JOB DESCRIPTION
& PERSON SPECIFICATION
CLINICAL SPECIALIST
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTRheumatic & Musculoskeletal
Disease
1.0 WTE Permanent Post
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE:
Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic &
Musculoskeletal Disease
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist shall report and
accountable to the Occupational Therapist Manager.
SALARY SCALE:
€55,564 - €64,638 per annum pro rata
HOLIDAYS:
28 days per annum pro rata
HEALTH:
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be free from
any defect or disease which would render him/her unsuitable to hold
the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable
prospect of ability to attend regular and efficient service.
CHARACTER:
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good
character.
HOURS OF WORK:
37 hours per week. Details of starting and finishing times, which may
vary in accordance with Hospice needs, will be notified to you by your
Head of Department/Deputy. There will be times when you will be
required to work outside of the normal office hours.
WORKING WEEK:
Will be determined by your Head of Department and the needs of the
service
ETHICAL CODE:
The post holder is requested to respect the special charism, ethos and
tradition of Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services and comply with its
general policies, procedures and regulations. All personnel employed in
Our Lady’s Hospice& Care Services are required to respect and uphold
the principles enunciated in the Philosophy, Mission Values and Ethical
Code of the Religious Sisters of Charity as they apply to the exercise of
their duties and responsibilities.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
You will have access to various types of records/information in the
course of your work. Such records and information are strictly
confidential and unless acting on the instruction of an authorised
person, on no account must information concerning staff, patients or
other Hospital business be divulged or discussed except in the
performance of normal duty. In addition, records may never be left in
such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and
must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.
*In the context of this job description the term Occupational Therapist Manager refers to the
Manager of the Occupational Therapy Service or his or her Deputy.
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Job Description & Person Specification –
Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease
KEY OBJECTIVES:
1. To apply advanced Occupational Therapy (OT) knowledge, skills and experience within the Rheumatic
& Musculoskeletal Disease Unit (RMDU).
2. To deliver OT services to patient caseload, including but not limited to complex cases, commensurate
with a Clinical Specialist in the field of Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease
3. To work in collaboration with the OT Manager & Senior OT staff to provide clinical leadership that will
influence and deliver quality improvements within the OT service in the RMDU and the wider community
at local, regional level and national level.
4. To promote collaborative and inter-professional working in the delivery of integrated, patient centred
services
5. To play a pivotal role in the integration of research evidence into practice demonstrating a commitment
to identifying and contributing to research, clinical evaluation and audit opportunities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PROFESSIONAL /CLINICAL
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in the Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease Unit (RMDU)
will:

Be responsible for a patient caseload, including but not limited to complex cases, providing
assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment programmes for patients with
Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease..

Co-ordinate interventions with other members of the OT team and & MDT to ensure an optimum
service is provided for all service users

Demonstrate professional skills and standards consistent with a clinical specialist in the area of
Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease and ensure that OT services provided comply with evidenced
based clinical, professional and departmental standards of practice, working in collaboration with
Senior and Staff grade OTs in the delivery and maintenance of these standards.

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of contemporary Occupational Therapy evidence based practice in
this clinical area

Ensure the quality of documentation of all assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, reports and
discharge summaries are in accordance with local service and professional standards

Communicate verbally and/ or in writing, with the multidisciplinary team and relevant others, the
results of assessments, treatment/ intervention programmes and recommendations , in accordance with
service policy

Promote the delivery of a holistic, client centred approach, which encompasses a multi-professional
perspective

Communicate and work in co-operation with Occupational Therapy team members in providing an
integrated quality Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease service.

In collaboration with Senior Occupational Therapists provide clinical leadership that will influence and
deliver quality improvements within the Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease service and the wider
community at local, regional level & national level .

In co-operation with Senior Occupational Therapists in the area(s), share the operational day to day
management & development of the OT service in the RMDU.
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Job Description & Person Specification –
Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease

In collaboration with Senior Occupational Therapists in the area (s) be responsible for the direct
supervision of Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, students and support staff
assigned to the RMDU.

Ensure that professional standards are maintained in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation

Engage in coaching and supervision with the Occupational Therapist Manager, and participate in
individual performance management

Act as a role model for occupational therapy staff and staff of other professions, in the areas of clinical
competence and attitude, being readily available to act as an expert clinical resource within the RMDU
and across the other units as relevant.

Seek advice and assistance with any assigned duties in line with principles of evidence based practice
and clinical governance

Adhere to the ethical, legal and professional requirements that inform safe and ethical Occupational
Therapy practice
EDUCATION AND SELF DEVELOPMENT:
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in the Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease Unit will:

Participate in mandatory training programmes

Take responsibility for, and keep up to date with Occupational Therapy practice by participating in
continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at
conferences/ courses relevant to practice, contributing to research, clinical audit etc, as agreed by the
Occupational Therapist Manager and with due consideration for equity within the team and the
development needs of the other OT staff in RMDU.

Monitor and keep up-to-date with developments in the practice of Occupational Therapy and all other
relevant healthcare matters to ensure maintenance of knowledge and skill base in order to facilitate
advanced professional practice.

Participate in educational presentations for clients, colleagues, students and external groups as required
with due consideration for equity within the team and the development needs of other OT staff in
RMDU.

Collaborate with the Occupational Therapist Manager, Universities, practice tutors and clinical
educators to deliver clinical placements & provide practice education opportunities for students

Be responsible for the induction and ongoing development of OT team members within the RMDU, in
collaboration with senior therapists in the area, providing coaching / mentoring in evidenced based
clinical, professional and departmental standards of practice.

Engage in support/ supervision within the OT service

Engage in performance management of self and others as required with the Occupational Therapist
Manager

Provide education regarding the role of Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist to other members of
the MDT, students etc.
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Job Description & Person Specification –
Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease

Remain informed of developments and trends in occupational therapy practice by study of current
literature, networking with relevant expert groups and sharing this information within the OT team.

Develop links with colleagues nationally and internationally with a view to sharing this information
within the OT team, developing & enhancing clinical standards within the RMDU.

In collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager , OT Practice tutor and the OT team
maintain an environment conducive to learning
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease Unit will:

Play a pivotal role in the integration of research evidence into practice.

Contribute to the development of guidelines and evidence based practice through research

Contribute to the sharing of knowledge and best practice

Contribute to the development of the Occupational Therapy in OLHCS & the RMDU through research

Contribute to the design and implementation of quality improvement mechanisms at both practice and
organisational levels.

Initiate or be prepared to participate in research in the area of speciality with the aim of publishing
within the field in peer recognised journals / periodicals.

In collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager or nominee, OT team and members of the
multidisciplinary team, initiate or participate in innovations in uni /multidisciplinary practice.
Disseminate information through seminars and publications, as appropriate.

Participate in collaborate interdisciplinary research.
ADVISORY
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in the Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease Unit will:

Develop the advisory role of the Clinical Specialist, through networking with other clinical specialists,
education providers, the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland and other professional
bodies to exchange and enhance professional knowledge base.

Develop strategies for responding to requests for advice from external agencies. Document requests &
input provided and report on same when required.
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease Unit will:

Be responsible for the delivery of a clinical specialist service in line with best practice and in
collaboration with Senior Occupational Therapist(s) and the multi-disciplinary team.

Collaborate with Senior Occupational Therapists within the RMDU to optimise and use available
resources to achieve effective outcomes for service users

In collaboration with the OT Manager & Senior Occupational Therapists, review and evaluate service
delivery in response to changes in practice within the context of changing demographic, economic and
legislative needs.
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Job Description & Person Specification –
Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease

Initiate and participate in quality assurance programmes and clinical audit.

Collect, collate and evaluate data about the service user group and demonstrate the achievement of
service objectives.

Maintain accurate records in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements and the
Freedom of Information Act, and render reports and other information/statistics as required

Promote good team working and a culture that values diversity within the Occupational Therapy
service and multidisciplinary team

Take part in the lead rotation cover, as relevant , in the absence of the Occupational Therapist Manager

Represent the department at meetings and conferences as appropriate

Make the most efficient and effective use of developments in information technology as they apply to
service user and service administration , in a manner that integrates well with systems throughout the
organisation.

Participate in the management of Occupational Therapy stock and equipment in conjunction with the
Occupational Therapy Manager & OT team.
HEALTH & SAFETY
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease Unit will:

Develop and monitor implementation of agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by
adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

Ensure the safety of self and others, and the maintenance of safe environments and equipment used in
the Occupational Therapy Department in accordance with legislation.

Assess and manage risk in their assigned area of responsibility.

Take appropriate timely action to manage any incidents or near misses within their assigned area.

Report immediately any accidents or incidents involving patients, staff, students or members of the
public to the Occupational Therapist Manager or nominee.

Be responsible for the safe and competent use of all treatment and assistive equipment both by clients
and staff under their supervision.

Comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.

Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities relevant to their area as outlined in Our
Lady’s Hospice policies, protocols and procedures.

Take reasonable care to protect her / his own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person
who may be affected by her/ his acts or omissions at work.

Instruct assigned staff /students in safe working practices.
GENERAL

The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease Unit will:

Adhere to Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services, practices and procedures at all times.

Present and act at all times in a professional manner appropriate to the position and the ethos of Our
Lady’s Hospice & Care Services.
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Job Description & Person Specification –
Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease

Undertake such other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned by the Occupational Therapist
Manager or nominee.

Ensure confidentiality in all matters of information obtained during the course of employment.

Have a working knowledge of Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services policies and procedures.
GARDA VETTING:
Arrangements have been introduced, on a national level, for the provision of Garda Vetting in respect of
candidates for employment in areas of the Health Services, where it is envisaged that potential employees
would have substantial access to children or vulnerable individuals. Each candidate will be required to
complete a Garda Vetting form.
The post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post, which may be assigned to
him/her from time to time, and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. The extent and speed
of change in the delivery of health care is such that adaptability is essential. The incumbent will be required to
maintain, enhance and develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to respond to a changing
situation. The job description must be regarded as an outline of the major areas of accountability at the present
time, which will be reviewed and assessed on an on-going basis.
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Job Description & Person Specification –
Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
(a) Eligible applicants will hold the following;

Post Graduate MSc
degree in relevant
area of practice.

Membership of the
Association of
Occupational
Therapists of Ireland
or equivalent
Occupational
Therapy professional
body

Membership of an
Advisory Group in
the relevant clinical
speciality.
(i) BSc (Honours) Degree in Occupational Therapy
from the University of Dublin
Or
(ii) BSc (Honours) Degree in Occupational Therapy
from University College Cork
Or
(iii) BSc (Honours) Degree in Occupational Therapy
from the National University of Ireland, Galway,
Or
(iv) Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapy
Or
(v)MSc in Occupational Therapy from the University
of Limerick
Or
(vi)A validated Occupational Therapy qualification at
least equivalent to (i),(ii), (iii),(iv) and (v) .
Experience
(b) Candidates must hold a minimum of 5 full time
(or equivalent) years post qualification
experience of which 3 full time (or equivalent)
consecutive years must be in the area of
Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease.
(c) Candidates must demonstrate evidence of
continuing professional development relevant to
the required area of specialism, in the form of
post graduate qualifications or relevant courses.
(d) Candidates must demonstrate a proven record of
clinical excellence.
(e) Candidates must demonstrate achievement in the
areas of quality improvement initiatives, practice
development, teaching and research.
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Job Description & Person Specification –
Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease
Core Competencies
Core Values
 Demonstrate an understanding of the application of the core values of Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services.
Knowledge/professional knowledge
 Demonstrate clinical knowledge, skills, and experience appropriate to carrying out the duties and
responsibilities of the role.
 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of contemporary OT evidence based practice in the specialist clinical area
and related practice
 Demonstrate commitment to & evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the required area
of specialism, in the form of post –graduate qualifications or relevant courses.
Clinical Leadership
 Demonstrate clinical leadership skills to influence and deliver quality improvements at both a practice and
organisational level
 Demonstrate ability to represent self and the OT profession in a competent and confident manner
 Demonstrate the ability to facilitate change and motivate change in others
 Demonstrate awareness of own strengths and areas for development
Communication/interpersonal skills
 Demonstrate an excellent command of the English language both verbal and written to effectively carry out the
duties and responsibilities of the role
 Display effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with patients,
colleagues, families, carers, etc.
 Display awareness and appreciation of service users and colleagues and an ability to treat others with dignity
and respect.
 Demonstrate ability to give constructive feedback to encourage learning, utilise coaching and supervision
effectively.
Planning/organisational skills
 Demonstrate flexibility to balance the caseload, research and developmental responsibilities of the post
 Demonstrate ability to work effectively within a changing healthcare environment
 Demonstrate ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiples tasks
Evaluating/judging situations
 Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions in difficult and
complex situations
Quality/client focus
 Demonstrate a strong commitment to the development and maintenance of high standards of clinical practice
and service delivery
 Demonstrate an understanding of the impact and implication of current wider healthcare developments and
changes on the delivery of services within the organisation.
Teamwork
 Demonstrate effective team building skills including the ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary
team.
Research
 Demonstrate evidence of participation in academic research, preferably in the specialist area
 Demonstrate an ability to identify, initiate and participate in research.
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Job Description & Person Specification –
Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease