Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist Hand Therapy (Plastics) (10.046 (2025))

TallaghtHospital

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profile Job Location:

Dublin - Ireland

profile Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed
Posted on: 30+ days ago
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Title: Clinical Specialist Occupational TherapistHand Therapy (Plastics)
Fulltime Specified Purpose Contract
Reference No: 10.046 (2025)
Department / Directorate: Occupational Therapy Department COO Directorate
Reports to: Occupational Therapy Manager

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is a model 4 voluntary academic teaching hospital partnered with Trinity College and situated in south west Dublin. With a staff of over 4000 people from 63 differentcountries it provides both acute and tertiary care to an increasing population of circa 800000 people and is a provider of local regional and national specialties. It is also a National Urology Centre the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country Pelvic and Acetabulum National Centre and a designated Trauma Unit.

The Hospital is part of the newly established HSE Dublin & Midlands Region which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties and operates under the governance of an independent Board of Directors who give their time on a voluntary basis. TUH is also supported by the Adelaide Health Foundation the Meath Foundation and Tallaght University Hospital Foundation.

TUH recognises the role it plays in our community both as an employer and provider of healthcare and is committed to building a sustainable future for our region both now and into the future with a focus on patient outcomes.

The Hospital is ambitious recognising that healthcare delivery is undergoing seismic change and will be different now and into the future largely due to digital and technological advances along with research continuing to discover and test new treatment options. TUH wants to be a leader in determining that future. It is aHospital without Wallsalways looking to optimise care both within and beyond in line with the Sláintecare vision of providing the right care in the right place at the right time whilst empowering our patients and staff.


TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is People Caring for People to Live Better Livesthrough excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.

OurTUH CAREvalues for patients their families our community and staff are:
  • Collaborate together and with our academic and care partners
  • Achieve our goals positive outcomes and wellbeing
  • Respect for patients each other and our environment
  • Equity for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and everymember of the Team is valued equally. We recognise that a skilled satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.
A full overview of TUH is available on


PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist (OT) will provide a comprehensive Occupational Therapy and Hand Therapy service to both inpatients and outpatients under the recently established Plastics service in TUH. This post will work alongside an established outpatient Trauma & Elective Orthopaedic Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy service.

Overview of role:
The person appointed to this Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist post will work as part of the multi-disciplinary team delivering a coordinated approach to patients in the Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy Service for the newly established Plastics Service.
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will be responsible for the provision of a high-quality Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy Service to the Plastics Service and will carry out clinical and educational duties as required. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of their relevant complex Plastics patient caseload the assessment and treatment of the Hand Therapy patients and deliver an efficient service to meet the needs of the service user group and the objectives of the organisation.
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Plastics is expected to work closely with the Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapists in Trauma and Elective Orthopaedics. The specialists in hand therapy will work in tandem to deliver a high-quality efficient service and provide cross cover to each others specialities. This provides a dynamic opportunity for collaboration knowledge exchange and continuous variety.
The Clinical Specialist appointed will possess skills and expertise greater than those expected of a senior grade therapist. This includes research and prior experience in development work on topics and techniques related to Hand Therapy.
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will develop and maintain high standards of clinical practice within this area through clinical evaluation audit opportunities and evidence-based practice. They will continue the development management and evaluation of the Hand Therapy Plastics Service.
The successful candidate will work in conjunction with Occupational Therapy colleagues to participate in supervision of senior and staff grade occupational therapists occupational therapy assistants and students as required.
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will contribute to a structured process for education of colleagues undergraduates and other disciplines in this clinical specialist area in collaboration with peers.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Professional / Clinical
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will:
  • Be responsible for the delivery of occupational therapy services to a complex caseload commensurate with an advanced specialist in the field of Hand Therapy Plastics
  • Provide leadership direction and support and to ensure the continuing development of the occupational therapy staff and students in the Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy Service
  • Demonstrate a commitment to research and evidence-based practice identifying and contributing to research clinical evaluation and audit opportunities
  • The Clinical Specialist appointed will possess skills and expertise greater than those expected of a senior grade therapist. These would include research and development work on topics and techniques related to Plastic Surgery
  • Be responsible for the development and maintenance of standards of practice of self and staff appointed to the Occupational Therapy Hand Service
  • Be responsible for managing their own caseload and for assessment planning implementation and evaluation of treatment programmes for service users according to service standards
  • Participate in the integrated discharge planning process in line with the HSE Code of Practice
  • Be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Hand Therapy Service by supervising staff prioritising and allocating work and promoting positive staff morale and team working in conjunction with the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • In conjunction with the Occupational Therapist Manager lead service planning and development by anticipating the changing needs of the service and service users
  • Foster and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues front line managers and other healthcare personnel in the team
  • 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 results of assessments treatment / intervention programmes and recommendations to the team and relevant others in accordance with service policy
  • Participate in teams as appropriate communicating and working in co-operation with other team members
  • Attend clinics review meetings team meetings case conferences ward rounds etc. as designated by Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Ensure that staff in the designated service area(s) arrange and carry out duties in a timely manner within settings appropriate to service users needs and in line with local policy/guidelines
  • Be responsible for adhering to existing standards and protocols and for leading out on the development and maintenance of standards / strategies for quality improvement and outcome measurement
  • Seek advice and assistance with any assigned duties in line with principles of evidence-based practice and clinical governance
  • Incorporates national and international Evidence Based Occupational Therapy Practice (EBOTP) into their practice
  • Ensure that professional standards are maintained in relation to confidentiality ethics and legislation
  • Operate within the scope of Occupational Therapy practice within Ireland and in accordance with local guidelines
  • Will adhere to the Ethics for Occupational Therapists from CORU and the AOTI.
Education and Training
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will:
  • Participate in all mandatory training programmes
  • Participate in continuing professional development including in-service training attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to practice contributing to research etc. as agreed by the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Engage in professional clinical Occupational Therapist supervision with the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Engage in peer support with Senior Occupational Therapist colleagues
  • Supervise Senior and Staff Grade Occupational Therapists as requested by the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Manage participate and play a key role in the practice education of student therapists undertaking fieldwork supervisor responsibilities as required
  • Take part in teaching / training / supervision of other Occupational Therapy and non-Occupational Therapy staff / students and attend practice educator courses as appropriate.
  • Be responsible for the direct supervision of Senior and Staff Grade Occupational Therapists assigned to the Hand Therapy Service
  • Ensure newly qualified occupational therapists have adequate induction and clinical supervision and assist in implementing annual staff development and performance review
  • To update knowledge of occupational therapy by personal study attending lectures and courses
  • To develop and maintain competence in current developments in Plastics and specialities relating to Hand Therapy and the implications which they may have for clinical practice
  • To maintain an environment conductive to learning
  • Lead out on training programmes / courses in the speciality area for internal and external occupational therapists
  • To act as advisor and clinical expert to occupational therapy staff in the Plastics specialty in Hand Therapy ensuring staff have current information to inform their clinical decisions.
Research & Development
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will:
  • Undertake research relevant to Hand Therapy in collaboration with peers
  • Will actively instigate participate in or investigate research projects as appropriate and achievable within existing workload
  • Will promote occupational therapy practice in line with relevant research and evidence base
  • In collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager and members of the multidisciplinary team will initiate or participate in innovations in uni / multidisciplinary practice
  • Disseminate information through seminars and publications as appropriate
  • Will network with other clinical specialists the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI) education providers and other professional bodies to exchange and enhance knowledge base and practice
  • Will engage with relevant Advisory Group(s) of the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI).
Health & Safety
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will:
  • Promote a safe working environment in accordance with Health and Safety legislation
  • Be aware of and implement agreed policies procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation regulations and standards
  • Actively participate in risk management issues identify risks and take responsibility for appropriate action
  • Report any adverse incidents in accordance with organisational guidelines.
Administrative
The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will:
  • Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of service in designated area(s)
  • Review and allocate resources within the designated area in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager and relevant others
  • Promote good working practice and uniformity of standards of best practice
  • Promote quality by reviewing and evaluating the Occupational Therapy service regularly identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager and relevant others
  • Develop and implement service / business plans quality initiatives audits etc. and report on outcomes in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Collect and evaluate data about the service user group and demonstrate the achievement of the objectives of the service
  • Oversee the upkeep of accurate Healthcare Records and other documentation in line with best clinical governance organisational requirements and the Freedom of Information Act GDPR and provide reports and other information / statistics as required
  • Represent the department / team at meetings and conferences as appropriate
  • Liaise with the Occupational Therapist Manager regarding the needs interests and perspective of Occupational Therapy staff
  • Promote good team working and a culture that values diversity
  • Participate in the management of Occupational Therapy stock and equipment in conjunction with the Occupational Therapist Manager
  • Engage in IT developments as they apply to service user and service administration
  • Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health Service
  • Plan leave (including annual / study) and cover for clinics (surgeon / therapy led) within the clinical speciality to ensure that occupational therapy cover is adequate across the Hand Therapy Service including Hand / Upper Limb Trauma for Plastics and Orthopaedics.
  • Perform such other duties appropriate to the office as may be assigned by the Occupational Therapist Manager
The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently 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.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Essential:
Be registered as an Occupational Therapist with CORU the professional body for regulating Health & Social Care Professionals or be in the process of obtaining same as applicable.
AND
Hold an Occupational Therapy qualification (BSc/MSc) from an Irish University approved by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board at CORU. Candidates who have not received their degree in Occupational Therapy in the Republic of Ireland must ensure that their qualification is validated by the Department of Health and Children and/or by CORU.
AND
Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
AND
Demonstrate minimum 5 years post graduate clinical experience of which 3 years must be in the specialty. This clinical experience must be satisfactory recent and in the practice of Hand Therapy in plastics and/or orthopaedics; combination of above or trauma/burns specialities in occupational therapy in an acute care/trauma hospital.
AND
Demonstrate evidence of post graduate experience in splinting and Hand Therapy.
AND
Demonstrate achievement in clinical audit quality improvement initiatives practice development teaching and research.

Desirable:
  • Evidence of post-graduate education in the designated clinical area or relevant courses (MSc / AHT / CHT)
  • AOTI or equivalent membership
  • IAHT/ BAHT membership or equivalent
ALL ESSENTIAL CRITERIA MUST BE EVIDENCED WITHIN CV TO BE SHORTLISTED.

Reward & Recognition
  • Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales Grade 3824 Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist.
  • This post is fulltime permanent and pensionable.
  • The annual leave entitlement is 29 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
  • Normal working hours are 35 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.
Application process
Applications can be submitted on-line at by completing the application form and attaching your CV. Candidates should be aware that when applying for a post through the On-Line Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application. Should you for any reason not receive this automated acknowledgement you should notify the Human Resources Department before the closing date otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that in order to maintain a timely process the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
Informal Enquiries to: Ms. Pippa Colby or Ms. Niamh Harding Occupational Therapist Managers (job share). Telephone (01)or email
This is an open active advert candidates will be reviewed weekly for interview.

TUH Core Competencies:
Core AreaCompetencyLevel
Managing the serviceQuality & Safety of Service4
Managing the serviceDelivery of Results4
Managing ChangeProblem Solving & Decision Making4
Managing ChangeCommunications & Influencing 4
Managing YourselfTeam player4
Managing YourselfPlanning and Organising 4
Managing PeoplePeople Management 4
Managing PeopleLeadership 4

Please go to for details of the core competencies which are listed under recruitment process.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(Within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004).
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first dayof the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.

Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital. Given the specialised nature of the services provided your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate. The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavor to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment. Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.

Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service local authorities health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.

Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospitals discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period. Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973 - 2001.

Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Managements right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.

Sick Leave
  • There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
  • In the event of absence from work you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data
  • Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
  • Collect interpret and present data and information on the Departments activities staffing and expenditure as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme

Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes). The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

Health & Safety
  • All employees must comply with the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
  • Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
  • Take reasonable care to protect your own safety health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Hygiene / Infection prevention and control
  • All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.
  • All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
  • All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
  • All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.
Quality safety and risk management
  • Support the delivery of the Quality Safety and Risk Management Programme including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
Data Management
  • Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.
Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular the right of patients to confidentiality. To this end you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and in any event upon the termination of your employment all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.

Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners registered nurses physiotherapists psychologists social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons under the legislation are required to report any knowledge belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault ill-treatment neglect or sexual abuse and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla if requested in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted ill-treated neglected or sexually abused or (b) a childs health development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.

Required Experience:

IC

Job Title: Clinical Specialist Occupational TherapistHand Therapy (Plastics)Fulltime Specified Purpose Contract Reference No: 10.046 (2025)Department / Directorate: Occupational Therapy Department COO DirectorateReports to: Occupational Therapy Manager Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is a model 4...
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Key Skills

  • Body Mechanics
  • Early Intervention
  • Acute Care
  • Communication skills
  • HIPAA
  • Autism Experience
  • Computer Literacy
  • Pediatrics Experience
  • Home Care
  • Heavy Lifting
  • Patient Service Experience
  • Medicare