The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is dedicated to promoting kidney health and providing quality, highly subsidised dialysis treatment and holistic care to patients. NKF strives to be an advocate and integrator for the community, by the community. While supporting kidney failure patients with quality dialysis treatment and integrated care, NKF’s greater mission lies in preventing or delaying kidney failure through kidney health education, with deeper integration into the community and strategic collaborative partnerships.
As NKF moves towards its Future Forward 2030 vision, the Foundation remains committed to pioneering advancements in kidney health and patient care. Key goals include tackling the growing prevalence of kidney failure, enhancing patient support and care, and leveraging innovative technologies to improve quality and efficacy of treatment, enabling patients to thrive on dialysis. With a steadfast focus on these initiatives, NKF aims to be at the forefront of kidney health in Singapore.
We are seeking qualified and experienced Occupational Therapist to join the Allied Health team. Reporting to the Senior Occupational Therapist, you will be required to provide specialised occupational therapy services to dialysis patients, enhance their quality of life and promote independence through a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Your responsibilities are as follows:
1. Client Assessment and Therapy Plan:
- Assess and identify the individual needs of dialysis patients, formulating and implementing individualized occupational therapy programs tailored to improve functional abilities, including Activities for Daily Living (ADLs), upper limb function, cognition, sensory and perceptual skills, behaviour, social skills, and pre-vocational assessment.
2. Individual and group Therapy:
- Deliver one-on-one therapy sessions, group therapy, and specialized therapy in settings based on the patient’s level of function and severity of disability.
3. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Work in coordination with other healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, dietitians, etc.) to ensure comprehensive care and the development of holistic rehabilitation plans.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Continuously evaluate and document the progress of clients, reviewing therapy plans regularly to assess their effectiveness and making necessary adjustments based on patient outcomes.
5. Assistive Devices
- Evaluate, prescribe, and fabricate or procure assistive devices to enhance patient functionality, independence, and comfort.
6. Caregiver and Volunteer Training
- Train and supervise caregivers and volunteers in the proper execution and maintenance of therapy programs, ensuring continuity of care.
7. Research and Development
- Participate in research initiatives to enhance the understanding and effectiveness of occupational therapy practices, ensuring evidence-based approaches are incorporated into service delivery.
8. Program Development for Seniors
- Work with senior staff to establish specialized occupational therapy services and programs for senior dialysis patients, focusing on improving their daily living skills and functional independence.
9. Teaching and Mentorship
- Assist senior therapists with internal teaching responsibilities and mentor students on attachments, providing practical insights and professional development opportunities.
10. Autonomous Time Management
- Manage your daily schedule and work routine independently, ensuring that therapy sessions and administrative tasks are completed on time.
11. Additional Responsibilities
- Undertake other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of Department (HOD), management, or director.
Qualifications
- Degree in Occupational Therapy recognized by the Ministry of Manpower and Singapore Occupational Therapist Association.
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in occupational therapy, preferably in a rehabilitation or hospital setting.
Licensing
- Membership with the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) and full practicing license.
Key Competencies
Clinical Expertise in Occupational Therapy:
- Proficient in assessing and designing individualized occupational therapy interventions for dialysis patients.
- Ability to create and implement holistic treatment plans to improve patient outcomes, promoting functional independence and enhancing quality of life.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- Experience in working effectively within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and dietitians to deliver comprehensive care to dialysis patients.
- Ability to liaise with multiple disciplines to ensure coordinated rehabilitation efforts.
Assistive Device Evaluation & Implementation:
- Strong leadership skills, including the ability to manage and guide staff performance, deliver training programs, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Budgeting & Resource Management:
- Expertise in evaluating patients’ needs for assistive devices and prescribing, fabricating, or sourcing devices that improve mobility, function, and independence in patients.
- Ability to adapt and customize assistive technologies for dialysis patients to optimize their daily functioning.
Effective Client Monitoring & Documentation:
- Skilled in monitoring patient progress and adjusting therapy plans accordingly.
- Strong ability to maintain detailed, accurate records of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes for continuous evaluation and improvement.
Supervision and Mentorship:
- Ability to mentor and train junior therapists, students, caregivers, and volunteers, ensuring therapy plans are consistently followed and maintained.
- Skilled in providing constructive feedback and guidance to improve the delivery of therapy services.
Research-Oriented and Evidence-Based Practice:
- Active engagement in research related to occupational therapy practices, with a focus on improving service delivery for dialysis patients.
- Commitment to using evidence-based approaches in all clinical practices.
Program Development for Senior Patients:
- Experience in developing and implementing occupational therapy programs specifically designed for senior dialysis patients, addressing their unique needs and functional limitations.
- Ability to adapt therapy services to suit the aging population while improving their functional independence.
Personal Attributes
Empathetic and Patient-Centred:
- Strong sense of empathy for patients and their families, demonstrating a compassionate approach to therapy that supports emotional well-being while working toward functional goals.
- Dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centred care, building trusting relationships with patients to enhance therapy outcomes.
Adaptability & Resilience:
- Ability to quickly adapt to changing patient conditions, treatment environments, and healthcare demands, ensuring optimal patient care at all times.
- Resilient in managing a complex caseload, balancing various responsibilities without compromising the quality of care.
Excellent Communication Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective interactions with patients, families, caregivers, and the multidisciplinary team.
- Able to explain complex therapy concepts in an accessible manner, ensuring clear understanding of treatment plans and progress.
Collaboration and teamwork:
- Highly collaborative, working effectively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure the delivery of holistic care to dialysis patients.
Leadership and Initiative:
- Demonstrates leadership in overseeing therapy delivery and mentoring junior staff, students, and volunteers, fostering a supportive and positive learning environment.
- Takes initiative in continuous professional development, seeking opportunities to learn and grow within the field of occupational therapy.
Organized and Detail-Oriented:
- Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail, ensuring that therapy programs are executed with precision and that all documentation is accurate and up to date.
Cultural Sensitivity:
- Shows cultural awareness and sensitivity in treating patients from diverse backgrounds, adjusting therapy approaches to align with the needs and preferences of the individual.
- Ensures all therapy interventions respect the cultural values and beliefs of the patient, promoting inclusivity in care delivery.
Note:
- Reporting Venue : NKF HQ
- Candidate is required to travel to DCs island wide as part of work.
- For more information about the day of our OT, please check out this link: https://www.instagram.com/nkfsg/reel/DCvCICbMl4_/