Orthotist

Steeper Group

This job is now closed

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for an Orthotist role as part of the county of Cornwall Orthotic Services.

Main duties of the job

The service is based in Truro and covers the whole County, servicing clinics in all areas. We deal with tertiary referrals mainly, from GPs, Consultants and other AHPs. The emphasis is on custom made orthoses for Diabetes, Stroke and Paediatrics. We work closely with other AHPs and we are developing MDT relationships throughout the county. The Orthotist will be expected to work autonomously for most of the time, but there will be supervision, development time and training provided on a regular basis.

Due to the complexity of the caseload, a knowledge of Paediatrics, Stroke and Diabetes is essential. Well-developed skills in the provision of custom made footwear, plastics and KAFOs are desirable, but training and mentoring will be available to improve skills as required. The caseload is generally very interesting as we are dealing with complex cases a lot of the time, who cannot be treated with off the shelf orthoses. A well-focused, analytical/problem solving mind-set is required.

About us

Steeper Group is a true leader in the Orthotic, Prosthetic and Assistive Technology products. In the past 100 years we have grown to become one of the UKs largest suppliers. Steepers vision is to create lifes turning points, together. We aim to do this by delivering innovative prosthetic, orthotic and assistive technology products and responsive clinical services.

Date posted

08 July 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

E0445-24-0004

Job locations

The Old Chapel Greenbottom

Truro

Cornwall

TR4 8QP

Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibilities

To cast, measure, fit and deliver a well-fitting orthosis, and maintain the fit and mechanical integrity of the orthosis while meeting the clinical needs of the patient.

To work as part of the multidisciplinary team at each centre. To act in a professional manner at all times to other members of the team, the patients and their families.

To participate in the areas covered by Clinical Governance, including clinical audit and evidence-based research.

To participate in all activities as directed by your orthotic manager or another member of the Company management team.

To interact with patients, assess their orthotic needs and using your clinical skills meet the needs of the patient, asking for advice and help from your colleagues as necessary.

Carry a full patient caseload covering all areas of orthotics and complexity of treatment.

Take accurate measures of any patient requiring an orthosis.

Take and where possible rectify a plaster cast of the patient and produce a well-fitting orthosis with minimum remakes.

Align the orthosis to allow optimum gait for the patient and deliver the orthosis within the agreed contract time at the orthotic service centre.

Be aware of the Companys Quality system, and your responsibilities contained therein, and ensure that all paperwork and job sheets are filled out correctly legibly and promptly.

Ensure that all paperwork is up to date and facilitate in the resolution of any invoicing and payment difficulties.

Ensure any stock removed from the store is correctly booked out and allocated to a job sheet. Help the technicians manufacture the orthosis by writing out clear and concise instructions and discussing any unusual requests directly with them. Any change from standard manufacturing techniques is subject to the risk assessment process.

Ensure that your technical knowledge is kept up to date by maintaining current awareness of the latest techniques and componentry, and by working together with the technicians to ensure a full understanding of the manufacturing and repair processes.

To abide by the Companys health and safety policy while working in the workshop, stores and plaster room ensuring your own safety and that of your colleagues.

Ensure that all clinical records are kept for every patient in the format recommended by the Profession and the orthotic service centre. To maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to the data protection act, ensuring that all patient records are kept secure at all times.

Work as part of the multidisciplinary team, respecting the role that each team member has to play and taking the lead role in prescribing.

Take the lead in identifying areas that require auditing and working with other members of the team ensure that the requirements of evidence-based practice and other clinical governance issues are being met.

Be aware of the Contract style operated at each centre and ensure that your working practices conform to meet both the standards promoted by the Company and the requirements of the contract.

Identify areas of possible improvement in the service provision and highlight those to your orthotic manager. To be aware of the day to day running of the service and be able to deputise for the Manager should that be required.

Undertake the supervision of P&O students and more junior members of staff and help and support them to achieve their potential as senior orthotists.

Be able, and willing, to lecture to undergraduate P&O students and other healthcare professionals on the roles and responsibilities of an orthotist.

Be capable of undertaking a presentation of behalf of the Company.

With a positive approach and attitude show initiative and enthusiasm, and demonstrate that you are undertaking continuing professional development and filling your working day in a productive manner.