Senior Occupational Therapist
Senior Occupational Therapist
The Senior Occupational Therapist (OT) will play a pivotal role within the Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) in Laois. The position involves providing high-quality occupational therapy services to children and young people (0-18 years) with complex developmental needs and disabilities. The Senior OT will work within a multi-disciplinary team to deliver child-centered assessments and interventions, empowering children and their families to achieve their full potential. This role requires leadership in clinical practice, mentoring of junior staff, and involvement in service development.
You will work as an integral part of a dynamic Interdisciplinary Team to support children with complex needs arising from a disability. The team operates within a Family Centred model of support. You will be responsible to the Children’s Disability Network Manager and supervision is provided by a Clinical Specialist OT.
Key Responsibilities – Senior Occupational Therapist
- Provide comprehensive occupational therapy assessments and develop individualised intervention plans for children and young people with disabilities.
- Focus on functional skills development, sensory integration, motor skills, and adaptive techniques to enhance daily living activities.
- Collaborate with families and caregivers, offering education and strategies for the home and school environments to support the child’s development.
- Manage a diverse caseload of children with complex developmental needs, ensuring timely and effective service delivery.
- Prioritise caseload based on clinical need, and ensure regular reviews and updates of intervention plans.
- Utilize evidence-based practice to ensure high-quality, child-centered care.
- Work as part of a dynamic multi-disciplinary team, including physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, and social workers.
- Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and inter-disciplinary discussions to provide holistic care.
- Actively contribute to collaborative goal setting with the child, family, and wider team.
- Provide clinical leadership to junior occupational therapists and students, offering guidance, mentorship, and supervision.
- Lead in-service training sessions, share knowledge, and promote best practices within the team.
- Support the Team Lead in service planning, development, and evaluation.
- Contribute to the ongoing development and review of CDNT services to ensure they meet the evolving needs of children and their families.
- Engage in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and evaluations to enhance service delivery.
- Collaborate with team members in identifying gaps in service provision and recommending improvements.
- Develop strong partnerships with families, actively involving them in the decision-making process around their child’s care.
- Provide ongoing support and education to families on strategies to enhance their child’s participation in daily life.
- Ensure that services are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the individual needs of children and families.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough clinical records in line with professional and organisational standards.
- Prepare reports for case reviews, Individualised Family Service Plans (IFSPs), and any necessary assessments for external agencies.
Qualifications & Skills Required – Senior Occupational Therapist
- A recognised degree in Occupational Therapy.
- Registration or eligibility for registration with CORU as an Occupational Therapist.
- A minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience, including experience working with children with disabilities.
- Proven experience in assessment, intervention, and management of complex paediatric cases.
- Strong clinical skills in paediatric occupational therapy, including sensory integration, motor skills development, and daily living activities.
To apply please contact jreid@medforce.ie
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