Locum Band 6 Inpatient Occupational Therapist

* £28 per hour

* Full-time hours

* Initial 1-month contract

* Dartford, Kent

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Locum Band 6 Occupational Therapist to work with the inpatient team based at Livingstone Community Hospital in Dartford. The successful candidate will provide high-quality occupational therapy services to patients within a hospital setting, supporting their recovery and promoting independence. The role involves working with patients with a variety of conditions, including physical, mental health, and neurological impairments, to assess their needs, deliver therapeutic interventions, and facilitate safe discharges.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment and Evaluation

* Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.

* Identify functional limitations and the impact of the patient's condition on their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs).

* Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with the patient, family, and multidisciplinary team.

Therapeutic Interventions

* Deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions to support patients in improving their functional abilities and independence.

* Use a range of techniques, such as functional retraining, adaptive equipment provision, and cognitive rehabilitation.

* Facilitate rehabilitation programs to address mobility, self-care, and leisure activities.

Discharge Planning

* Work with the multidisciplinary team to plan and facilitate safe and timely discharges from the inpatient setting.

* Assess the need for home adaptations, equipment, and community services to ensure a smooth transition.

* Provide education and support to patients and families regarding the patient’s ongoing needs after discharge.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

* Collaborate with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care.

* Participate in ward rounds, case conferences, and team meetings to discuss patient progress and care plans.

* Advocate for patients' occupational needs and ensure they are incorporated into the overall care plan.

Documentation and Reporting

* Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including assessments, interventions, progress, and discharge plans.

* Ensure all documentation complies with legal, ethical, and organizational standards.

* Provide detailed reports on patient outcomes and contribute to audit and service improvement initiatives.

Patient Education and Support

* Provide education and advice to patients and their families on managing their conditions and optimizing independence.

* Support patients in understanding their rehabilitation goals and the steps needed to achieve them.

Professional Development and Supervision

* Supervise and support junior occupational therapists, therapy assistants, and students as required.

* Engage in continuing professional development (CPD) activities to maintain and enhance skills.

* Participate in reflective practice and clinical supervision.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.

Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

A minimum of 2 years of post-qualification experience in an inpatient or similar setting.

Strong clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

Experience working with patients in acute, rehabilitation, or mental health inpatient settings.

Knowledge of discharge planning processes and community care pathways.

Previous experience in a locum or temporary role