Job summary
37.5 hours per week.
With Devon's coastline and Dartmoor nearby, Plymouth offers
the perfect blend of career challenge and lifestyle. At Livewell Southwest,
you'll join a progressive organisation that values innovation, collaboration,
and staff wellbeing as much as patient care.
Role
We are seeking an experienced orthotist, who in the role of senior
orthotist will join a small orthotics team with strong links to a wide
range of hospital and community based teams.
Responsibilities
Manage a complex caseload with
scope to expand into specialist areas
Mentor orthotists, graduates,
and students
Collaborate with technical teams
and MDT colleagues to deliver patient solutions
Contribute to governance,
evidence-based practice, and service development
Represent the service locally
and nationally
We Offer
Career development in a
supportive, multidisciplinary environment
A culture that values wellbeing,
growth, and innovation
Who Were Looking For
An HCPC registered highly
experienced orthotist
Someone passionate about
advancing prosthetic care and outcomes
Further Information
Please find the following link to further information about
relocating to work for Livewell Southwest:
https://livewellsouthwest.pagetiger.com/bzxtcjs/1
This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the
Skilled Worker route.
Please note that we may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline.
Relocation assistance may be considered.
All applicants should be HCPC registered and preferably
members of BAPO.
Main duties of the job
The Orthotics Service consists of a team of orthotic clinicians, technicians and support staff providing high quality care for people living within the commissioned areas of Plymouth and South West Devon with a wide range of conditions amenable to management with an orthotic solution. As well as a base in Plymouth, the service runs satellite clinics at University Hospital Plymouth, South Hams Hospital, The Plymouth Child Development Centre and local special schools.
Although predominantly clinic based, the role includes visiting both the acute and community hospitals.
The role will work within the scope of the HCPC professional code of practice and Livewell Southwest policies. Also working collaboratively and maintain key working relationships with managers, service heads and leads.
Within the role you will be expected to work with more complex patients providing holistic evidence-based care, assessing, planning, implementing the treatment requirements of the practice population.
Participate in the management of enhanced assessments including at a variety of multi-disciplinary clinics.
Promoting and supporting people in their care and treatment to help them manage their own health and wellbeing, maximise independence.
Share knowledge and skills and empower others.
Support the audit of patient outcomes.
Prevent hospital admission.
All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.
About us
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social
enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across
Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of
Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports
centres, and health hubs.
As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values,kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and
collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while
empowering staff and those we serve.
We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in
shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right
time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead
healthy, independent lives.
We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training
pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care
Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship
programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.
Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all
sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental
health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the
application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To provideOrthoticclinical inputacross the
organisation and to partner organisations.
Give clinical and professional advice to
relevantmulti-disciplinary teams regarding
appropriateorthoticprovision for patients.
To participate in the implementation of relevant care
pathways within the prosthetic profession
To participate with relevant clinical competency frameworks
and essential training for the orthotic service and others as required when
linked to the profession
Accept referrals from medical and healthcare professionals
and undertake clinical assessment and examination of patients to provide
suitable highly specialistorthotic clinical-technical prescriptions for
patients with a wide range of presentations including complex patients.
To contribute to discussion around and development of
clinical procedures, protocols, guidelines and policies that will support
evidence based or best practice for the orthotic profession in line with
current organisation policy
Use a range of measurement and data acquisition techniques
in recording all pertinent information to ensure accuracy of patient
prescriptions
Specify the design, componentry, materials, fabrication
method and suppliers of orthoses and order individual items to meet the
patients clinical needs.
Perform mechanical and technical adjustments
toorthoses
Perform positive model and CADCAM rectifications as
appropriate
Evaluate the completed device on the patient to ensure the
desired quality of body-device interface, functional alignment, comfort,
cosmetic appearance and mechanical integrity and safety.
Re-evaluate the above following Service agreed time
intervals to meet patient needs or requirements of a care plan (review
appointments).
Provide verbal, visual and written information, explanation
and highly specialised clinical advice to the patient and/or carers at every
stage of device provision for informed consent.
Report patient adverse incidents related to the provision
oforthosesto maintain patient safety and engage in national
reporting and monitoring procedures for specialised medical devices.
Advise and maintain effective liaison with technical support
personnel including assistance with training to ensure best current technical
practice in meeting patients needs.
Use excellent negotiation and counselling skills and other
tools to ensure the effective communication of complex, sensitive and emotional
information and to overcome barriers to understanding. Such persons will
include those At risk, the terminally ill, the vulnerable, those such as
Stroke patients, the learning disabled, the deaf and hard of hearing and those
possessing poor communication skills. Also non-English speakers and those who
speak some English but who have a different first language.
To be accountable for the direct delivery of service by
providing holistic evidence-based practice to patients and their carers,
ensuring maximum independence and quality of life in a constantly changing
environment. To achieve positive patient outcomes in partnership with
multi-professional agencies and promoting this throughout the clinical team.
Utilise a range of specialised clinical skills appropriate
to the needs of individual patients and the clinical setting in which they are
seen. Exercising a high level of judgement, discretion and decision making in
clinical care.
To triage and accept appropriate routine and urgent
referrals directly from other disciplines, patients, carers, and members of the
public and / or refer to other agencies where appropriate.Ensuring all
referrals are prioritised accordingly.Whilst working within professional
guidelines to make clinical decisions without supervision.
To undertake comprehensive risk assessments of all
situations associated with the care of patients to ensure patients and the
carers safety.
Preserve confidentiality and be aware of the Data Protection
Act, Access to Health Records and Consent for Treatment.
To line manage junior members of the team as and when
required, supported by the clinical lead orthotist/principal orthotist
Contribute to the learning environment within the
department, making suggestions about areas for development in the clinical area
to enhance individual development and performance in the delivery of high
standards. Acting as a resource and assist in teaching knowledge and clinical
skills for other health care professionals/colleagues.
Act as mentor for new staff and students, including delivery
of a structured induction and training program for new members of staff
alongside the service support manager and other senior clinicians. Ensure they
are fully aware of their scope within the department.
Take part in the process of clinical supervision and support
clinical supervision and reflective practice for team members.
Participate in recruitment and selection of new staff.
Provide guidance for and maintain effective working
relationships with service managers and staff to ensure service efficiency.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation in line
with legal and service requirementsas an autonomous practitioner and to
communicate assessment and other clinic outcomes to appropriate persons in the
form of reports and letters.
Maintain patient clinical records in accordance with HCPC
policy and local guidelines.
Report any accidents, complaints, defects in equipment, near
misses and untoward incidents following Trust procedure.
Support the Clinical leadorthotist/Service manager in
the recording of accurate clinical activity data for data capture required for
reporting.
Ensure line management and appraisal documentation is
completed for the team members for which they hold manager responsibility.
Carry out risk assessments and record these on the
organisations risk register.
Maintain and update risks on the risk register as required.
Ensure adherence to Livewell Southwest Policies.
To contribute to the analysis of relevant clinical incidents
across the profession and implementing learning from outcomes.
To work with the clinical lead/senior clinicians in
identifying, assessing and managing risk across the profession/service,
utilising the risk register as appropriate.
To proactively support clinical leaders with the management
and maintenance of health, safety, and security following the relevant
legislation and current organisation and service policies
Provide feedback upon relevant clinical procedures/
protocols/ polices/ audit guidelines for specific aspects of own service in
line with NICE guidance, best practice Guidance and professional forums and
support implementation into practice.
To proactively support and engage in clinical service
improvements,suggesting new ideas, innovations and approaches to develop
clinical and service excellence and quality of delivery, taking into account
patient and other service users views and opinionsto optimise the use of
resources and respond proactively to changes in service needs.
Monitor the emergence of new evidence and implement and
evaluate research-based recommendations that are expected to improve patient
care in own work area.
Maintain links with other professional and voluntary bodies
to ensure maximum effectiveness of the service and patient care.
Partake in audit and research within own specialty.
To be aware of budgetary constraints when planning and
carrying out care.
Contribute to discussions around the implementation of
robust prescription guidelines to maximise budget for all patients based on
individual needs
To ensure consideration of available budgets when
prescribing equipment and components and ensuring maintenance and repair is
upheld.
Contribute to discussion around approval ofdevicesrequested
outside of prescription guidelinesor agreed allowances
Ensure safe and efficient use of stock and equipment. Ensure
equipment is checked appropriately. Report any equipment defects. Advise stores
person if low stock noted.
Exercise a duty of care in relation to the use of the
organisations equipment and resources in a cost-effective manner.
To contribute to resource governance through knowledge and
appropriate prescribing decisions.
To be responsible for organising own time management on a
daily basis in line with caseload demands balancing patient needs with the
non-clinical aspect of the role.
To attend various sites to carry out role, including
satellite clinic and in-patient settings as necessary.
To participate in an annual appraisal of their work in line
with the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) where the job description will be
reviewed, and objectives set.In line with the annual development
plan the post holder will be expected to undertake any training or development
required to fulfil their role.
To remain updated and competent and ensure that clinical
practice is evidence based.
Maintain professional registration with the Health and Care
Professions Council.
To abide by the Statement of Conduct for
Prosthetists/Orthotists of the Health and Care Professions Council.
Practice in accordance with the British Association of
Prosthetists and Orthotists Guidelines for Best Practice.
Participate in Clinical Supervision in accordance with the
Organisations Policy.Proactively participate in peer support and
supervision which may include for example, reflective practice, case
conferences, journal clubs, clinical discussion and supervision sessions with
other members of the multidisciplinary team.
Participate and propose changes in Quality Assurance
Systems, protocols and procedures as relevant and necessary.
Ensure that Health & Safety legislation is complied with
at all times, being aware of and following Organisational and Service Policies
including:
Health and Safety
Manual Handling
COSHH
Infection Control
Incident and
complaints reporting
Risk Management
Job description
Job responsibilities
To provideOrthoticclinical inputacross the
organisation and to partner organisations.
Give clinical and professional advice to
relevantmulti-disciplinary teams regarding
appropriateorthoticprovision for patients.
To participate in the implementation of relevant care
pathways within the prosthetic profession
To participate with relevant clinical competency frameworks
and essential training for the orthotic service and others as required when
linked to the profession
Accept referrals from medical and healthcare professionals
and undertake clinical assessment and examination of patients to provide
suitable highly specialistorthotic clinical-technical prescriptions for
patients with a wide range of presentations including complex patients.
To contribute to discussion around and development of
clinical procedures, protocols, guidelines and policies that will support
evidence based or best practice for the orthotic profession in line with
current organisation policy
Use a range of measurement and data acquisition techniques
in recording all pertinent information to ensure accuracy of patient
prescriptions
Specify the design, componentry, materials, fabrication
method and suppliers of orthoses and order individual items to meet the
patients clinical needs.
Perform mechanical and technical adjustments
toorthoses
Perform positive model and CADCAM rectifications as
appropriate
Evaluate the completed device on the patient to ensure the
desired quality of body-device interface, functional alignment, comfort,
cosmetic appearance and mechanical integrity and safety.
Re-evaluate the above following Service agreed time
intervals to meet patient needs or requirements of a care plan (review
appointments).
Provide verbal, visual and written information, explanation
and highly specialised clinical advice to the patient and/or carers at every
stage of device provision for informed consent.
Report patient adverse incidents related to the provision
oforthosesto maintain patient safety and engage in national
reporting and monitoring procedures for specialised medical devices.
Advise and maintain effective liaison with technical support
personnel including assistance with training to ensure best current technical
practice in meeting patients needs.
Use excellent negotiation and counselling skills and other
tools to ensure the effective communication of complex, sensitive and emotional
information and to overcome barriers to understanding. Such persons will
include those At risk, the terminally ill, the vulnerable, those such as
Stroke patients, the learning disabled, the deaf and hard of hearing and those
possessing poor communication skills. Also non-English speakers and those who
speak some English but who have a different first language.
To be accountable for the direct delivery of service by
providing holistic evidence-based practice to patients and their carers,
ensuring maximum independence and quality of life in a constantly changing
environment. To achieve positive patient outcomes in partnership with
multi-professional agencies and promoting this throughout the clinical team.
Utilise a range of specialised clinical skills appropriate
to the needs of individual patients and the clinical setting in which they are
seen. Exercising a high level of judgement, discretion and decision making in
clinical care.
To triage and accept appropriate routine and urgent
referrals directly from other disciplines, patients, carers, and members of the
public and / or refer to other agencies where appropriate.Ensuring all
referrals are prioritised accordingly.Whilst working within professional
guidelines to make clinical decisions without supervision.
To undertake comprehensive risk assessments of all
situations associated with the care of patients to ensure patients and the
carers safety.
Preserve confidentiality and be aware of the Data Protection
Act, Access to Health Records and Consent for Treatment.
To line manage junior members of the team as and when
required, supported by the clinical lead orthotist/principal orthotist
Contribute to the learning environment within the
department, making suggestions about areas for development in the clinical area
to enhance individual development and performance in the delivery of high
standards. Acting as a resource and assist in teaching knowledge and clinical
skills for other health care professionals/colleagues.
Act as mentor for new staff and students, including delivery
of a structured induction and training program for new members of staff
alongside the service support manager and other senior clinicians. Ensure they
are fully aware of their scope within the department.
Take part in the process of clinical supervision and support
clinical supervision and reflective practice for team members.
Participate in recruitment and selection of new staff.
Provide guidance for and maintain effective working
relationships with service managers and staff to ensure service efficiency.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation in line
with legal and service requirementsas an autonomous practitioner and to
communicate assessment and other clinic outcomes to appropriate persons in the
form of reports and letters.
Maintain patient clinical records in accordance with HCPC
policy and local guidelines.
Report any accidents, complaints, defects in equipment, near
misses and untoward incidents following Trust procedure.
Support the Clinical leadorthotist/Service manager in
the recording of accurate clinical activity data for data capture required for
reporting.
Ensure line management and appraisal documentation is
completed for the team members for which they hold manager responsibility.
Carry out risk assessments and record these on the
organisations risk register.
Maintain and update risks on the risk register as required.
Ensure adherence to Livewell Southwest Policies.
To contribute to the analysis of relevant clinical incidents
across the profession and implementing learning from outcomes.
To work with the clinical lead/senior clinicians in
identifying, assessing and managing risk across the profession/service,
utilising the risk register as appropriate.
To proactively support clinical leaders with the management
and maintenance of health, safety, and security following the relevant
legislation and current organisation and service policies
Provide feedback upon relevant clinical procedures/
protocols/ polices/ audit guidelines for specific aspects of own service in
line with NICE guidance, best practice Guidance and professional forums and
support implementation into practice.
To proactively support and engage in clinical service
improvements,suggesting new ideas, innovations and approaches to develop
clinical and service excellence and quality of delivery, taking into account
patient and other service users views and opinionsto optimise the use of
resources and respond proactively to changes in service needs.
Monitor the emergence of new evidence and implement and
evaluate research-based recommendations that are expected to improve patient
care in own work area.
Maintain links with other professional and voluntary bodies
to ensure maximum effectiveness of the service and patient care.
Partake in audit and research within own specialty.
To be aware of budgetary constraints when planning and
carrying out care.
Contribute to discussions around the implementation of
robust prescription guidelines to maximise budget for all patients based on
individual needs
To ensure consideration of available budgets when
prescribing equipment and components and ensuring maintenance and repair is
upheld.
Contribute to discussion around approval ofdevicesrequested
outside of prescription guidelinesor agreed allowances
Ensure safe and efficient use of stock and equipment. Ensure
equipment is checked appropriately. Report any equipment defects. Advise stores
person if low stock noted.
Exercise a duty of care in relation to the use of the
organisations equipment and resources in a cost-effective manner.
To contribute to resource governance through knowledge and
appropriate prescribing decisions.
To be responsible for organising own time management on a
daily basis in line with caseload demands balancing patient needs with the
non-clinical aspect of the role.
To attend various sites to carry out role, including
satellite clinic and in-patient settings as necessary.
To participate in an annual appraisal of their work in line
with the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) where the job description will be
reviewed, and objectives set.In line with the annual development
plan the post holder will be expected to undertake any training or development
required to fulfil their role.
To remain updated and competent and ensure that clinical
practice is evidence based.
Maintain professional registration with the Health and Care
Professions Council.
To abide by the Statement of Conduct for
Prosthetists/Orthotists of the Health and Care Professions Council.
Practice in accordance with the British Association of
Prosthetists and Orthotists Guidelines for Best Practice.
Participate in Clinical Supervision in accordance with the
Organisations Policy.Proactively participate in peer support and
supervision which may include for example, reflective practice, case
conferences, journal clubs, clinical discussion and supervision sessions with
other members of the multidisciplinary team.
Participate and propose changes in Quality Assurance
Systems, protocols and procedures as relevant and necessary.
Ensure that Health & Safety legislation is complied with
at all times, being aware of and following Organisational and Service Policies
including:
Health and Safety
Manual Handling
COSHH
Infection Control
Incident and
complaints reporting
Risk Management
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Post-graduate experience in clinical orthotic practice.
- Demonstrable exposure to a wide range of highly specialist clinical orthotic practice.
- Managing a clinical & manufacturing caseload that includes complex cases and a range of age groups and conditions
- Use of relevant outcome measures
- Experience of effective multidisciplinary working.
- Demonstrate involvement in quality issues or service improvement.
- Experience of audit/research
Desirable
- Student mentoring and line management experience
- Training of clinical and technical staff.
- Service redesign or involvement in change
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Hons Prosthetics/Orthotics or equivalent
- HCPC Registration
- Postgraduate education and/or CPD relating to specialist orthotics provision
Desirable
- Membership of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists
- Postgraduate education and/or CPD relating to specialist Orthotics provision some to MSc level
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Highly Specialist knowledge of orthotic theory, prescription, manufacture and delivery.
- Highly Specialist Clinical assessment skills to enable clinical diagnosis and onward referral
- Expertise in problem solving for complex orthotic cases
- Detailed knowledge of medical device products and technologies relevant to clinical practice.
- Competent across a wide range of areas of orthotic clinical practice
- Excellent time management & organisational skills
- Ability to work under pressure and respond to change
- Ability to communicate complex information to patients and carers including children and those with learning disabilities, mental illness or psychological distress/disturbance.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing patient information and professional knowledge effectively to all levels of healthcare professional and support staff.
- Basic engineering workshop hand and machine skills
Desirable
- Fully competent in all areas of orthotic clinical practice
- Working knowledge of ISO9000 quality management system
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Post-graduate experience in clinical orthotic practice.
- Demonstrable exposure to a wide range of highly specialist clinical orthotic practice.
- Managing a clinical & manufacturing caseload that includes complex cases and a range of age groups and conditions
- Use of relevant outcome measures
- Experience of effective multidisciplinary working.
- Demonstrate involvement in quality issues or service improvement.
- Experience of audit/research
Desirable
- Student mentoring and line management experience
- Training of clinical and technical staff.
- Service redesign or involvement in change
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Hons Prosthetics/Orthotics or equivalent
- HCPC Registration
- Postgraduate education and/or CPD relating to specialist orthotics provision
Desirable
- Membership of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists
- Postgraduate education and/or CPD relating to specialist Orthotics provision some to MSc level
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Highly Specialist knowledge of orthotic theory, prescription, manufacture and delivery.
- Highly Specialist Clinical assessment skills to enable clinical diagnosis and onward referral
- Expertise in problem solving for complex orthotic cases
- Detailed knowledge of medical device products and technologies relevant to clinical practice.
- Competent across a wide range of areas of orthotic clinical practice
- Excellent time management & organisational skills
- Ability to work under pressure and respond to change
- Ability to communicate complex information to patients and carers including children and those with learning disabilities, mental illness or psychological distress/disturbance.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing patient information and professional knowledge effectively to all levels of healthcare professional and support staff.
- Basic engineering workshop hand and machine skills
Desirable
- Fully competent in all areas of orthotic clinical practice
- Working knowledge of ISO9000 quality management system
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
