Job summary
We have exciting opportunities within the all age wheelchair service, community division. The service is currently in a period of transition, and this is an excellent opportunity to be a part of service innovation and development.
A successful applicant will be able to apply Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapist principles to provide specialist knowledge and skills in the assessment, prescription, provision and maintenance of mobility, posture and supportive seating equipment to users in Ashton, Leigh and Wigan.
We are offering a flexible package for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist with relevant experience and has an interest in developing their specialist clinical and leadership skills across the wheelchairs service. The posts are open to full time and part time applications with the offer of a flexible package for a split post across different services if requested for breadth of experience and training will be offered.
Main duties of the job
- To provide training to users/carers/ other professionals/ agencies in wheelchair/equipment usage.
- Ability to adjust wheelchairs and manipulate a variety of tools expertly in order to do so.
- To regularly provide basic training to students/other health care professionals regarding wheelchair service and equipment provision.
- To receive, screen and interpret referrals, direct to appropriate action/clinic/prescription.
- To take responsibility for therapy, posture and special seating clinics.
- To assess using specialised skills, and prescribe mobility, seating and pressure distribution equipment independently.
- To carry out routine screening assessments for powered chair eligibility, handover powered wheelchairs and review prescribed powered wheelchairs and attendant controlled powered chairs.
- To be responsible for supporting clients in identifying their needs and wishes with their mobility equipment and create person-centred objectives to meet these goals, within the scope of the service eligibility criteria.
- To have and maintain up-to-date specialist knowledge of wheelchairs / pressure distribution cushions /seating and current practice.
- To maintain membership of relevant professional bodies.
- To recognise the need and refer users/carers to other agencies/professionals.
About us
Choose Well - Choose WWL
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that 'happy staff, makes for happy patients'. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement and living our values 'the WWL Way'.
WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.
COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information available by contacting covid-19.vaccine@wwl.nhs.uk where you can also ask about how to access vaccinations.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key results from the job holder
- To provide training to users/carers/ other professionals/ agencies in wheelchair/equipment usage.
- Ability to adjust wheelchairs and manipulate a variety of tools expertly in order to do so.
- To regularly provide basic training to students/other health care professionals regarding wheelchair service and equipment provision.
- To receive, screen and interpret referrals, direct to appropriate action/clinic/prescription.
- To take responsibility for therapy, posture and special seating clinics.
- To assess using specialised skills, and prescribe mobility, seating and pressure distribution equipment independently, adhering to criteria and working within defined protocols.
- To carry out routine screening assessments for powered chair eligibility, handover powered wheelchairs and review prescribed powered wheelchairs and attendant controlled powered chairs.
- To be responsible for supporting clients in identifying their needs and wishes with their mobility equipment and create person-centred objectives to meet these goals, within the scope of the service eligibility criteria.
- To have and maintain up-to-date specialist knowledge of wheelchairs / pressure distribution cushions /seating and current practice through attendance at product awareness days, in-service training, exhibitions and conferences, and use this as an evidence base on which to formulate clinical judgement.
- To maintain membership of relevant professional bodies/groups e.g. Posture and Mobility Group.
- To recognise the need and refer users/carers to other agencies/professionals e.g. GPs Consultants. District Nurses etc.
- To have a working knowledge of NHS wheelchairs and how to use e.g. folding, removing footrests etc.
- Be able to use hoist, scales etc. used in wheelchair service clinic and be responsible for assessing manual handling needs of users and assisting accordingly. Providing education to clients and carers regarding the best method of safe handling to maximise the best posture in the wheelchair equipment.
- To assist in toileting, emptying of catheter bags etc. if necessary both in the clinic and community setting.
- To communicate effectively using a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools with wheelchair service team, users, carers, other health professionals, social services, Authorised Repairers, manufacturers and individuals involved in users care. This will include users who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating e.g. users with visual/hearing impairment, mental health problems, learning difficulties etc.
- Exhibit empathy and sympathy towards users disabilities/problems and maintain knowledge of frequently encountered conditions.
- To assess users understanding of service intervention, gain valid informed consent for this intervention and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with users who lack the capacity to consent.
- Exhibit good listening skills and a patience to understand especially when users have learning difficulties/speech problems.
- To participate in users case conferences, either in person or providing specialist written information, as appropriate.
- Carry out assessments and treatments which physically involves physically assisting patients to stand and walk, kneeling, squatting, crouching, bending to low furniture, twisting, maintaining static/awkward postures for short periods of time. Lifting, carrying and adjusting wheelchairs several times a day on a daily basis.
- Involves frequent exposure to unpleasant working and weather conditions. On a daily basis, e.g. sweat, bodily fluids, lice, unhygienic surroundings, smoke filled rooms, cramped conditions. Exposure to verbal and occasionally physical aggression.
- Work alone in varied environments such as e.g. peoples homes, residential homes, nursing homes, outdoors. Assessing and managing risk frequently on a daily basis.
- To cope with driving in busy and adverse conditions throughout the working day.
- Transportation of wheelchairs/equipment in own car, loading and unloading equipment
- To maintain high levels of concentration throughout the day e.g. during communication within a busy office environment, whilst driving, during user contact time, writing user notes, and reading clinical information and advising other staff.
- Any other duties incidental to the post.
Planning and Organisational Duties
- To offer day to day supervision to therapy support staff.
- To manage own time and arrange appointments in conjunction with scheduled clinics. To manage own caseload voicing any concerns to supervisor.
- To be accountable for own professional actions and work without constant, direct supervision.
- To take part in tutorials in-service training, peer review and support reflective practise.
- To participate in service development and influence changes in local policies/clinical practise.
- Participate in audit/research and development work as applicable to wheelchair service.
- To represent wheelchair service regarding Quality issues.
- To maintain accurate and up-to-date Health Care Records in line with Trust Policy and COT/Chartered Society of Physiotherapy standards of practise with regard to both user interventions and statistical records. To submit specialist reports as required.
- To work towards competence in the use of computers and the internet, to aid communication amongst professionals and Trust, and access research, clinical guidelines and any information which may aid CPD and improve the service provided to the user.
- To complete and submit timely and accurate statistical returns.
Communications and Key Working Relationships
- To maintain systematic clinical and professional records as required by the service, including the provision of statistical information as required by the Trust
- To facilitate effective communication and co-ordination between health (hospital and community-based medical personnel, nursing staff and Allied Health Professionals), Social Services, Education Services, the Approved Repairer, contracted Specialist Seating Provider, homecare and day care staff, voluntary sector agency staff and private industry. Attendance at individual case conferences and clinical reviews as required.
- To provide verbal and written reports/letters as required to support clinical and legal intervention.
- To communicate sensitive information effectively where there may be difficulties or barriers to understanding.
- To communicate effectively with clients, carers and appropriate staff involved maximising appropriateness and effectiveness of equipment provision recognising the sensitivity of a persons needs.
Responsibility for Finance
- To advise the Team Lead on resources required to carry out the job.
- Be responsible for the monitoring of materials and equipment and bring defects or deficits to the attention of the service manager and technician staff as appropriate.
- To prescribe wheelchairs and equipment for patient use responsibly with resources available in line with the Wheelchair Service Eligibility Criteria.
Responsibility for Human Resources
- To be responsible for working within locally agreed Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapist protocols and guidelines.
- To identify self-training need related to KSF, organise and attend relevant courses/workshops.
- To maintain professional standards at all times in accordance with Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
- Have diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy.
- To ensure annual retention on Health Professions Council Register to maintain state registration, taking responsibility for own continued professional development and document this evidence in a professional portfolio, showing proof of competence to practise within the NHS.
- To take responsibility for ensuring clinical supervision needs are met and personal development plans are undertaken.
Responsibility for Health & Safety
Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Responsibility for Teaching
- To be responsible for providing fieldwork education placements and liaising with students/college.
- To promote Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy/Wheelchair Services to the wider community delivering awareness training to other health professionals, schools etc. as required.
- To take part in training/education of colleagues and staff/students of other disciplines.
- Offer specialised advice/training regarding wheelchair usage/positioning to other professionals for them to include in users care plan.
Work Circumstances & on-call
- To deputise for the Team Leader in terms of operational and clinical issues
- To be responsible, in conjunction with the Team Leader, for the delivery of the Wheelchair Service Strategy
- To be responsible for clinical supervision of staff
- To take management responsibility for the support staff and Administration & Clerical Support
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key results from the job holder
- To provide training to users/carers/ other professionals/ agencies in wheelchair/equipment usage.
- Ability to adjust wheelchairs and manipulate a variety of tools expertly in order to do so.
- To regularly provide basic training to students/other health care professionals regarding wheelchair service and equipment provision.
- To receive, screen and interpret referrals, direct to appropriate action/clinic/prescription.
- To take responsibility for therapy, posture and special seating clinics.
- To assess using specialised skills, and prescribe mobility, seating and pressure distribution equipment independently, adhering to criteria and working within defined protocols.
- To carry out routine screening assessments for powered chair eligibility, handover powered wheelchairs and review prescribed powered wheelchairs and attendant controlled powered chairs.
- To be responsible for supporting clients in identifying their needs and wishes with their mobility equipment and create person-centred objectives to meet these goals, within the scope of the service eligibility criteria.
- To have and maintain up-to-date specialist knowledge of wheelchairs / pressure distribution cushions /seating and current practice through attendance at product awareness days, in-service training, exhibitions and conferences, and use this as an evidence base on which to formulate clinical judgement.
- To maintain membership of relevant professional bodies/groups e.g. Posture and Mobility Group.
- To recognise the need and refer users/carers to other agencies/professionals e.g. GPs Consultants. District Nurses etc.
- To have a working knowledge of NHS wheelchairs and how to use e.g. folding, removing footrests etc.
- Be able to use hoist, scales etc. used in wheelchair service clinic and be responsible for assessing manual handling needs of users and assisting accordingly. Providing education to clients and carers regarding the best method of safe handling to maximise the best posture in the wheelchair equipment.
- To assist in toileting, emptying of catheter bags etc. if necessary both in the clinic and community setting.
- To communicate effectively using a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools with wheelchair service team, users, carers, other health professionals, social services, Authorised Repairers, manufacturers and individuals involved in users care. This will include users who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating e.g. users with visual/hearing impairment, mental health problems, learning difficulties etc.
- Exhibit empathy and sympathy towards users disabilities/problems and maintain knowledge of frequently encountered conditions.
- To assess users understanding of service intervention, gain valid informed consent for this intervention and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with users who lack the capacity to consent.
- Exhibit good listening skills and a patience to understand especially when users have learning difficulties/speech problems.
- To participate in users case conferences, either in person or providing specialist written information, as appropriate.
- Carry out assessments and treatments which physically involves physically assisting patients to stand and walk, kneeling, squatting, crouching, bending to low furniture, twisting, maintaining static/awkward postures for short periods of time. Lifting, carrying and adjusting wheelchairs several times a day on a daily basis.
- Involves frequent exposure to unpleasant working and weather conditions. On a daily basis, e.g. sweat, bodily fluids, lice, unhygienic surroundings, smoke filled rooms, cramped conditions. Exposure to verbal and occasionally physical aggression.
- Work alone in varied environments such as e.g. peoples homes, residential homes, nursing homes, outdoors. Assessing and managing risk frequently on a daily basis.
- To cope with driving in busy and adverse conditions throughout the working day.
- Transportation of wheelchairs/equipment in own car, loading and unloading equipment
- To maintain high levels of concentration throughout the day e.g. during communication within a busy office environment, whilst driving, during user contact time, writing user notes, and reading clinical information and advising other staff.
- Any other duties incidental to the post.
Planning and Organisational Duties
- To offer day to day supervision to therapy support staff.
- To manage own time and arrange appointments in conjunction with scheduled clinics. To manage own caseload voicing any concerns to supervisor.
- To be accountable for own professional actions and work without constant, direct supervision.
- To take part in tutorials in-service training, peer review and support reflective practise.
- To participate in service development and influence changes in local policies/clinical practise.
- Participate in audit/research and development work as applicable to wheelchair service.
- To represent wheelchair service regarding Quality issues.
- To maintain accurate and up-to-date Health Care Records in line with Trust Policy and COT/Chartered Society of Physiotherapy standards of practise with regard to both user interventions and statistical records. To submit specialist reports as required.
- To work towards competence in the use of computers and the internet, to aid communication amongst professionals and Trust, and access research, clinical guidelines and any information which may aid CPD and improve the service provided to the user.
- To complete and submit timely and accurate statistical returns.
Communications and Key Working Relationships
- To maintain systematic clinical and professional records as required by the service, including the provision of statistical information as required by the Trust
- To facilitate effective communication and co-ordination between health (hospital and community-based medical personnel, nursing staff and Allied Health Professionals), Social Services, Education Services, the Approved Repairer, contracted Specialist Seating Provider, homecare and day care staff, voluntary sector agency staff and private industry. Attendance at individual case conferences and clinical reviews as required.
- To provide verbal and written reports/letters as required to support clinical and legal intervention.
- To communicate sensitive information effectively where there may be difficulties or barriers to understanding.
- To communicate effectively with clients, carers and appropriate staff involved maximising appropriateness and effectiveness of equipment provision recognising the sensitivity of a persons needs.
Responsibility for Finance
- To advise the Team Lead on resources required to carry out the job.
- Be responsible for the monitoring of materials and equipment and bring defects or deficits to the attention of the service manager and technician staff as appropriate.
- To prescribe wheelchairs and equipment for patient use responsibly with resources available in line with the Wheelchair Service Eligibility Criteria.
Responsibility for Human Resources
- To be responsible for working within locally agreed Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapist protocols and guidelines.
- To identify self-training need related to KSF, organise and attend relevant courses/workshops.
- To maintain professional standards at all times in accordance with Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
- Have diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy.
- To ensure annual retention on Health Professions Council Register to maintain state registration, taking responsibility for own continued professional development and document this evidence in a professional portfolio, showing proof of competence to practise within the NHS.
- To take responsibility for ensuring clinical supervision needs are met and personal development plans are undertaken.
Responsibility for Health & Safety
Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Responsibility for Teaching
- To be responsible for providing fieldwork education placements and liaising with students/college.
- To promote Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy/Wheelchair Services to the wider community delivering awareness training to other health professionals, schools etc. as required.
- To take part in training/education of colleagues and staff/students of other disciplines.
- Offer specialised advice/training regarding wheelchair usage/positioning to other professionals for them to include in users care plan.
Work Circumstances & on-call
- To deputise for the Team Leader in terms of operational and clinical issues
- To be responsible, in conjunction with the Team Leader, for the delivery of the Wheelchair Service Strategy
- To be responsible for clinical supervision of staff
- To take management responsibility for the support staff and Administration & Clerical Support
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy
- HCPC Registration
- An accredited course in wheelchair assessment AND/OR specialist seating or be willing to undertake further training
Experience
Essential
- Post registration experience to a Band 6 level in a clinical area relevant to Wheelchair Services
- Experience in assessment for and provision of wheelchairs / special seating
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team and partnership working with other agencies
- Experience of supervising students and staff from different professions
- Experience in providing training to students, multi-disciplinary team colleagues, clients and their carers
- Experience in broad variety of clinical areas and settings
Skills
Essential
- Evidence of working without direct supervision and being able to use own initiative
- Basic skills in computer use i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point
- Effective communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills with the ability to be flexible in approach as the situation requires
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Excellent time management skills/ability to prioritise own caseload with the education and supervision of team members and support/delegate the organisation of the caseload of support staff.
- Good analytical judgement skills. High level clinical reasoning skills Problem solving skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Broad experience in a variety of clinical areas and settings
- Working knowledge/awareness of current legislation
- Working knowledge of the of Evidence Based Practise
- Knowledge of tissue viability
- Evidence of clinical and professional post qualification training and education
Additional
Essential
- To maintain professional registration
- Able to travel independently as required by the post
- Manual dexterity to manipulate tools etc for equipment adjustment and physical ability to fit equipment (e.g. bending & kneeling)
- Speaks English to appropriate standard
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy
- HCPC Registration
- An accredited course in wheelchair assessment AND/OR specialist seating or be willing to undertake further training
Experience
Essential
- Post registration experience to a Band 6 level in a clinical area relevant to Wheelchair Services
- Experience in assessment for and provision of wheelchairs / special seating
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team and partnership working with other agencies
- Experience of supervising students and staff from different professions
- Experience in providing training to students, multi-disciplinary team colleagues, clients and their carers
- Experience in broad variety of clinical areas and settings
Skills
Essential
- Evidence of working without direct supervision and being able to use own initiative
- Basic skills in computer use i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point
- Effective communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills with the ability to be flexible in approach as the situation requires
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Excellent time management skills/ability to prioritise own caseload with the education and supervision of team members and support/delegate the organisation of the caseload of support staff.
- Good analytical judgement skills. High level clinical reasoning skills Problem solving skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Broad experience in a variety of clinical areas and settings
- Working knowledge/awareness of current legislation
- Working knowledge of the of Evidence Based Practise
- Knowledge of tissue viability
- Evidence of clinical and professional post qualification training and education
Additional
Essential
- To maintain professional registration
- Able to travel independently as required by the post
- Manual dexterity to manipulate tools etc for equipment adjustment and physical ability to fit equipment (e.g. bending & kneeling)
- Speaks English to appropriate standard
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).
