Occupational Therapists/Physiotherapists

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. Applications are invited from experienced Occupational Therapists/Physiotherapists who are looking to develop specialist skills in the assessment and provision of Wheelchair/Postural Seating services. There will also be an opportunity to work on the introduction of the national Multi‑grip hand/digit prosthesis NHSE policy with Upper Limb amputees. Referrals into the service are accepted for clients of all ages, children and adults, with a broad range of mobility problems/medical conditions. The majority of clients are seen in clinics held at the Prosthetic and Wheelchair Centre; however, they may also be assessed in various community settings according to their individual needs. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate a broad base of generic experience in the field of physical disability. Previous experience in the assessment and prescription of wheelchairs/postural seating is desirable but not essential. The ability to drive and travel across the community and carry equipment effectively and efficiently is an essential requirement of this post. Multi-disciplinary working is integral in practice.

As a wheelchair therapist you will need to be dynamic, resourceful, practical and good at problem solving as well as having the ability to communicate effectively with a wide and diverse range of service users including children and adults. To work with clients of all ages and with clinical presentations that affect long term mobility. To work with Upper Limb amputees to maximise independence and the appropriate use of upper limb prostheses. Undertake comprehensive holistic assessment of patients and carers where needs are complex. This will involve planning, implementing and evaluating care delivery according to changing healthcare needs. To work autonomously using advanced levels of history taking and examination skills within multidisciplinary team, guidelines and protocols. Utilise clinical skills in assessment and/or formulating prescription of wheelchair, pressure relieving cushions and special seating. Demonstrate a high level of knowledge in relation to pattern of disease or disorder, markers of condition progression and range of options available at each stage of disorder or condition. Be able to assess critically and re‑evaluate the clinical situation as the patient's condition changes.

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• Degree/Diploma in Physiotherapy / Occupational Therapy or equivalent
  
• HCPC Registration
  
• CPD
  
• Member of a Special Interest group, demonstrable experience as a Physiotherapist in the NHS or Healthcare Service and awareness of current NHS and trust issues
  
• Post registration experience in a junior rotational post providing a broad experience in musculoskeletal / medical–surgical conditions
  
• Evidence of a contribution to clinical education of less experienced staff, students or assistants
  
• Evidence of participation in audit
  
• Evidence of the advanced skills required to plan complex and rapid discharges
  
• Knowledge of audit tools and awareness of organisational and clinical standards in Physiotherapy, evidence of sound clinical knowledge and specialist skills relevant to the clinical caseload
  
• Broad knowledge of current best practice in Occupational Therapy / Physiotherapy
  
• Understanding of the legal responsibilities of the profession, flexibility and openness to change
  
• Willingness to undertake further training as necessary
  
• Ability to travel to different sites and patient homes using own transport, as the Trust will be unable to provide this
  
• Ability to manage own workload, determine priorities and delegate tasks
  
• Effective written and oral communication skills
  
• Ability to keep accurate, legible patient notes
  
• Teaching / presentations at in‑service level
  
• Able to evaluate and be critical of self
  
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality
  
• Ability to think quickly, assess clinical situations and take decisions based on that information
  
• Ability to liaise effectively within the multi‑disciplinary team
  
• Ability to motivate patients and other staff
  
• Confidence to take independent action
  
• Competent IT skills; appropriate UK professional registration
  

Note: Under current Home Office Immigration Rules we are currently unable to offer right to work visa sponsorship for Band 2 and 3 roles with a salary of less than £25,000 pa as they do not meet the UK Visas & Immigration criteria. Only those applicants who demonstrate clearly how they meet our person specification will be shortlisted for interview. We reserve the right to close any vacancies from further applications when we have received a minimum number of applications from which to make a shortlist. Please ensure you apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role.

The Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity; we value the contribution of individual talent, skills, knowledge and experience and aim for a workforce demography representative of the local community. We encourage applicants from the following groups that are currently under‑represented in our workforce: black, Asian and minority ethnic, lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ+), disabled, male and age 16‑24.

All staff must ensure they adhere to the organisation’s safeguarding children and adults policy and comply with the local safeguarding procedures. All employees (and volunteers) are expected to maintain their safeguarding knowledge and skills by completing mandatory safeguarding training.

If you have any personal requirements that will enable you to participate in our recruitment process please contact a member of the Recruitment Services by phone on 0151 706 4666 at the earliest opportunity to ensure that measures can be put in place.