Job summary
Do you have an interest in how technology can support people with disabilities?Would you like to support someone to find their voice?Do you want to develop your career in an exciting and innovate team?
Would working Monday to Friday (8.30am - 4.30pm) suit your availability?
Come and work for AAC WEST! We have created a new role for a Healthcare Science Practitioner - Rehabilitation Engineering (RE) to join our specialist team and this might be just what you are looking for.
We are commissioned to provide high tech communication aids to people who have severe communication difficulties.We are looking for someone who:- is passionate about supporting people with communication difficulties,- has either a recognised qualification as a Healthcare Science Practitioner or has an engineering degree alongside a minimum of 5 years experience of working at a senior level in a clinical environment,- has a full driving license
Please see video following the mp4 link below for a further insight into the role
NHS AAC WEST.mp4.
Main duties of the job
Healthcare Science Practitioners - Rehabilitation Engineering (RE) within AAC WEST form part of the multi-disciplinary team who are responsible for conducting in depth AAC assessments to identify appropriate equipment to support patients to be independent in their communication. The RE will use their skills to identify, produce and provide simple, practical, and innovative engineering solutions to meet the AAC needs of patients.
The role involves working with both children and adults to complete assessments, develop solutions, and install equipment across a variety of environments. All the while, liaising with professionals from other services, clients, their families, and other carers.
About us
AAC WEST is a team,
- made up of 25 practitioners including Speech and Language therapists, Occupational Therapists, Teachers and Technicians. An MDT approach is at the heart of all clinical contacts,
- located close to the M4 and M5 for easy access from across the local area,
- that is fortunate to work with both adult and paediatric caseloads,
- which invests heavily in CPD (Continued Professional Development)
For an insight into the clinical work we complete and the team, take a look at this link and short video:AAC West of England Specialist Team (AAC WEST) Service | North Bristol NHS Trust (nbt.nhs.uk)
North Bristol NHS Trust Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) West - YouTube
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To contribute to MDT clinical assessments to identify the most appropriate AAC and Assistive Technology (AT) solutions for patients referred to the service
- To contribute to the MDTs recommendation of best fit commercially available equipment. Where this is not available, work to modify or manufacture solutions in line with national guidelines.
- To maintain and develop knowledge of equipment available for patients.
- To develop a strong working relation with AAC suppliers and to have a strong understanding of the products provided.
- To work with the MDT to identify suitable set ups for integrated access solutions that allow patients to streamline their access for AAC, wheelchair access, Environmental Controls (EC) and/or computer access and to take responsibility to plan the management, support and implementation of these solutions.
- To be responsible for the design and development of custom items for a patient such as mounting systems etc.
For a more detailed job decription please view the attachments
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To contribute to MDT clinical assessments to identify the most appropriate AAC and Assistive Technology (AT) solutions for patients referred to the service
- To contribute to the MDTs recommendation of best fit commercially available equipment. Where this is not available, work to modify or manufacture solutions in line with national guidelines.
- To maintain and develop knowledge of equipment available for patients.
- To develop a strong working relation with AAC suppliers and to have a strong understanding of the products provided.
- To work with the MDT to identify suitable set ups for integrated access solutions that allow patients to streamline their access for AAC, wheelchair access, Environmental Controls (EC) and/or computer access and to take responsibility to plan the management, support and implementation of these solutions.
- To be responsible for the design and development of custom items for a patient such as mounting systems etc.
For a more detailed job decription please view the attachments
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level in a relevant engineering or science discipline or significant equivalent experience.
Desirable
- Registration on the Register of Clinical Technologists is desirable although not essential as long as registration can be attained
Work experience
Essential
- Significant practical experience in engineering within a healthcare, social care, or education setting.
- Experience in fault diagnosis, repair and maintenance or electromedical and mechanical medical equipment.
- Experience of modifying/manufacturing equipment for patient's tailored needs and completing relevant documentation
Desirable
- Experience in a relevant assistive technology service which could include Augmentative & Alternative Communication, Environmental Control, Wheelchair Service, Special Seating, or relevant manufacturer.
- Experience of modifying/manufacturing equipment for patient's tailored needs and completing relevant documentation
Abilities and Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate technical equipment-related information to other technical and non-technical personnel at all levels within the Trust, to patients with complex medical needs, other stakeholders etc
- Experience of working with and understanding quality management systems
- Ability to design and development custom items for a patient such as mounting systems etc.
- Skilled communicator in both verbal and written form
- To successfully work as part of an MDT
Desirable
- The ability to set up and manage integrated access for various assistive tech functions
Personal Qualities
Essential
- A Full Driving licence is essential for this role
- Ability to manage the emotional pressures of working with clients with complex disabilities and terminal illnesses
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level in a relevant engineering or science discipline or significant equivalent experience.
Desirable
- Registration on the Register of Clinical Technologists is desirable although not essential as long as registration can be attained
Work experience
Essential
- Significant practical experience in engineering within a healthcare, social care, or education setting.
- Experience in fault diagnosis, repair and maintenance or electromedical and mechanical medical equipment.
- Experience of modifying/manufacturing equipment for patient's tailored needs and completing relevant documentation
Desirable
- Experience in a relevant assistive technology service which could include Augmentative & Alternative Communication, Environmental Control, Wheelchair Service, Special Seating, or relevant manufacturer.
- Experience of modifying/manufacturing equipment for patient's tailored needs and completing relevant documentation
Abilities and Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate technical equipment-related information to other technical and non-technical personnel at all levels within the Trust, to patients with complex medical needs, other stakeholders etc
- Experience of working with and understanding quality management systems
- Ability to design and development custom items for a patient such as mounting systems etc.
- Skilled communicator in both verbal and written form
- To successfully work as part of an MDT
Desirable
- The ability to set up and manage integrated access for various assistive tech functions
Personal Qualities
Essential
- A Full Driving licence is essential for this role
- Ability to manage the emotional pressures of working with clients with complex disabilities and terminal illnesses
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).
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).
