Job Details

JOB PURPOSE

To assess the needs of people within the community who are ill or have a disability and by the provision of specialist equipment or adaptations and appropriate advice, to help them to become more independent and remain at home.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• To assess the needs of ill and disabled Service Users for the provision of material assistance such as equipment or adaptations and determine the nature and extent of adaptations in relation to diagnosis and prognosis.
• Provide appropriate information and advice.
• Provide assessments for Service Users returning from hospital or nursing homes and provide equipment to facilitate discharge.
• If needed, obtain funding from other agencies such as charities, NHS and other Social Services Teams.
• Check plans in liaison with architects and Service Users to ensure best outcome and approve plans for further processing.
• Liaise with other agencies such as Housing, NHS, voluntary organizations, to ensure information dissemination is maximised.
• Negotiate with Service Users and agencies about the most appropriate way to provide adaptations having regard to budgetary needs.
• Check that completed adaptations meet the assessed need and if appropriate provide equipment to enable best use of the adaptations.
• Assess for equipment provision when this can alleviate the effects of disability.
• Keep abreast of developments within the Occupational Therapy equipment field and when appropriate arrange visits to Service User’s homes by company representatives to ensure correct equipment is purchased.
• Keep abreast of specialist knowledge related to moving and handling techniques and other developments within the Occupational Therapy field to enable the teaching and supervision of care staff.
• Assess Service Users for potential rehabilitation and refer to the relevant agency.
• Ensure that Continuing Professional Development is pursued and maintain professional portfolio to meet ongoing Health Professions Council registration needs.

Notwithstanding the detail in this job description, in accordance with the Council’s Flexibility Policy the job holder will undertake such work as may be determined by the Director/Corporate Manager from time to time, up to or at a level consistent with the Principal Responsibilities of the job and in any location within the Borough of Cheshire East.

PERSON SPECIFICATION