Practice Education Partnership and Development Lead (Occupational Therapy)

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Post ID: 039564

Post Summary: The Practice Education Team is responsible for the design, delivery, and ongoing development of high-quality practice education placements for undergraduate Occupational Therapy students, ensuring graduates are competent, practice-ready, and equipped to work effectively within the Irish health and social care context. The Practice Education Partnership and Development Lead role has been established in response to the continued expansion of the Occupational Therapy programme and the increased demand for student places arising from Higher Education Authority (HEA) recommendations to support a growing population and workforce needs. The post will play a key role in strengthening practice education partnerships, developing placement capacity, and supporting the sustainable growth of practice education opportunities across health and social care settings. The post requires an experienced Occupational Therapist to work as part of the practice education team.

The successful applicant will be expected to build partnerships within health and social care settings and develop potential placement collaborations. Additionally, the role will require the individual to support these placement partnerships by educating and mentoring undergraduate students as well as supporting the educators on the ground. The post holder will be based in Trinity College Dublin but as part of this role, will routinely visit and work alongside and within these partner sites in the greater Dublin region. In addition, the post holder will engage in and contribute to research in the field of practice education and actively and collaboratively contribute to the academic and professional life of the Discipline, School, College, and wider community.

Police vetting will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for this post.

Post status: Specific Purpose Contract*

The specific purpose of this appointment is to lead and deliver a defined set projects to expand Occupational Therapy practice education placement capacity in response to the growth of the undergraduate Occupational Therapy programme and associated Higher Education Authority (HEA) workforce recommendations. The role will also support the ongoing delivery of the placements programme. Employment is not offered on an indefinite duration basis as the role is required specifically to deliver and support a defined project to expand Occupational Therapy practice education placement capacity, in response to increased student numbers and associated HEA workforce recommendations.

Hours of Post: Hours of work for academic staff are those as prescribed under Public Service Agreements.

http://www.tcd.ie/hr/assets/pdf/academic-hours-public-service-agreement.pdf

Salary: This appointment will be made on the Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapy Grade (€72,119 - €83,689) at a point in line with current Government pay policy. monthly/weekly payscales. (tcd.ie)

How to apply: In order to assist the selection process, applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover Letter (1 x A4 page) that specifically address the following points in their application:

• Illustrate, through past examples, the ways in which their experience in their career to-date makes them a suitable candidate for this role.

• Illustrate, through past example, their ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and their capacity to successfully prioritise operational outputs.

Please Note:

• Applicants must address the application requirements above in their cover letter to be considered at the shortlist stage.

• The interview process for this appointment may include the delivery of a presentation.

Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system.

Please see the Job Description below for this position.

Informal enquiries about this post should be made to Dr Sarah Quinn, Head of Discipline, [email protected]

Application queries about this post, please email Katie Doran, Recruitment Partner at [email protected] and include the Competition ID number in the subject heading.

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Job Description Comp ID: 039564 Job Title: Practice Education Partnership and Development Lead School/Department: Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine Job Category and Level: Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapy Grade (€72,119 - €83,689) The Purpose of the Role The Practice Education Team is responsible for the design, delivery, and ongoing development of high-quality practice education placements for undergraduate Occupational Therapy students, ensuring graduates are competent, practice-ready, and equipped to work effectively within the Irish health and social care context. The Practice Education Partnership and Development Lead role has been established in response to the continued expansion of the Occupational Therapy programme and the increased demand for student places arising from Higher Education Authority (HEA) recommendations to support a growing population and workforce needs. The post will play a key role in strengthening practice education partnerships, developing placement capacity, and supporting the sustainable growth of practice education opportunities across health and social care settings. The post requires an experienced Occupational Therapist to work as part of the practice education team.

The successful applicant will be expected to build partnerships within health and social care settings and develop potential placement collaborations. Additionally, the role will require the individual to support these placement partnerships by educating and mentoring undergraduate students as well as supporting the educators on the ground. The post holder will be based in Trinity College Dublin but as part of this role, will routinely visit and work alongside and within these partner sites in the greater Dublin region. In addition, the post holder will engage in and contribute to research in the field of practice education and actively and collaboratively contribute to the academic and professional life of the Discipline, School, College, and wider community.

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The specific purpose of this appointment is to lead and deliver a defined set projects to expand Occupational Therapy practice education placement capacity in response to the growth of the undergraduate Occupational Therapy programme and associated Higher Education Authority (HEA) workforce recommendations. The role will also support the ongoing delivery of the placements programme. Employment is not offered on an indefinite duration basis as the role is required specifically to deliver and support a defined project to expand Occupational Therapy practice education placement capacity, in response to increased student numbers and associated HEA workforce recommendations.

Context Trinity College Dublin invites applications for the position of Practice Education Partnership and Development Lead within the Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine. The role offers a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking academic and innovative Practice Education Team dedicated to excellence in occupational therapy education, practice, and research. Working as part of a cohesive team is central to this role. The Discipline of Occupational Therapy prides itself on a collegial environment where academic staff, practice educators, and administrative colleagues collaborate closely to deliver an innovative and student-centred curriculum. The successful applicant will join a team of 13, including ten full-time academic staff, one Practice Education Coordinator, one Regional Placement Facilitator, and an executive officer, all committed to advancing the mission of the Discipline and enhancing the student experience. The four-year undergraduate occupational therapy programme is accredited by AOTI (Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland) on behalf of the WFOT (World Federation of Occupational Therapists) and is also regulated for state registration by CORU.

The post holder will report directly to the Head of Discipline in conjunction with the Practice Education Coordinator. They will work collaboratively with the Practice Education Team in supporting practice education placements for students through the creation and management of innovative placement projects, and in developing collaborations and partnerships to enhance placement capacity and develop new placement models. In addition, they will be expected to be actively involved in the continued progression and development of practice education within the Discipline.

Main Responsibilities The general duties and responsibilities of the post will include, but are not exclusive to, the following:

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Teaching/Project Development and Research • Contribute to development and delivery of practice education modules for students at the university prior to their commencement of their practice education placement and throughout their placement experiences. • Contribute to the development and delivery of Practice Educator Training workshops and lectures provided nationally, within Practice Education Networks and within the Discipline. • To contribute to systems of quality assurance and educational governance in practice education in relation to the undergraduate Occupational Therapy programme, including the development of research initiatives and projects to enhance these systems, with a particular focus on stakeholder feedback and participation. • To contribute to strategic planning and policy initiatives relevant to occupational therapy practice education. • Promote and support inter-professional learning across disciplines. Operational Responsibilities • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and the Discipline staff to create and/or support student placement projects unaligned with traditional practice in Irish health and social care. • Develop and enhance partnerships between the University and practice placement providers by developing new placement models, establishing mechanisms for the creation of new placement sites, and ensuring that appropriate organisational policies are in place to support high-quality placements. • In developing new placement partner sites, establish and monitor collaborative agreements, ensuring that all partnership arrangements and data-sharing agreements are in place, alongside appropriate provisions for insurance, supervision, and clinical governance structures, as well as robust assessment methodologies and safeguards relating to student safety, health, and welfare. • Develop practice education opportunities for students in new and emerging areas of occupational therapy practice and provide long-arm supervision as necessary for emerging placement areas where there may not be an established occupational therapy service. • Support practice education sites in implementing new methods of practice education management and student supervision, such as the ‘two-to-one model’, the project-based placement etc. • Provide support to both students and practice educators for the duration of the student placement, particularly in sites that do not have a practice tutor or sites that infrequently

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provide practice education placements or in situations where there is no occupational therapist onsite. • Contribute to the ongoing external monitoring and regulation of the undergraduate programme in relation to practice education. • Work closely with the Practice Education Coordinator, contributing to the delivery, administration, development, and operational rollout of the practice education component of the undergraduate Occupational Therapy programme, ensuring alignment with agreed objectives and processes. • Provide student-centered support to students during their placement. Standard Duties • Complete all administrative tasks associated with the post. • Familiarisation and utilisation of all relevant systems within Trinity College including the student information systems and virtual teaching environment. • Maintain own professional practice concurrently in keeping with accreditation criteria. • Keep abreast of research and practice developments in practice and educational areas by attending relevant seminars, conferences etc. • Communicate regularly with the Head of Discipline and the Practice Education Coordinator on all matters in relation to the execution of the requirements of the post and carry out teaching and administrative tasks as designated. • Undertake any other responsibilities in relation to practice education assigned by the Discipline of Occupational Therapy.

Person-related Requirements The role-holder will require the following knowledge, skills and attributes for successful performance in the role:

Qualifications • A primary qualification in occupational therapy (WFOT recognised qualification). (Essential) • A post-graduate qualification at Masters level or higher. (Desirable) • Applicants must be registered, or in the process of registering, with CORU (Occupational Therapist Register) and must maintain annual registration on the occupational therapists Register maintained by CORU. (Essential) • A minimum of 6 years post graduate experience. (Essential)

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• Experience supervising occupational therapy students on placement. (Essential) • Experience of working within psychosocial settings, such as mental health, and intellectual disability services. (Desirable)

Knowledge & Experience (E = Essential and D = Desirable) The successful applicant will be expected to clearly demonstrate the following: • Experience of teaching and mentoring and supervising students and staff. (E) • A comprehensive working knowledge of Irish occupational therapy practice contexts and current professional issues that will influence the education of occupational therapy students (E). • A high level of understanding and experience in models of supervision, supervisor skills, and practice. (E) • Experience of practice competence throughout career. (E) • Knowledge and experience of practice education and working with occupational therapy students. (E) • Evidence of change management driven by professional knowledge and understanding. (E) • Motivation and innovation in work practices. (E) • A good knowledge of how to facilitate and support student learning. (E) • A good understanding of the Irish Health System. (E) • Knowledge of the AOTI minimum standards for practice education in Ireland and CORU standards of proficiency as relevant to the delivery of practice education. (E) • Experience conducting research. (D) • Ability to undertake administrative responsibilities as required by the Discipline, School, and University. (E) • Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively. (E) • Evidence of commitment to continuous professional development (E).

Skills • Well-developed written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills. (E) • Planning and organisational skills particularly in relation to managing projects and workload. (E) • Creative and independent thinking skills to develop new ideas and a willingness to share knowledge/or new ideas with students, staff and practice-based educators. (E) • Ability to interact effectively with relevant stakeholders. (E)

Personal attributes • Enthusiasm, flexibility, and motivation.

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• Capability and confidence to take ownership of problems and seek long term solutions in collaboration with the Discipline. • Ability to work as part of a team in a busy and challenging work environment. • Ability to respond and manage student and supervisor issues with appropriate timeliness. • Commitment to own professional development.

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Application information In order to assist the selection process, applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover Letter (1 x A4 page) that specifically address the following points in their application: • Illustrate, through past examples, the ways in which their experience in their career to-date makes them a suitable candidate for this role. • Illustrate, through past example, their ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and their capacity to successfully prioritise operational outputs. Please Note: Applicants must address the application requirements above in their cover letter to be considered at the shortlist stage. The interview process for this appointment may include the delivery of a presentation.

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GARDA CLEARANCE: Police vetting will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for a post.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will be required to complete and return a Garda vetting form should they come under consideration for appointment. In some cases, they may be requested to complete the form on the day of interview. This form will be forwarded to An Garda Síochána (Irish Police) for security checks on all Irish addresses at which they have resided. An Garda Síochána will make enquiries with the Police Service of Northern Ireland with respect to addresses in Northern Ireland. If an applicant is not successful in obtaining the post for whatever reason, this information will be destroyed. If an applicant, therefore, subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again.

While applicants must complete information in relation to all addresses at which they have resided, the vetting is only done on addresses on the island of Ireland. If an applicant has resided / studied in countries outside of Ireland for a period of 6 months or more, it is mandatory for them to furnish a Police Criminal Records Check/ Police Certificate from those countries stating that they have no convictions recorded against them while residing there. Applicants will need to provide a separate Police Criminal Records Check/ Police Certificate for each country in which they have resided. The Police Criminal Records Check/ Police Certificate must be dated after the date the applicant left the relevant country. Applicants should provide documentation in the English and/or Irish language. Translations must be provided by a registered translation company/institute in the Republic of Ireland; all costs will be borne by the applicant. Only original version documents will be accepted.

Applicants should be aware that any information obtained in the Garda Vetting process can be made available to the employing area.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to seek security clearances in a timely fashion as they can take some time. No applicant will be appointed without this information being provided and being in order.

The following websites may be of assistance in this regard: www.disclosurescotland.co.uk www.psni.police.uk

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This website provides information on obtaining a national police clearance certificate for Australia www.afp.gov.au This website provides information on obtaining police clearance in New Zealand. www.courts.govt.nz

For other countries not listed above applicants may find it helpful to contact the relevant embassies who could provide information on seeking Police Clearance. Original Police Clearance documentation should be forwarded to Human Resources where it will be copied and the original returned to the applicant by post. Any cost incurred in this process will be borne by the applicant.