Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an
Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist to join Halton & St Helens Wheelchair
Service with a Band 6 development post
The role
is full time (37.5 hours per week) to be worked over 5 days. It provides opportunities
to work with multi-disciplinary teams in a wide variety of settings
The
successful candidate will start on Band 5 level and work toward completion of
job specific competencies. Following completion of competencies, the role will
develop to band 6.
This post
will provide you with the opportunity to further expand and develop your skills
and gain valuable clinical experience in the specialist area of postural
management, seating, and mobility
Our friendly
team consist of a Band 7 Clinical Team Lead, a Band 6 Specialist Wheelchair Therapist,
Wheelchair Technicians and Therapy Assistants. The wheelchair service is external
for its repairs and maintenance and is supported by an external maintenance company
You will be part of the wheelchair service team,
developing skills and experience in the assessment and provision of specialist
wheelchairs, wheelchair related special seating, electronic powered wheelchairs
and pressure relieving cushions for adults and children with long term mobility
needs. Any experience of Wheelchair Services, Paediatrics and Neurology would
be desirable, but not essential. You will need to be committed tocontinuing
professional development as you will be required to complete role specific
competencies
Main duties of the job
To apply Occupational
Therapy/Physiotherapy principles to provide specialist knowledge and skills in
the assessment, prescription, provision and maintenance of mobility, posture,
and supportive seating equipment to users in Halton & St Helens. Users are
both in-patients and those living in their own homes.
To be responsible for using advanced
clinical skills in the assessment of adults and children, and in provision of
complex wheelchairs with associated posture management and pressure management
accessories.
To prioritise, plan and
deliver a clinical caseload.
To apply evidence based,
specialist knowledge and skills.
Provide a key role in partnership
working with patients, carers, the MDT, and wider statutory, private, and
voluntary sector services.
To support team members
in ensuring the effective functioning of the team.
To actively participate
in quality improvements.
To provide support to the
Team Lead in the day to day running of the service, deputising for them as
required.
To provide effective student
training and development
About us
At Bridgewater, our PEOPLE values shape how we deliver our
NHS services in your local community.
They help us deliver our mission to improve local health and
promote wellbeing in the communities we serve.
After all, values are about people and they were
created in partnership with our staff to reflect what they felt was important
to them
Here at Bridgewater our shared values flow through the organisation.
P- Person-centred-We are passionate about individual needs and
promote independence in the healthcare we provide..
E- Empowered- We empower our people and encourage new ideas to deliver and create improvements in community care.
O- Open and Honest -We behave in a way that develops relationships
based on trust, openness, honesty and respect.
P- Professional-We support our people, so everyone has the right
skills and training to deliver outstanding patient care.
L- Locally Lead -We are always learning about our communities and
show great pride in being a local provider of health and care.
E- Efficient -We use our resources wisely to provide
sustainable and value for money healthcare for our patients.
Unfortunately, we do not hold a sponsor licence for working Visas.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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 clinic, special seating clinics, personal wheelchair budget referrals client numbers, time allocation and assessments.
To assess using specialised skills, and prescribe basic 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 assess risk to ensure safety of user/carer/self and colleagues and report back to senior member of team where applicable.
To be responsible for negotiating user central goals, ensuring eligibility criteria are fulfilled.
To have up-to-date specialist knowledge of wheelchairs/pressure
distribution cushions/seating and current practice, and use this as an evidence base on which to formulate clinical judgement.
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.
Be responsible for assessing manual handling needs of users and assisting accordingly.
To assist in toileting, emptying of catheter bags etc, if necessary, when in clinic.
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.
Offer specialised advice/training regarding wheelchair usage/positioning to other professionals for them to include in users care plan.
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.
To take part in tutorials in-service training, peer review and support reflective practise. To take part in training/education of colleagues and staff/students of other disciplines.
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 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 user 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.
- 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.
- To be responsible for working within locally agreed Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapist protocols and guidelines.
- Have diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy.
- To ensure annual retention on Health and Care 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 PDP undertaken.
- To promote Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy/Wheelchair Services to the wider community delivering awareness training to other health professionals, schools etc as required.
- To participate in case conferences either in person or provide specialist written information.
- To be responsible for providing fieldwork education placements and liaising with students/college.
- Attend North West Wheelchair Therapists Specialist training/support meetings and reflect in portfolio.
- To maintain membership of relevant professional bodies/groups e.g. Posture and Mobility Group.
- To contribute to the Clinical Governance agenda, attending Clinical Forum, Staff meetings, Care Governance etc.
- Any other duties incidental to the post.
Managerial
- To deputise for the wheelchair service manager 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 for staff
- To be responsible for the management of the voucher scheme on behalf of Halton & St Helens CCG.
- To take management responsibility for the Junior clinicians, Rehabilitation Assistants and Administration & Clerical Support
- 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.
- To comply with the Trust Manual Handling and Health and Safety Policies at all times and within guidelines and therapeutic handling.
- 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 and 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.
Communication
- 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
Job description
Job responsibilities
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 clinic, special seating clinics, personal wheelchair budget referrals client numbers, time allocation and assessments.
To assess using specialised skills, and prescribe basic 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 assess risk to ensure safety of user/carer/self and colleagues and report back to senior member of team where applicable.
To be responsible for negotiating user central goals, ensuring eligibility criteria are fulfilled.
To have up-to-date specialist knowledge of wheelchairs/pressure
distribution cushions/seating and current practice, and use this as an evidence base on which to formulate clinical judgement.
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.
Be responsible for assessing manual handling needs of users and assisting accordingly.
To assist in toileting, emptying of catheter bags etc, if necessary, when in clinic.
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.
Offer specialised advice/training regarding wheelchair usage/positioning to other professionals for them to include in users care plan.
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.
To take part in tutorials in-service training, peer review and support reflective practise. To take part in training/education of colleagues and staff/students of other disciplines.
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 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 user 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.
- 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.
- To be responsible for working within locally agreed Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapist protocols and guidelines.
- Have diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy.
- To ensure annual retention on Health and Care 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 PDP undertaken.
- To promote Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy/Wheelchair Services to the wider community delivering awareness training to other health professionals, schools etc as required.
- To participate in case conferences either in person or provide specialist written information.
- To be responsible for providing fieldwork education placements and liaising with students/college.
- Attend North West Wheelchair Therapists Specialist training/support meetings and reflect in portfolio.
- To maintain membership of relevant professional bodies/groups e.g. Posture and Mobility Group.
- To contribute to the Clinical Governance agenda, attending Clinical Forum, Staff meetings, Care Governance etc.
- Any other duties incidental to the post.
Managerial
- To deputise for the wheelchair service manager 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 for staff
- To be responsible for the management of the voucher scheme on behalf of Halton & St Helens CCG.
- To take management responsibility for the Junior clinicians, Rehabilitation Assistants and Administration & Clerical Support
- 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.
- To comply with the Trust Manual Handling and Health and Safety Policies at all times and within guidelines and therapeutic handling.
- 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 and 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.
Communication
- 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
Person Specification
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Working knowledge/awareness of current legislation
- Working knowledge of the concept of Evidence Based Practise
- 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
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Excellent time management skills/ability to prioritise own caseload
- Basic knowledge of tissue viability
- Good analytical judgement skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal skills
- Evidence of clinical and professional post qualification training and education
Desirable
- Evidence of using assessment technique/
- outcome measure relevant to client group
- Positive attitude to service development and flexible approach to service changes
Qualifications
Essential
- Some post registration experience
Desirable
- Experience working in Wheelchair Services
Experience
Essential
- Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy
- HCPC Registration
- An accredited course in wheelchair assessment AND/OR specialist seating or be willing to undertake
Desirable
- Broad basic grade rotation experience in a variety of clinical areas and settings
Additional Criteria
Essential
- To maintain professional registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) and the College of Occupational Therapy
- The ability to travel independently across the Trust
- The ability to work flexibly in accordance with service needs.
- Manual dexterity to manipulate tools etc for adjustment of equipment and physical ability kneel, squat etc to fit equipment
- Do you have the right to stay and work in the UK without sponsorship (share-codes will be checked if applicable)
Desirable
- Experience in supervising therapy support staff
- Experience of training staff
Person Specification
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Working knowledge/awareness of current legislation
- Working knowledge of the concept of Evidence Based Practise
- 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
- Ability to work both independently and as a part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Excellent time management skills/ability to prioritise own caseload
- Basic knowledge of tissue viability
- Good analytical judgement skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal skills
- Evidence of clinical and professional post qualification training and education
Desirable
- Evidence of using assessment technique/
- outcome measure relevant to client group
- Positive attitude to service development and flexible approach to service changes
Qualifications
Essential
- Some post registration experience
Desirable
- Experience working in Wheelchair Services
Experience
Essential
- Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy
- HCPC Registration
- An accredited course in wheelchair assessment AND/OR specialist seating or be willing to undertake
Desirable
- Broad basic grade rotation experience in a variety of clinical areas and settings
Additional Criteria
Essential
- To maintain professional registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) and the College of Occupational Therapy
- The ability to travel independently across the Trust
- The ability to work flexibly in accordance with service needs.
- Manual dexterity to manipulate tools etc for adjustment of equipment and physical ability kneel, squat etc to fit equipment
- Do you have the right to stay and work in the UK without sponsorship (share-codes will be checked if applicable)
Desirable
- Experience in supervising therapy support staff
- Experience of training staff
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).
