Occupational Therapist (HPC/OT 3)

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.

Qualifications

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

Core 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 & 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

• 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

Remuneration Package

Salary Scale: $5,863,044.00 - $6,969,317.00 per annum.

Note

Applications with detailed résumé should be submitted to address below.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact

The Director
Human Resource Management & Development
Western Regional Health Authority
Lot 31b, Fairview Shopping Centre
St. James

 

Email: wrojobs@wrha.gov.jm

Base Salary: Undisclosed