Description

Job Description

Therapist – Occupational I (Neurology/Neurodisability)

Job Description

We are recruiting a Junior OT in Neurology/Neurodisability!

The OT I Neurology/Neurodisability will cover a specialist outpatient caseload of patients from 0-18 with complex acute and chronic neurological diagnoses with support and supervision from the OT Senior for Neurodisability.  They will also play a role in tertiary level Movement Disorders (advanced tone management), Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) and Neuromuscular Multidisciplinary clinics.   Skills and knowledge in the management of tone in the upper extremity using splinting, casting, modified constraint induced movement therapy (mCIMT) and Botox are advantageous for any candidates applying.  This role is a junior practitioner in the team with support for complex Neurodisability provided by the OT Neurodisability Specialist 

The OT I – Neurology/Neurodisability is responsible providing tertiary level outpatient neurology and neurodisability OT services to pediatric patients at Sidra Medicine.  This will include patients with Cerebral Palsy, Neuromuscular and Neurometabolic disorders, and Brachial Plexus Injury.  The post holder will assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapy programs for children under their care using evidence-based practice, working autonomously with guidance and indirect supervision for the OT II (Senior OT). You will work in in close collaboration with the MDT Teams for each diagnostic group and other members of the allied health care team to provide evidence-based care by integrating research with practice.

Responsibilities

Clinical

• Provides in-patient and out-patient occupational therapy care as appropriate to the clinical working area assigned under the supervision of the Senior Occupational Therapist (Occupational Therapist II).
• Provides therapy care that is patient centered including setting meaningful goals for independence in daily activities.
• Provides high quality, evidenced based patient care including assessment and occupation based treatment.
• Uses appropriate clinical outcome measures to evaluate effectiveness of care.   
• Where appropriate modifies task, person or environment to enable participation in daily occupations such as bathing or dressing.
• Where appropriate assess the patient for adaptations and use of specialist equipment. 
• Liaises with the appropriate occupational therapy services in the community and provides transfer/discharge information
• Educates the patient/family and other members of the health care team regarding the occupational therapy plan
• Documents all relevant information correctly, appropriately and in a timely manner as per occupational therapy documentation standards
• Acts as an advocate by empowering children and their families to make informed choices by providing them with information and support and directing to the relevant support services when appropriate.
• Provides appropriate cross cover into other specialist clinical areas as required, ensuring they have the required skills and competencies to do so.
• Demonstrates an understanding of evidence-based healthcare methodology and its ability to positively impact patient outcomes.
• Participates in the integration and evaluation of research into practice.
• Participates in patient and clinical staff education programs. 
• Utilizing a professional practice framework and evidence based care, identifies improvements while minimizing risks, creating care that is optimal for our patients and families
• Promotes a safe environment and safe patient care by embracing a safety culture and identifying areas of risk to Occupational Therapy Supervisor. Complies with policies for personal and patient safety and for the prevention of healthcare associated infections.

Professional Practice

• Provides documented evidence of own performance and maintenance of skills with appropriate continuing professional development activities consistent with the position. 
• Responsible for maintaining a Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners Continuing Professional Development Profile for licensure. 
• Responsible for maintaining up to date mandatory Life Support Training requirements as directed by MoPH and Sidra (e.g. BLS, AED etc).
• Participates in service activities that contribute to excellence in outcomes, a positive patient experience and a healthy professional environment. 
• Contributes to the achievement of clinical quality outcome indicators and patient satisfaction. 
• Participates in quality improvement activities linked to occupational therapy strategic priorities and professional practice model. 
• Participates in the promotion and maintenance of effective communication and teamwork. Treats colleagues, patients, and visitors with dignity and respect at all times
• Actively welcomes and where appropriate provides support and participates in orientation activities for new staff.
• Contributes to a learning environment participating and presenting staff education to occupational therapy or clinical peers (eg. Journal club, in-service education etc.) 
• Responsible for completing their supervision agreements, readiness for supervision sessions and maintaining accurate supervision records. 
• Notifies clinical senior in a timely manner of scheduled and non-scheduled staff absence, collaborating with appropriate colleagues to minimize disruption to service and patient care. 
• Follows all organizational policies and procedures. 
• Adheres to Sidra’s standards as they appear in the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policies
• Adheres to and promotes Sidra’s Values

In view of the evolving needs and opportunities within Sidra, this position may be required to perform other duties as assigned and reporting relationships may vary.

Qualifications

Academic/Professional qualification/Training

Essential:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Occupational Therapy 

2+ years of relevant clinical experience 

Further CPD in Neurodisability is an advantage

Licensure or Registration from country of origin if applicable and eligibility for licensure in Qatar is essential

Desirable

Further CPD in Neurodisability is an advantage

Experience/Knowledge:

Essential

Knowledge of pediatric neurology, particularly acquired brain injury and cerebral palsy

Knowledge of child development and the impact of neurological conditions on this

Experience as an OT working with children or adults with neurological conditions and complex disability

Desirable

Training and experience in the management of the upper limb as it relates to neurological conditions including CP, Brachial Plexus injury and neuromuscular disorders