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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To understand the rationale behind multi-factorial falls prevention programmes and the evidence base supporting their delivery.

Undertake specialist detailed multi-factorial falls assessments for clients who have fallen. These clients will present with a variety of falls risk factors and often present with complex multi-pathologies including neurological conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, age related disorders, osteoporosis, learning disability and/or mental health diagnosis. To have a working knowledge of up to date practices, such as FRAX assessment, environmental, home safety assessment and research (e.g. NICE guidelines, Occupational Therapy practice guidelines, Falls Prevention Guidelines, AGS & BGS falls guidelines).

Be proficient in the assessment of clients with a wide range of pathologies and competent in the development and implementation of treatment plans for these clients who are referred to the Luton Falls team. Demonstrate the use of evidence-based outcome measures and interventions and in accordance with The Royal College of Occupational Therapist  Guidelines.

To lead community evidence based strength and balance groups and deliver educational talks around falls prevention and falls risk management. After clients complete the strength and balance groups, be responsible for their follow up.

Work closely with other healthcare professionals e.g. Physiotherapists, falls support workers, Dieticians, GPs, Pharmacists, Care Managers and nursing teams to provide a comprehensive, seamless service, aiming to improve and maintain functional physical health for clients using the service and to communicate relevant medical information, assessment details, advice and recommendations across agencies and with clients, to provide a coordinated service to meet the client’s care needs, in compliance with Trust Guidelines for sharing of information and informed consent.  These agencies include Acute Trusts, General Practitioners, Community Rehabilitation Teams, Social Services, other healthcare professionals, voluntary agencies, and care homes.

Following Specialist Falls Assessment, use advanced clinical reasoning, analysis, assessment and re-assessment skills to develop and provide individual occupational therapy treatments and programmes for clients.  These treatment techniques may include 1:1 occupational therapy treatment, prescription of home exercise programmes, group exercise programmes, health promotion, patient and carer education. This may be on a home visit, in a clinic or in a group setting.

Demonstrate compassion, empathy and sensitivity towards clients who may have complex emotional and physical conditions such as fear of falling, anxiety, pain and other physical psychological and social concerns or when delivering unwelcome news around their condition or rehabilitation prognosis.

Comply with local risk assessments when dealing with complex clients with challenging behavioural needs and high risk extreme environments.              

Be responsible for accepting allocated clients, organising and prioritising own caseload to meet service needs and to communicate with your supervisor if the service needs cannot be met.

Prescribe appropriate equipment, following the Central community Equipment Services procedures, to clients in order to maximise their independence 

Travel to client’s homes, community centres and hospitals taking necessary assessment and treatment equipment as required.

Be responsible for the safe storage and safe moving and handling of therapy  equipment.

To use falls prevention evidence to work with clinical teams and users to improve patient processes and pathways. In line with the falls pathway empower clinical teams to make appropriate referrals to the Falls Prevention Service through education, increasing awareness and ensuring the referral pathways are uncomplicated and robust.

Work as a lone practitioner, within the guidelines of the Lone Working Policy, when performing home visits.

Identify clients who need support from outside agencies, using clinical reasoning and analysis skills.  To liaise with, and to refer clients to these services which include other Healthcare Services, Healthcare Professionals and Voluntary agencies as appropriate.

To be involved in the promotion of falls prevention and management strategies with the general public and other organisations e.g. National Falls Awareness Week.

Demonstrate skills to motivate clients and the general public across a range of situations through verbal and written means, both formally and informally, to take responsibility for their own rehabilitation and reduce their falls risk through continued exercise participation.

Demonstrate advanced skills in helping those who have fallen to manage their anxiety through education and practical techniques and help clients increase their social participation clients and reduce their falls risk through positive engagement and low level emotional support.

To demonstrate verbal and written skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations in a formal and informal manner.

Be responsible for gaining valid, informed consent for assessment, treatment interventions and sharing of information in compliance with legal and professional guidelines.  To be able to interpret and follow these guidelines in circumstances where clients do not have capacity to provide informed consent.

To support junior colleagues, rehabilitation assistants and students.