Staff Grade Occupational Therapist for a Pediatric service based in Cork
Responsibilities
The Staff Grade Occupational Therapist will be responsible for providing comprehensive occupational therapy services to children and adolescents within a pediatric service.
This includes assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of interventions to promote participation in daily activities, enhance developmental skills, and support overall well-being.
Key Responsibilities:
Assessment and Evaluation:
Conduct thorough occupational therapy assessments using standardized and non-standardized tools to identify a child's strengths, challenges, and functional abilities across various domains (e.g., fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, self-care, play, social skills).
Interpret assessment findings to develop a comprehensive understanding of the child's occupational performance and participation.
Collaborate with the child, family, and other healthcare professionals to establish client-centered goals.
Intervention Planning and Implementation:
Develop individualized intervention plans based on assessment results, evidence-based practices, and family priorities.
Implement a range of therapeutic interventions, including:
Sensory Integration:
Providing activities to address sensory processing difficulties.
Fine and Gross Motor Skill Development:
Designing activities to improve coordination, strength, and dexterity.
Self-Care Training:
Teaching and adapting techniques for dressing, feeding, grooming, and toileting.
Play and Leisure Skill Development:
Facilitating engagement in age-appropriate play and leisure activities.
Cognitive and Perceptual Skills:
Addressing areas such as attention, memory, problem-solving, and visual perception.
Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology:
Recommending and training in the use of adaptive equipment to enhance independence.
Modify and adapt interventions as needed based on the child's progress and changing needs.
Collaboration and Communication:
Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, including pediatricians, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, and educators, to ensure integrated and holistic care.
Communicate effectively with children, families, and caregivers, providing education, support, and guidance regarding therapy goals and strategies.
Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and family meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and future planning.
Liaise with external agencies, schools, and community resources as appropriate to support the child's participation in various environments.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and timely client records, including assessment reports, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries, in accordance with professional and organizational standards.
Prepare reports for funding bodies, schools, and other relevant stakeholders.
Professional Development and Quality Improvement:
Engage in ongoing professional development activities to maintain and enhance clinical skills and knowledge in pediatric occupational therapy.
Participate in supervision, peer review, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards of practice.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
Current registration with CORU Ireland
Experience working with children and families in a pediatric setting is desirable.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.