting with symptoms of cognitive decline
Experience in older persons and/or memory services
Demonstrate evidence of post graduate qualifications (MSc or equivalent)
Experience working in a memory service or service catering for patients with neurodegenerative diseases
Have a full driver’s license and access to own transport

Reward & Recognition

Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales Grade 3824 Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist.
The appointment 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 hours 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.

Application process
Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV. 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
Professor Seán Kennelly, Director Institute of Memory and Cognition, TUH , and/or
Dr. Seán O’Dowd, Consultant Neurologist, Institute of Memory and Cognition, TUH. Email:

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

TUH Core Competencies:

Core Area	Competency	Level
Managing the service	Quality & Safety of Service	4
Managing the service	Delivery of Results	4
Managing Change	Problem Solving & Decision Making	4
Managing Change	Communications & Influencing	4
Managing Yourself	Team player	4
Managing Yourself	Planning and Organising	4
Managing People	People Management	4
Managing People	Leadership	4

Please go to https://tuh.ie/Careers-Education/Current%20Vacancies/ for details of the core competencies which are listed under ‘recruitment process’.

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.

Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, Institute of Memory and Cognition (02.013 (2024))

Job Details