Job vacancy Occupational Therapist - Child & Adolescent Mental Health Clinic

OrganisationWestern Regional Health AuthorityReferenceVAC-51322Contract TypeFull-TimeIndustriesHealthcare & MedicalLocationSt. JamesSalary & Benefits$5,863,044.00 - $6,969,317.00 per annumDate Posted14/07/2024Expiry Date02/08/2024The Occupational Therapist plans, organizes, and conducts rehabilitation programs for handicapped patients, involving assessments, therapy activities, teaching skills, and group therapy sessions.

 

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the general supervision of the Medical Officer (Health), the Occupational Therapist is responsible for planning, organizing and conducting an occupational therapy programme to facilitate the rehabilitation of mentally, emotionally or physically handicapped patients. Work involves assessing patients and planning and participating in industrial, vocational, educational, homemaking, social and recreational activities designed to help patients regain proper mental functioning and adjust to handicaps. The incumbent is also responsible for teaching such skills as woodwork, craft, etc. and conducting group therapy sessions. 

 

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a structured occupational therapy programmes for the clinic 
• Determine therapeutic interventions and train patients to adapt to their lives to be more independent, confident and in control 
• Participate in the assessment and management of clients through feedback 
• Select and adapt the appropriate per-case occupational therapy treatment model, method and approach to direct the process of interventions 
• Address patients’ aspects of performance to support engagement in occupations that affect health, well-being and life quality 
• Monitor and evaluate patients’ progress and suggest necessary changes to the treatment programme 
• Identify individualized goals and treatment plans to promote recovery and optimum level of functioning 
• Teach patients new ways of approaching tasks and educate them on how to break down activities into achievable components 
• Assess patients’ homes and other environments and advice on alterations consistent with their needs and capabilities 
• Implement various individual, group, and family interventions to meet patient needs e.g. supportive counselling, psycho-education, cognitive behaviour therapy skill/activities/role development 
• Identify meaningful opportunities to promote patient access to community resources with reintegration into the community 
• Recommend adaptive equipment and train in its use 
• Identify environmental needs where appropriate such as physical and sensory
• Plan and conduct educational talks at the outpatient clinics 
• Guide and educate family members and caregivers on how to care for patients 
• Observe, note, and report on the progress of long and short-term treatment goals 
• Document and report to the Medical Officer (Health) cases where treatment has failed and alternate intervention is required 
• Assist patients with maintaining engagement with psychiatric /other services to promote insight, and compliance and prevent relapse 
• Assist patients’ rehabilitation/recovery plan e.g. activity scheduling, job preparation,/placement/resumes, referral to appropriate agencies 
• Assist with the development of Regional rehabilitative services 
• Performs other related duties as directed by the Medical Officer (Health) 

 

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE:

• Excellent presentation, written, oral and communication skills 
• Exceptional human relations and interpersonal skills 
• Driven by patient-centred care 
• Excellent planning and time management skills 
• Strong decision-making, and critical thinking skills 
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and attention to detail 
• Excellent skills in teamwork and cooperation 
• Strong goal/result orientation 
• Excellent integrity/ethics exercised in the performance of duties 
• Be flexible, team-oriented and a relationship builder 
• Be motivated by a value system compatible with the aims and ethos of the Authority
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, materials and equipment used in occupational therapy 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer software and computer applications 

 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB:

• May be required to work beyond normal working hours, weekends and public holidays from time to time to meet deadlines 
• Will be exposed to challenges and crises that require responses at very short notice
• May be required to conduct home visits 

 

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from a recognized institution
• Minimum of three (3) years experience in a similar capacity 

 

 

 

 

NB: ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED

 

15 Oct, 2024 (37 days left)