JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Senior Occupational Health Nurse Advisor

BandBand7

HoursFull Time

Location

Responsible To:Head of Occupational Health

JOB SUMMARY

To provide clear visible professional advice to employees within the Trust and external clients. Manage and provide professional leadership to Occupational Health Nurse Advisors and the wider multidisciplinary team within the Occupational Health department. To assist the Head of Occupational Health in leading and advancing clinical practice in line with DoH guidelines and legislation. To provide all aspects of nursing care including consultation, advice, education, testing and immunisations where appropriate and in accordance with patient group directives and departmental protocols

MAIN CLINICAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. To provide professional leadership, advice, support and guidance to the Occupational Health Nurse Advisors and wider multidisciplinary team. Act as a professional role model and provide strong, facilitative and effective clinical leadership.
  1. To assess new clients presenting to Occupational Health whether in person or by written referral and initiate management of case.
  1. To assess any employee following a body fluid exposure, undertaking a risk assessment for blood bourne viruses and taking appropriate action in accordance with the DoH guidelines.
  1. To write letters to GP/Specialists in line with the Access to Medical reports Act and Data Protection Act.
  1. To assess individual risk for employees presenting with perceived stress and taking appropriate action.
  1. To respond to employee/manager’s requests for support/information on the working environment.
  1. To provide support to employees through potentially difficult or distressing situations.
  1. To maintain appropriate records in line with departmental protocols on record keeping
  1. To provide health surveillance in accordance with current legislation. To empower Occupational Health Nurse advisors to undertake a wider range of clinical activities by ensuring appropriate training, updating and monitoring of relevant training programmes.
  1. To provide positive, professional, accountable leadership to ensure the advancement of nursing practice and the role of Occupational Health within the Trust.
  1. To work with the Head of Occupational Health to review the Nursing skill mix and to develop and support ongoing recruitment. To take a senior role in the development and provision of a high profile and pro-active Occupational Health Service
  1. Any other duties within the scope of the post commensurate with grade
  1. To provide clinical support and cover to all peripatetic Occupational Health Clinics throughout the Trust as and when required.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Assist in the development of the department’s business plans and strategy. Undertake defined projects as agreed with the head of Occupational health to support the delivery of high quality clinically effective care.
  2. To assist the Head of Occupational Health to monitor, review and develop Occupational Health Policy’s and procedures to ensure they meet legislation and Dept of Health recommendations and reflect standards of best practice.
  3. To support the Head of Occupational Health and deputise as necessary.
  4. Assist in the design and implementation of Health Promotion initiatives in partnership with the wellbeing and cultural group.
  5. Develop good working relationships and maintain effective communications with client’s managers and other professionals both within the Trust and external contracts.
  6. Responsible for equipment and its maintenance, resources and staff cover, clinical and administratively in partnership with the Office Manager.
  7. Provide Occupational Health employees with appropriate regular appraisals, ensuring training and development needs are identified and met.

GENERAL

  • To maintain valid and up to date registration with the NMC and comply with NMC guidelines in relation to professional issues and clinical supervision
  • To maintain working knowledge of Trust policies and procedures and adopt these accordingly
  • To maintain a flexible approach to the role according to professional and service needs
  • To work in accordance with the Trust’s Health and Safety Policies
  • To undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the post
  • Promote equality of opportunity and provide an environment in which the dignity of individuals is respected and free from workplace harassment and bullying
  • Information being handled by employees of the Trust is strictly confidential.Failure to respect the confidential nature of this information will be regarded as a serious breach of regulations, which will result in action under the Trust’s disciplinary procedure including possible dismissal

Please note that this job description serves to provide an illustrative example of the duties and responsibilities that the post holder may be expected to undertake during the course of their normal duties. It is not an exhaustive list. The post holder will therefore be required to undertake other responsibilities and duties that are considered to be commensurate with the band.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Post Title & Location: Senior Occupational Health Nurse Advisor, Occupational Health Department

Band: 7

ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
Qualifications / Registration with NMC Part 1
Postgraduate qualification in Occupational Health
Evidence of up to date knowledge base of professional and specialist issues
Sound educational background including a good standard of numeracy and written English. / Knowledge and experience of working in NHS occupational health
Work Experience & Attainments
Work Experience & Attainments - cont / An enthusiastic and inspiring role model grounded in practice.
Demonstrates a clear understanding of professional accountability in the scope of professional practice.
Innovative and adaptable, with strong leadership and management skills.
Ability to work effectively independently and also within a team framework. Ability to prioritise and manage time effectively.
Good interpersonal and communication skills, written and oral.
Competent in the use of Microsoft Office Applications e.g. email, word processing and spreadsheets etc.
Management & Development of the Team / Negotiation and motivational skills, ability to accept and deliver constructive feedback.
Clear evidence of managerial experience / Working in a nurse led service
Skills and Aptitudes / Ability to work effectively with minimum supervision.
Able to prioritise own workload and manage own time, self motivated and capable of working flexibly and to strict deadlines using own initiative.
A team player with the ability to plan and organise the work within the team in order to meet specified deadlines and service needs.
Demonstrates a self-motivated and proactive approach to work.
Awareness of own limitations, innovative and creative
Communication & People Skills / Confidence, assertiveness, tact, diplomacy and empathy for dealing with clients.
Team working.
Self awareness and a sense of respect for others irrespective of gender, social class, race or sexual orientation.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. / Approachable
Organisational Skills / Forward thinking and planning effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines.
Circumstances / Understands and supports a flexible approach to team working.
Must hold a valid driving licence and use of own car is essential