Job Description: Occupational Therapist

Hours: Fulltime
Reporting to: Director of Nursing
Location: Kildare, Meath, Wicklow
Salary Scale: €38,397-55,666

Role overview

Peter McVerry Trust is a national housing and homeless charity committed to reducing homelessness and the harm caused by substance misuse and social disadvantage.

Occupational Therapist.

The post holder will join a dedicated and multi-disciplined team providing person centred care to our participants. The postholder is required to work as part of a team, engage positively with our participants and maintain the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Responsibilities

The role will include but not limited to, the following key responsibilities;

• To the Director of Nursing and Addiction Services:
  • To work for Peter McVerry Trust within the authority delegated to him/her by the Director of Nursing and Addiction Services;
  • Meet with the Director of Nursing and Addiction Services at regular intervals regarding the progress of his/her work
  • Report back to the Director of Nursing and Addiction Services in relation to any support required
• Occupational Therapy Responsibilities:
  • To lead on conducting comprehensive assessments of the participants needs and make recommendations on supports required in line with best practice
  • Uphold all agreed quality standards and participate in the evaluation and audit of services in order to improve quality, standards of care and ensure effectiveness.
  • To assess all situations with a focus on managing risk and contributing towards positive health outcomes for the participant group
  • To promote continuity of care through the use of effective communication processes with fellow staff members
  • To identify any specific training needs required to carry out your role to the highest standard contributing towards confidence and competence
  • Provide health education/health promotion service to participants.
  • In conjunction with the duty team, deliver care to participants in line with policies, procedures and systems ensuring they meet the requirements of the key service objectives.
  • To develop positive working relationships with community agencies, public health nurses etc to identify appropriate care pathways for onward referral where required
• To provide direct support to participants through:
  • Intervention, support and supervision;
  • As part of a multi-disciplinary duty team in a community setting, to conduct assessments, to plan, implement and evaluate care plans and to provide care to participants with complex needs.
  • Provide health education/health promotion service to participants.
  • When required, advocacy and referral to community services;
  • Planning recreational and/or group activities.
  • To carry out regular reviews in regards to treatments and addressing any changes in care that contribute towards ensuring the comfort needs of the participant group are met
• To assist with participants’ case work through:
  • Effective communication with all Peter McVerry Trust staff
  • Supporting the team to carry sessions with participants to aid in the process of long term goal setting and identifying systems or aids that contribute towards the participants quality of life
  • Assisting with participant’s Individual Care Plans;
  • Ensuring that participants are fully informed about all entitlements.
  • To instil hope in the participant group in respects of positive change and overall improvement in regards to quality of life
• To maintain a safe and healthy living environment through:
  • Adherence to safety and security protocols;
  • Developing health and safety policies and procedures as per assessments
  • Ensuring appropriate health and safety measures are in place and upheld at all times and escalating any issues identified to the Director of Nursing and Addiction Services
• To respond to requests for service through:
  • Links with other Peter McVerry Trust services, screening and assessment;
  • Communication of information and referral to resources;
  • Offering ongoing support to former participants;
  • To liaise with past participants to offer support, advice and guidance in regards to accessing services.
  • Conducting regular reviews to ensure the effectiveness of equipment
• To undertake administrative duties through:
  • Maintaining participants’ details and documentation;
  • Completion of assessment and making recommendations
  • Providing written reports to the Director of Nursing and Addiction Services where necessary;
  • Recording any Incidents / Accidents that may occur and ensuring incidences are reviewed and measures put in place to prevent/minimise future occurrences
  • Reviewing care plans and safety plans weekly and ensuring any changes to participants care is documented and relevant adjustments are implemented to cater for the participants needs in a holistic manner
• Change in work programme:
  • It may be necessary, from time to time, for workload to be re-prioritised in order to accommodate workloads in other areas of the organisation. Due notice and consultation will be given.
• To have a positive and enthusiastic attitude in work:
  • In your interactions with the management team, staff and participants of the Peter McVerry Trust.
  • In your interactions with external agencies while representing the Peter McVerry Trust.
• Other Duties:
  • Any other duties as designated by the Director of Nursing and Addiction Services.
  • Any other duties which may arise in line with catering for the needs of our participants
  • Undertake any other agreed duties to ensure the provision of the service.
     

Experience Required

Qualifications, Skills and Experience required;

• A recognized valid qualification to degree level in the area of occupational therapy
• Be registered with CORU
• Experience in conducting assessment of need
• Relevant experience in prescribing and monitoring equipment
• Essential competencies: communication skills, commitment to providing the highest level of service, professionalism and maintaining professional boundaries, respect for others, promoting choice independence, health and well-being and resilience & positive outlook (All other competencies to be reviewed as part of the supervision and support process)
• At least 2 years’ experience post registration and a positive, calm and client centred approach to their work.
• Experience of working with participants with complex needs in a community setting. A keen interest in the area of complex needs/homelessness and an overall awareness/understanding of the social implications of drug misuse

Other Information

• Confidentiality: It is a condition of service that all information obtained during the course of employment, especially with regard to participants affairs is treated with the strictest confidence.
• Equal Opportunities: To implement Equal Opportunities into your daily practice at all times
• Health and Safety: To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of your Colleagues in accordance with relevant PMVT policies and procedures.

To apply please download the application form or visit pmvtrust.ie/careers: Application Form

Completed application forms should be sent to recruitment@pmvtrust.ie along with your CV and Cover Letter.

Closing date is 31st December.

Peter McVerry Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Registration Number 412953 | Charity Number CHY7256