Candidate Manager -

Job Type

Permanent

Job Title: Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist Hand Therapy (MSK/Orthopaedics)
Reference No: 02.003 (2023)
Department / Directorate:Occupational Therapy Department, COO
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 provide a comprehensive Occupational Therapy (OT) Hand Therapy service to ED and orthopaedic outpatients in the TUH catchment area. This new post will work in conjunction with an established outpatient orthopaedic (trauma and elective) OT service, currently staffed by 4.0 WTE Senior OTs and 0.9 WTE Clinical Specialist OT.

overview of role:
The Clinical Specialist OT will be responsible for the delivery of occupational therapy services to a complex caseload which includes advanced clinical and extended scope practice in the field of Orthopaedic Hand Therapy and commensurate with such posts in a National Trauma Unit.
The Clinical Specialist OT will ensure that professional standards are met and that a quality and equitable service is provided at all times; and ensure that the client’s acute injury management and rehabilitation needs are adequately met by the OT Hand Therapy service.
They will have the advanced clinical, managerial and administrative capacity to properly carry out the functions of the role. The Clinical Specialist appointed will possess skills and expertise greater than those expected of a senior grade therapist. These would include research and development work on topics and techniques related to Orthopaedic Surgery
The Clinical Specialist will 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. They will be responsible for routine service level audit, identification of service gaps and be proactive in developing services to meet the defined need.
The Clinical Specialist OT will 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.
The Clinical Specialist OT will engage in research and innovation in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager and members of the multidisciplinary team and to disseminate information through seminars and publications, as appropriate. They will ensure that practice is evidence based and encourage the use of research in further development of clinical practice.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Professional / Clinical
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will:

Undertake a complex hand therapy and orthopedic patient caseload and to plan and deliver client centered services at a level more advanced than expected of a Senior OT. This includes demonstrated evidence of advanced practice and extended scope skills.
Be responsible for managing their own caseload and for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment programmes for service users according to service standards
Devise and implement OT Hand Therapy intervention programs, appropriate to orthopaedic and plastics clinical caseload; assess and prescribe specialised splinting and issue relevant therapy and ADL equipment when necessary from OT stock.
Take responsibility for the day to day administration of the caseload, including the maintenance of standardised clinical records and recording of statistics as per departmental policies.
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
Be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Hand Therapy Service by supervising staff, prioritising and allocating work and promoting positive staff morale and team working in conjunction with the Occupational Therapist Manager
Effectively triage and manage waitlists where appropriate in line with departmental policy.
Ensure that staff in the designated service area(s) arrange and carry out duties in a timely manner, within settings appropriate to service user’s needs, and in line with local policy/guidelines
Provide clinical leadership, direction, relevant development opportunities, clinical supervision and mentoring to Occupational Therapy staff and students;
Act as advisor and clinical expert to Occupational Therapy staff in the designated clinical area, ensuring staff have current information to inform their decisions.
Be responsible for the development and maintenance of standards of practice of self and staff appointed to the Occupational Therapy Hand Service
Participate in the integrated discharge planning process in line with the HSE Code of Practice
Demonstrate a commitment to research and evidence-based practice, identifying and contributing to research, clinical evaluation and audit opportunities
Foster and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, front line managers, and other healthcare personnel in the team including the Trauma Assessment Clinic (TAC), Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs), Orthopaedic Teams and Physiotherapy colleagues.
Participate in teams as appropriate, communicating and working in co-operation with other team members
Attend clinics, review meetings, team meetings, case conferences, ward rounds etc. as designated by Occupational Therapist Manager
Be responsible for adhering to existing standards and protocols and for leading out on the development and maintenance of standards / strategies for quality improvement and outcome measurement
In conjunction with the Occupational Therapist Manager, lead service planning and development by anticipating the changing needs of the service and service users to ensure that the OT Hand 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.
Seek advice and assistance with any assigned duties in line with principles of evidence-based practice and clinical governance
Incorporate national and international Evidence Based Occupational Therapy Practice into their practice
Ensure that professional standards are maintained in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation
Operate within the scope of Occupational Therapy practice within Ireland and in accordance with local guidelines
Adhere to the Code of Ethics for Occupational Therapists from CORU and the AOTI.
Promote Occupational Therapy through liaison with other health professionals, patients, carers and the public by establishing advanced professional and departmental standards in work undertaken.

Education and Training
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will:

Participate in all mandatory training programmes
Participate in continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to practice, contributing to research etc. as agreed by the Occupational Therapist Manager
Develop and maintain competence in current developments in Orthopaedics and specialties relating to Hand Therapy and the implications which they may have for clinical practice by personal study, attending lectures and courses
Engage in professional clinical Occupational Therapist supervision with the Occupational Therapist Manager
Engage in peer support with Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist colleagues
Be responsible for the direct supervision of Senior and Staff Grade Occupational Therapists assigned to the Hand Therapy Service
Ensure newly qualified occupational therapists have adequate induction and clinical supervision and assist in implementing annual staff development and performance review
Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student therapists, undertaking fieldwork supervisor responsibilities as required
Take part in teaching / training / supervision of other Occupational Therapy and non-Occupational Therapy staff / students and attend practice educator courses as appropriate.
Demonstrate a multidisciplinary view of practice development, with the client and the carer at the center
Maintain an environment conductive to learning
Lead out on training programmes / courses in the specialty area for internal and external occupational therapists
To act as advisor and clinical expert to occupational therapy staff in the Orthopaedics specialty in Hand Therapy, ensuring staff have current information to inform their clinical decisions.

Research & Development
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will:

Undertake research relevant to Hand Therapy in collaboration with peers
Will actively instigate, participate in or investigate research projects, as appropriate and achievable within existing workload
Will promote occupational therapy practice in line with relevant research and evidence base
In collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager and members of the multidisciplinary team, will initiate or participate in innovations in uni / multidisciplinary practice
Disseminate information through seminars and publications, as appropriate
Network with other clinical specialists, the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI), education providers and other professional bodies to exchange and enhance knowledge base and practice
Engage with the relevant Advisory Group of the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI).
Collect, collate and analyse workload data and statistics required for departmental purposes and for service reviews. This includes clinical audit.
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 advanced clinical practice within the designated clinical area.
Promote good team working, and a culture that values diversity
Liaise with the Occupational Therapist Manager regarding the needs, interests and perspective of Occupational Therapy staff

Administrative
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will:

Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of service in designated area(s)
Carry and effectively time manage clinical caseloads and demonstrating ability to work in a high pressure, fast paced acute environments including the Hand Therapy Led Clinic (HTLC), the Emergency Department (ED), Trauma Clinic and Secondary Trauma “Elective” Clinic.
Ensure that services provided comply with professional and departmental standards of practice.
Liaise with external services, statutory and voluntary agencies as appropriate and develop strategies for responding to requests for advice from external agencies. To document requests and input provided.
Further develop and consolidate collaborative working practices within the designated clinical area and with community staff to ensure an integrated pattern of service delivery
Participate in the recruitment, appointment and retention of staff within the service and other professional groups as appropriate.
Organise the allocation of work and resources among the staff within the designated clinical area so as to ensure a high standard of service to patients and good staff morale in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager and relevant others
Plan leave (including annual / study) and cover for clinics (surgeon / therapy led) within the clinical specialty to ensure that occupational therapy cover is adequate across the Hand Therapy Service including Orthopaedics and Emergency Department services.
Promote good working practice and uniformity of standards of best practice
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 and relevant others
Participate in the management of Occupational Therapy stock and equipment in conjunction with the Occupational Therapist Manager
Explore all avenues to provide additional resources, to be creative and implement new ideas in practice
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 user group and demonstrate the achievement of the objectives of the service
Be aware of and implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards
Oversee the upkeep of accurate Healthcare Records and other documentation in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements and the Freedom of Information Act, GDPR and provide reports and other information / statistics as required
Actively participate in risk management issues, identify risks and take responsibility for appropriate action
Report any adverse incidents in accordance with organisational guidelines.
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
Represent the department / team at meetings and conferences as appropriate
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
Engage in ICT developments as they apply to service user and service administration
Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health Service
Perform such other duties appropriate to the office as may be assigned by the Occupational Therapist Manager

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

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
AND
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
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
AND
Demonstrate minimum 5 years post graduate clinical experience of which 3 years must be consecutive in the specialty (Hand Therapy / Orthopaedics / Musculoskeletal services).
AND
Demonstrate evidence of post graduate experience in splinting and Hand Therapy
AND
Demonstrate achievement in clinical audit, quality improvement initiatives, practice development, teaching and research.
All Must Have criteria must be evidenced within your CV to be shortlisted.

Desirable Criteria:

Evidence of post-graduate education in the designated clinical area or relevant courses (MSc / AHT / CHT)
AOTI or equivalent membership desirable
IAHT/ BAHT or equivalent desirable

Reward & Recognition

Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 3301
The appointment is fulltime, permanent and pensionable. A panel may be formed from which future posts may be filled.
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.

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. Pippa Colby, Occupational Therapy Manager - Telephone (01) 414 2791 or email Phillipa.colby@tuh.ie
Closing Date: Before close of business on: Friday 7th April 2023

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://www.tuh.ie/Careers-Education/ 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.

Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist Hand Therapy (MSK/Orthopaedics) (02.003 (2023))

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