Detailed job description and main responsibilities

•    Directly responsible for own caseload and deals with referrals in line with departmental policy.
•    Responsible for timely holistic neuro therapy assessments, planning, implementation and evaluation. Assesses in patients’ homes, clinic environment, or via video or telephone consultation where appropriate.
•    To have knowledge of red flags, and appropriate onward referrals or action to take.
•    To have a good working knowledge of a wide range of outcome measures, and be able to select them appropriately for use with a variety of patients.  
•    To have an awareness and understanding of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, in order to inform treatment planning and goal setting.
•    To use SMART goal format to formulate goals with patients and their families.  Patients should be central to the decision making process.
•    To carry out a variety of neurological treatment techniques including spasticity management, falls prevention, management of vestibular conditions, and postural management.
•    To educate patients and their families and/or carers about their condition and the impact their condition may have on handling, positioning, care, exercise etc.
•    To develop advanced communication skills and be able to communicate complex and sensitive information to patients and their families/carers.  Conversations may include assessment of rehab potential, discharge planning, and prognosis. The post holder may need to use empathetic and persuasive skills when communicating, for instance in cases where patients make unwise decision surrounding safety.
•    To be able to use a variety of communication aids/methods to support understanding where cognition, lack of sight, or communication is impaired. This may include working alongside Speech and Language Therapists.
•    To be able to communicate effectively with the wider multidisciplinary team surrounding patient care, making links where necessary.  This may be with hospital consultants, continence nurses, wheelchair services and voluntary sector agencies.
•    Participates in the continuing professional development of themselves and the team.  This may involve leading education sessions to wider team regarding Neuro specific assessment, treatment and conditions. This will involve critical appraisal of up to date literature, and use of local and national condition specific guidance e.g. NICE.
•    To develop skills to be able to assess for, review and issue commonly used orthotics
•    To develop skills and knowledge in the assessment for and application of Functional Electrical Stimulation, and Neuromuscular Electrical stimulation; with the support of the Clinical Specialist Neuro Physiotherapist.
•    Recommends specific levels of care/equipment required to maximize a patient’s independence in their own homes.
•    To develop an awareness of the medical management of a range of frequently seen Neurological conditions e.g. anti-spasticity drugs.
•    Have an up to date working knowledge of any schemes/care provision and support groups to assist patients in self-managing their conditions and to improve their quality of life living in the community.
•    Participates in the planning and implementation of patient groups associated with the specialist area of neurological rehabilitation and neurological disease long term management.
•    To develop an awareness of advance care planning, palliative care and end of life care in progressive neurological conditions.
•    All staff members have personal and professional responsibility to promote safe standards of care and services. All staff members are expected to participate in clinical governance initiatives.
•    To work alongside the wider Multidisciplinary team in order to meet joint goals.  This may include organizing joint goal setting meetings or having joint visits for a more holistic assessment. 

Professional

Risk Assessment
•    Uses therapeutic handling techniques to maximise the patients’ potential and minimise risk.
•    Assesses the patient’s home environment for potential hazards to minimise risk to them and others around them.
•    Independently assesses for and prescribes basic equipment and with the support of the Band 7 Clinical Specialist Neuro OT develops skills in the prescription of bespoke and special order equipment.

Management

•    Provides training/development of work shadow persons/ students, and support workers as necessary.