Occupational Therapist

Role Overview

Occupational Therapist at NMC Healthcare, providing evaluation and treatment to patients of all ages with speech, language, cognitive-communicative, voice and swallowing disorders in a chronic, specialist rehabilitation home care setting.

Role Purpose

Deliver specialist Occupational Therapy interventions to adult and pediatric patients with complex needs using evidence-based and client-centered principles. Manage a caseload autonomously, demonstrating high-level problem solving and clinical reasoning skills, while contributing to clinical governance and service development in collaboration with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities

Professional Practice & Team Collaboration

• Undertake duties in accordance with the philosophy, business practices and policies of NMCRH-KC and the standards and ethics of the Occupational Therapy profession.
• Work as a professional member of a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation team and actively participate in team meetings.
• Communicate effectively with staff members, health professionals, clients and family regarding provision of services.
• Contribute to and participate in education programs for residents, relatives and staff of NMCRH-KC.
• Participate in continuing education and courses updating Occupational Therapy techniques and information.

Clinical Governance & Safety

• Record and report all adverse clinical events.
• Assist in the ongoing maintenance of a safe workplace through involvement in the implementation of safe systems of work.
• Identify and report workplace hazards.
• Investigate incident reports and ensure all action plans are implemented, disseminated, and actions reported.
• Adhere to the requirements of the Environment Health and Safety Management System.
• Comply with all Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines and Infection Control Guidelines.
• Understand and adhere to emergency preparedness, fire safety and code policies and plans.
• Work in accordance with documented OSH procedures and instructions and specific responsibilities.
• Be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures.
• Notify OSH hazards, incidents, near misses and issues and assist with the preparation of risk assessments and incident reports.
• Comply with waste management procedures and policies.
• Attend applicable OSH and Infection Control training programs, mock drills and awareness programs.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment and safety systems.

Assessment, Planning & Intervention

• Ensure that all therapists within the team use the analysis of assessment and risks to determine therapy aims and treatment goals, and formulate intervention plans to reduce the impact of disability and promote independence in collaboration with the client, carers, other team members and relevant agencies.
• Identify and select with the client and carers the most appropriate intervention, balancing complexity of risk, safety, client and carer choice, independence, areas of conflict, eligibility for service and cost effectiveness.
• Assess the client's needs for specific equipment and adaptations using advanced experience and knowledge to allow them to improve or maintain their level of independence.
• Support staff to prepare and present the case to the Equipment and Adaptations Panel, then assume responsibility for the installation of that equipment, ensuring appropriate risk assessments and necessary training are carried out.
• Analyze the assessment made by others for equipment and adaptations using highly advanced clinical reasoning and critical thinking.
• Act as an approved signatory on a one-to-one basis and as Chair of the Equipment and Adaptation Panel.

Specialized Clinical Skills

• Demonstrate highly specialized therapeutic moving and handling skills in the assessment and treatment of clients.
• Provide highly specialist advice to staff, clients, carers and family on correct manual handling techniques, undertaking highly specialized manual handling risk assessments.
• Establish a therapeutic relationship with clients and their carers to encourage participation in the therapeutic process.
• Manage barriers to communication through the use of advanced interpersonal skills, including reasoning, negotiation, and motivational tactics.
• Provide emotional support to the client and his or her carers and family in coming to terms with the impact of a new or ongoing diagnosis.

Management & Prioritization

• Prioritize and manage the clinical and non-clinical responsibilities of the post on a daily basis.
• Assist junior staff in prioritizing and managing their clinical and non-clinical responsibilities.
• Manage therapists less experienced with regular supervision and Performance Management appraisals.

Quality Management & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in NMCRH-KC Quality Management System and commitment to processes of continuous improvement activities, including auditing, surveys and needs analysis.

Research, Training & Development

• Maintain highly specialized professional knowledge and skills, being conversant with professional developments, evidencing critical appraisal skills, continuing professional development and an advanced understanding of clinical governance, especially in relation to the adult and elderly client groups.
• Develop and maintain highly specialist knowledge and skills with regard to adults and elders with physical disabilities, in particular equipment and adaptations, and act as a resource by providing detailed advice to team members.
• Participate in educational courses and seminars relevant to the service needs and to own individual highly specialist skills.
• Share the knowledge and skills gained with other members of the team, the occupational therapy service and members of the multi-disciplinary team.
• Participate in staff and service development through attendance at service meetings and in-service training sessions, including taking the lead responsibility for some sessions.
• Provide leadership, advice, support and training to the team with regard to highly specialist skills and knowledge and in relation to the role of the occupational therapist.
• Initiate research and evaluation projects relating to the development of the service and establish professional dialogue with colleagues in a similar clinical field.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as directed by the Head of Department or the Medical team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Valid DOH, DHA, MOH, or Tier 1 Country Health license to practice Occupational Therapy in the U.A.E.
• Graduate from an approved College or University in Occupational Therapy.
• Minimum 3–4 years' experience of practice in Occupational Therapy.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent command of oral and written English.
• Arabic language advantageous or desirable but not essential.
• Ability to work in cordial conditions in group practice in a hospital setting and as a member of a team.
• Knowledge of the range and type of services available for pediatrics, aged and disabled patients.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to review procedures and implement new models of service delivery to satisfy client and organizational requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality outcomes and ability to consult with staff regarding continuous improvement.
• Sound computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.