Job summary
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Practitioner to work within the specialist area of wheelchairs.
You will be part of a highly motivated multi-disciplinary team providing assessments and wheelchairs to people of all ages with a wide range of conditions that have a permanent disability that requires them to use a wheelchair or associated equipment on a long-term basis.
Ideally, we are looking for someone who already has an Assistant Practitioner qualification (or nearing completion) but will consider applications from individuals who can demonstrate that they are practising at an enhanced level, have achieved competencies equivalent to that of an Assistant Practitioner, and keen to develop their knowledge and skills further in the niche and rewarding area of wheelchairs.
Main duties of the job
You will work as part of the multidisciplinary Wheelchair Service team providing specialist knowledge and skills in the assessment and provision of wheelchairs and associated equipment to service users living across Wirral and West Cheshire.
As this is an enhanced therapy assistant role, the successful candidate will have a prior set of skills as described in the person specification with sound knowledge and experience of working with people of all ages who have long term conditions.
You will have excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, be flexible/ adaptable, and passionate about delivering personalised care to wheelchair service users
This is a patient facing position, which is largely clinic based but also requires you to visit service users in their place of residence or other establishments in the community. In this respect, you must hold a full, current driving license and have access to a car to fulfil the transport requirements of the post.
Although you will have one base, you will be required to work across both location in Birkenhead, Wirral and Ellesmere Port, West Cheshire to deliver a seamless and consistent service across Wirral and West Cheshire.
About us
We deliver NHS wheelchair services to adults and children living in Wirral and West Cheshire for Cheshire Merseyside Integrated Commissioning Board (ICB); and have nearly 8,000 wheelchair users with equipment on issue from our service.We pride ourselves in delivering excellent customer service and on-going clinical support to all our users, along with a comprehensive maintenance and repair service which is provided by an approved contractor.
You will be well supported in this new role by experienced therapists and via our robust supervision, training and appraisal structure. If you are interested in this great opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or arrange an informal visit
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for more details regarding this exciting role
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for more details regarding this exciting role
Person Specification
Qualifications and Professional Training
Essential
- Foundation Degree in Healthcare of equivalent qualification such as higher-level apprenticeship/ Assistant Practitioner qualification OR equivalent knowledge obtained through relevant NVQ Level 3 study combined with significant on the job development/ experience in comparable role
- GCSE's A-C (grades 4-9) in Maths and English
- Competent Computer Skills- Microsoft office/ word and outlook
- Willingness to participate in programme of study relevant to the role
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Excellent communication skills adapting easily to patients and wheelchair therapists
- Ability to be appropriately sensitive to patient's needs
- Ability to plan and organise own work
- Effective written communication skills
- Confident managing patient data and information
- Ability to assume responsibility for designated areas of work
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work flexibly
- Confidentiality and discretion
- Ability to work under pressure
- Willingness to contribute to own Continuing Professional development
- Valid driving licence for the UK/ access to a vehicle for work purposes
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Previous healthcare experience, working with patients/ service users in a clinical role
- At least 2 years' experience working as a Technical Instructor/ Senior AHP support worker in a community setting delivering therapy programmes of care
- Experience of dealing with patients in a crisis situation
- Experience in identifying and assessing people for equipment pertinent to the role
- Clinical governance and risk management
Desirable
- Experience working in an Assistant Practitioner role
- Knowledge of wheelchairs and postural management/ seating
Person Specification
Qualifications and Professional Training
Essential
- Foundation Degree in Healthcare of equivalent qualification such as higher-level apprenticeship/ Assistant Practitioner qualification OR equivalent knowledge obtained through relevant NVQ Level 3 study combined with significant on the job development/ experience in comparable role
- GCSE's A-C (grades 4-9) in Maths and English
- Competent Computer Skills- Microsoft office/ word and outlook
- Willingness to participate in programme of study relevant to the role
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Excellent communication skills adapting easily to patients and wheelchair therapists
- Ability to be appropriately sensitive to patient's needs
- Ability to plan and organise own work
- Effective written communication skills
- Confident managing patient data and information
- Ability to assume responsibility for designated areas of work
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work flexibly
- Confidentiality and discretion
- Ability to work under pressure
- Willingness to contribute to own Continuing Professional development
- Valid driving licence for the UK/ access to a vehicle for work purposes
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Previous healthcare experience, working with patients/ service users in a clinical role
- At least 2 years' experience working as a Technical Instructor/ Senior AHP support worker in a community setting delivering therapy programmes of care
- Experience of dealing with patients in a crisis situation
- Experience in identifying and assessing people for equipment pertinent to the role
- Clinical governance and risk management
Desirable
- Experience working in an Assistant Practitioner role
- Knowledge of wheelchairs and postural management/ seating
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.
Employer details
Employer name
Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Address
St Catherine's Health Centre
Derby Road
Birkenhead, Wirral
CH42 0LQ
Employer's website
https://www.wchc.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
