SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Join a Team Dedicated to Enhancing the Lives of Older Persons
Livewell Estate is seeking a compassionate, professional, and experienced Occupational Therapist to join our multidisciplinary team in Somerset West.
This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified Occupational Therapist who is passionate about geriatrics, dementia care, and improving the quality of life of elderly residents through meaningful therapeutic interventions and resident-centred care.
As part of our holistic care model, you will play a critical role in assessing residents, developing individualized therapy and activity programmes, supporting families, and working closely with healthcare professionals to ensure every resident receives the highest standard of care.
Key ResponsibilitiesResident Assessments & Care Planning
- Conduct comprehensive baseline assessments prior to admission and ongoing resident assessments thereafter.
- Perform formal assessments following the integration period and as required following illness, hospitalization, falls, behavioural changes, or functional decline.
- Complete bi-annual assessments and maintain accurate documentation.
- Develop individualized therapeutic intervention plans aimed at maximizing independence and quality of life.
Therapeutic Programmes & Resident Engagement
- Design and implement personalized activity and outing programmes.
- Encourage and support resident participation in meaningful activities.
- Accompany residents on outings and assess suitability, accessibility, and overall experience.
- Train care teams on therapeutic activities and their intended outcomes.
Assistive Devices & Functional Support
- Assess resident needs for assistive devices.
- Guide families through the procurement process.
- Train care providers and support staff on the effective use of assistive equipment.
Behavioural Management
- Review behavioural assessments and reports.
- Develop holistic behavioural support strategies.
- Collaborate with care teams to implement behavioural management plans.
Resident-Centred Care
- Promote and maintain Livewell's resident-centred care philosophy.
- Contribute to continuous improvements in resident wellbeing, daily care, and living environments.
- Advocate for the dignity, independence, and personal preferences of residents.
Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Estate Management
- Resident-Centred Care Team
- Healthcare Team
- Family Liaison Team
- External healthcare professionals and service providers
- Attend and actively participate in multidisciplinary meetings.
Family Engagement
- Build and maintain positive relationships with residents' families.
- Participate in regular family care meetings.
- Provide ongoing family support and communication regarding resident wellbeing and progress.
Operational & Administrative Responsibilities
- Attend daily and multidisciplinary meetings.
- Maintain accurate clinical records and reports.
- Support event planning, memorial services, and resident activities.
- Report maintenance, safety, and hospitality concerns when identified.
- Participate in weekend roster duties as required.
New Resident Integration
- Participate in pre-admission home assessments.
- Develop and implement resident integration programmes.
- Welcome new residents and families and support their transition into the Estate.
Minimum RequirementsEssential
- Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy (4-year qualification)
- Registered Occupational Therapist
- Minimum 3 years' experience within healthcare, elderly care, dementia care, or a related environment
- Professional proficiency in both English and Afrikaans (written and spoken)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong client and family relationship management skills
- Computer literacy
- Strong organisational and self-management abilities
- Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport
- Clear criminal record
Advantageous
- MoCA Certification or relevant post-graduate studies
- Additional language proficiency
- Experience working within dementia care or geriatric environments
- Additional healthcare-related qualifications or experience
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Genuine empathy and compassion for older persons
- Emotional maturity and resilience
- Patience, professionalism, and integrity
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
- Excellent conflict resolution abilities
- Adaptability and a positive attitude towards change
- A proactive approach to problem-solving
- Passion for continuous learning and best practice
- A genuine interest in geriatric and dementia care
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Strong administration and reporting skills
- Excellent communication and emotional intelligence
- Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
- Comfortable working in a dynamic healthcare environment
- Flexibility to work weekends according to roster requirements
