Senior Occupational Therapist (Autism Specialist Function) - Permanent

Role Summary The postholder is one of several key people overseeing the work of the OT service. Through supervision the postholder will ensure that statutory assessments, plans, risk assessments and reviews are completed in a timely fashion such that decisions can be taken about next steps to promote the welfare of citizens.

Role Purpose
•To provide advice and support to OT’s OTA’s and Trusted Assessors in the team on casework relating to adults and children requiring OT Services.
• To provide advice and guidance on the commissioning of services for the provision of adaptations and equipment to promote the independence of citizens.
• To provide professional advice and information to Social Care Teams and Harrow Adaptations and facilities/Repair Team (HART).
• To support the OT Team Manager by deputising in their absence and / or to act as Duty Manager when needed.
• To chair Professional Meetings including acting as Safeguarding Adults Manager for Safeguarding Enquiries.
• To supervise the OT on duty so that incoming concerns and requests are acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner according to risk and allocate cases according to the priority need.
• To record actions and decisions in a clear, concise and robust way on the electronic recording system.
• To manage complex cases including where there are moving and handling issues, liaising with both internal and external colleagues as appropriate.
• To provide professional supervision of up to four OT’s and Trusted Assessors. Possibility of supervision of an OT student when on placement.
• To carry out joint visits with colleagues when required and direct observation of practice providing feedback in a constructive manner.

Key outputs of team/role
1. To carry a small caseload reflecting increasing complexity and risk, uncertainty and challenge in line with the capability of a Senior OT with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in an OT role. You can expect to receive regular supervision in accordance with the departmental supervision policy.
2. To supervise up to 5 staff including Qualified Occupational Therapists and / or OTA’s
3. To provide operational management support to the OT Team Manager and deputise in their absence, including signing off OT assessments, reviews and attending meetings.
4. To ensure that casework decision making is thorough, considered and carefully recorded in every case, and cost-effective solutions - i.e., equipment and adaptations -are found to meet outcomes. Role Profile Template for Grades G1 – G11 March 2019
5. To respond to complaints where these are delegated by the Team Manager.
6. To oversee and support the work of the duty OT and /or direct supervisees in collecting / collating information about the referral / case, to assist with effective decision making about next steps.
7. To ensure that all relevant information is recorded on the Mosaic database.
8. To chair Professional Meetings and Case Conferences for some cases as identified by the Team Manager/s.
9. To refer children and adults that may be at risk of harm or at risk of or experiencing abuse and / or neglect to Adults and/or Children’s Safeguarding Teams as appropriate.
10. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the London Multi-Agency Adult Safeguarding Policy & Procedures and Adult Social Care Safeguarding Frameworks working as a Safeguarding Adults Manager when required, responsible for supporting and supervising Enquiry Officers (OT’s) when they lead or contribute to safeguarding enquiries.
11. Working alongside the OT Team Manager to ensure that there is an effective day to day intake function in relation to the service, including meeting performance indicators.
12. To act as a representative for the local authority in relevant panels - e.g., Special Needs Housing Panel - and with other agencies and write reports as required.
13. The duties listed are not exhaustive and may be varied from time to time as dictated by the changing needs of the service, However, any duties will be commensurate with the role/grade.