Pediatric Clinical Specialist OT in Neurology/Neurodisability
The Clinical Specialist in Neurology/Neurodisability will cover a specialist outpatient caseload of patients from 0-18 with complex acute and chronic neurological diagnoses. They will also play a key role in tertiary level Movement Disorders (advanced tone management), Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) and Neuromuscular Multidisciplinary clinics. Advanced skills and knowledge in the management of tone in the upper extremity using splinting, casting, modified constraint induced movement therapy (mCIMT) and Botox is essential for any candidates who are applying. This role is a senior practitioner in the team with responsibility for service development, research and clinical governance in their specialist area.
Job Overview
The Clinical Specialist OT – Neurology/Neurodisability is responsible for the tertiary level outpatient neurology and neurodisability services provided to pediatric patients at Sidra Medicine. This will include patients with Cerebral Palsy, Neuromuscular, Neurometabolic Brachial Plexus Injury diagnoses. The post holder will assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapy programs for children under their care using evidence-based practice, working autonomously with minimal supervision. You will work in in close collaboration with the MDT Teams for each diagnostic group and other members of the allied health care team to provide evidence-based care by integrating research with practice.
KEY ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Clinical
- Provides in-patient and/or out-patient occupational therapy care to patients with complex and high needs as appropriate to patient demand and specialty clinical skills.
- Provides therapy care that is patient centered including setting meaningful goals for independence in daily activities.
- Provides high quality, evidenced based patient care including assessment and occupation based treatment within the designated specialist clinical area.
- Uses appropriate clinical outcome measures to evaluate effectiveness of care.
- Contributes to patient diagnosis through the use of specialist assessments and observations.
- Where appropriate modifies task, person or environment to enable participation in daily occupations such as bathing or dressing.
- Where appropriate assesses the patient for adaptations and use of specialist equipment.
- Liaises with the appropriate occupational therapy services in the community and provides transfer/discharge information.
- Educates the patient/family and other members of the health care team regarding the occupational therapy plan.
- Documents all relevant information correctly, appropriately and in a timely manner as per occupational therapy documentation standards.
- Acts as an advocate by empowering children and their families to make informed choices by providing them with information and support and directing to the relevant support services when appropriate.
- Provides appropriate cross cover into other specialist clinical areas as required, ensuring they have the required skills and competencies to do so.
- Demonstrates an understanding of evidence-based healthcare methodology and its ability to positively impact patient outcomes.
- Participates in the integration and evaluation of research into practice.
- Participates in patient education programs.
- Utilizing a professional practice framework and evidence based care, identifies quality improvement initiatives while minimizing risks, creating care that is optimal for our patients and families.
- Promotes a safe environment and safe patient care by embracing a safety culture and identifying areas of risk to Occupational Therapy Supervisor. Complies with policies for personal and patient safety and for the prevention of healthcare associated infections.
Professional Practice
- Provides documented evidence of own performance and maintenance of skills with appropriate continuing professional development activities consistent with the specialty post.
- Responsible for maintaining a Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners Continuing Professional Development Profile for licensure.
- Responsible for maintaining up to date mandatory Life Support Training requirements as directed by MoPH and Sidra (e.g. BLS, AED etc).
- Participates in service activities that contribute to excellence in outcomes, a positive patient experience and a healthy professional environment.
- Contributes to the achievement of clinical quality outcome indicators and patient satisfaction.
- Leads service based Performance Improvement activities and organizational committees as assigned.
- Participates in quality improvement activities linked to occupational therapy strategic priorities and professional practice model.
- Feeds back to supervisor regularly about day-to-day operational needs (eg. clinical service development, staffing, clinical service provision etc.) in the specialty area and assists with ad hoc operational service planning activities as needed.
- Participates in the continued development, implementation, and evaluation of Sidra Policy and Procedures to align with international best practices.
- Participates in new staff orientation aimed at developing competence and performance.
- Assists in maintaining a suitable learning environment supporting and teaching staff to develop. This includes mentoring, coaching and providing formal clinical supervision to junior occupational therapist (Occupational Therapist I) and the occupational therapy technician, along with providing ongoing formal and informal education (eg. conferences, inservices, journal club etc.)
- Coordinates with the supervisor in regards to staff absences (eg. sick, annual, study, maternity).
- Participates in the promotion and maintenance of effective communication and teamwork. Treats colleagues, patients, and visitors with dignity and respect at all times.
- Responsible for completing their supervision agreements, readiness for supervision sessions and maintaining accurate supervision records.
- Follows all organizational policies and procedures.
- Adheres to Sidra’s standards as they appear in the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policies
- Adheres to and promotes Sidra’s Values
In view of the evolving needs and opportunities within Sidra, this position may be required to perform other duties as assigned and reporting relationships may vary.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS – REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy
Experience 5+ years of relevant clinical experience
Certification and Licensure
- Current registration and license from Country of Origin
- Eligible for licensure with the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners
Job Specific Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated knowledge of Occupational Therapy principles and practices.
- Demonstrated ability to apply and integrate knowledge and skills into practice
- Evidence of effective communication skills.
- Effective team member
- Motivated and enthusiastic
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Preferred:
- Post graduate training in standardized paediatric specific occupational therapy assessment and evidence-based interventions
- MSc in a relevant field to OT
Sidra Medicine a healthy population is essential to a strong, prosperous society, and throughout 2020, Sidra continued to provide uninterrupted comprehensive specialist healthcare services for children and young people; and exceptional maternity, gynecology, and reproductive medical services for women, previously unavailable in Qatar and the region.” – H.H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation
Sidra Medicine represents the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser who serves as its Chairperson. This high-tech facility is home to world-class patient care, scientific expertise, and educational resources.
