Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist - Housing First Multi-Disciplinary Health Team 

Job Title:

Occupational Therapist - Housing First Multi-Disciplinary Health Team 

Location:

Dublin

Reports to:

Senior Occupational Health

Job Type:

Full-Time – 5 Year Fixed Term Contract

Hours:

35 hours per week.

Salary:

€53,250

Purpose:

The Housing First programme is a person-centred, evidence-based approach that supports individuals with complex health and social care needs to move directly into permanent housing, without preconditions. Delivered through a multidisciplinary team (MDT) model and Case Management support, the programme provides intensive, flexible, and integrated support to enable sustained tenancies and improved health and wellbeing outcomes

The Housing First Model in Dublin brings together the Health MDT and the Intensive Case Management Team to ensure accessible and person cantered supports are delivered to people living in Housing First Tenancies Across Dublin City and County. The Occupational Therapist will be a key role to ensure the MDT works within the fidelity of the Housing First model and to the highest standards of clinical practice.

Contact Email:

Application Ref.

HR/DUB/HSF/OCPT/0925

The Occupational Therapist will have a pivotal role within the Housing First Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). This team forms part of a collaborative consortium between Coolmine and Ana Liffey Drug Project, who are working in partnership to establish a Housing First MDT and deliver an integrated Housing First model. Together, the organisations bring their combined expertise to support individuals with complex needs, ensuring the delivery of coordinated, client-centred care. The Occupational Therapist will provide specialist input within this MDT, contributing to high-quality, clinically informed practice

The ideal candidate for the Housing First Occupational Therapist role will be an experienced, values-driven professional with clinical expertise. They will demonstrate a strong commitment to the core principles of the Housing First model, including harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and unconditional support. As a clinician within the multidisciplinary team, the postholder will play a pivotal role in shaping occupational therapy service delivery and ensuring person-centred care for Housing First tenants.

Role & Responsibilities:

Professional Knowledge and Experience 

Apply clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice to address the health, housing, and social needs of Housing First participants, ensuring all interventions reflect Housing First principles such as harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and unconditional supportManage a defined caseload, providing direct occupational therapy assessment and intervention to support participants' wellbeing, independence, and tenancy sustainmentDeliver tailored interventions and skills-based programmes that enable participants to build daily living skills, manage housing responsibilities, and engage with their communitiesUtilise the occupational therapy process effectively, applying theory and practice to support individuals with multiple and complex needs in achieving meaningful goals and sustaining housingProvide safe and effective OT interventions, identifying and managing clinical and housing-related risks in partnership with the MDT and Intensive Case Managers (ICMs)Work within relevant legislative and policy frameworks, including healthcare, safeguarding, and housing-related requirements, ensuring compliance in all aspects of practiceEngage in continuous professional development, reflective practice, and knowledge sharing, supporting collaborative learning within the MDT and across Housing First partnershipsContribute to joint case reviews and collaborative planning, ensuring OT perspectives are integrated into holistic care and tenancy support plans

Programme Development

Manage an allocated caseload effectively, prioritising in line with client need and MDT decisionsContribute to the planning and delivery of OT services across the MDT.Adapt interventions and demonstrate flexibility in response to the evolving needs of the Housing First client groupSupport collaborative planning with MDT and ICM colleagues to ensure seamless and coordinated service deliveryWork under the guidance of the Senior Occupational Therapist, contributing to service development and continuous improvementSupport peer learning within the MDT by sharing knowledge, skills, and evidence-based approaches.Actively engage in supervision and training, including reflective practice sessions, to enhance skills and contribute to professional growthCarry out assessments using recognised occupational therapy tools, interpreting results to inform care planning.Contribute to MDT case discussions and joint decision-making processes.Identify risks and work collaboratively to develop management strategies that support client safety and wellbeing

Commitment to Quality

Knowledge of policy, legislative, clinical, and professional standards relevant to occupational therapy and multidisciplinary practiceActively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, to drive change and enhance service delivery for Housing First participants.Deliver services in line with Housing First fidelity, emphasising participant choice, dignity, and respectPromote inclusive and trauma-informed practices, fostering environments where clients feel safe and supportedSeek feedback from participants to inform service improvement and ensure interventions are responsive to client needs

Communications and Interpersonal Skills 

Communicate effectively in verbal and written formats to MDT colleagues, ICMs, housing providers, and external agenciesAdapt communication style to suit the needs of the audience, demonstrating active listening and empathy in all interactions.Build and maintain effective professional networks, collaborating closely with the MDT, ICMs, and stakeholders to deliver coordinated, person-centred careExercise sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact when navigating challenging conversations or conflict situations, fostering a constructive and solutions-focused approachDemonstrate influencing and negotiation skills, remaining both assertive and flexible in advocating for participants' needs and the fidelity of the Housing First model

Required Qualifications

Education

Third-level qualification in Occupational TherapyRegistration with CORU (Occupational Therapists Registration Board)

Experience

Minimum of one year's post-qualification experience (or equivalent clinical placements)Experience working with vulnerable or marginalised groups desirable (e.g., homelessness, addiction, mental health, or disability services)Demonstrated ability to complete assessments, interventions, and care planning in line with professional standardsStrong IT skills and experience with clinical documentation systems

Core Competencies

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage clients with multiple and complex needsDemonstrated commitment to Housing First values of harm reduction, unconditional support, and housing as a human rightAbility to work flexibly and adapt to changing client and service needsTeam player, with the ability to contribute to a multidisciplinary approachStrong organisational skills, with the ability to manage caseload and meet deadlines.Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practiceRespect for diversity, equality, and the ethos of Coolmine and the wider Housing First consortium

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