Wheelchair Therapist

NHS; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job description

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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.

Note: the service may choose to employ either a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist.

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.

Job responsibilities

To provide high-quality person-centred care which considers people's safety, privacy and dignity using advanced clinical knowledge that is evidence based.

To undertake independent assessment and management of wheelchair service users and where appropriate make complex clinical decisions regarding service user management and clinical outcomes.

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.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma in Physiotherapy / Occupational Therapy or equivalent
• HCPC Registration
• CPD
• Member of Special Interest group

Experience

• Demonstrable experience as a Physiotherapist in the NHS or Healthcare Service and be able to demonstrate 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
• Have a knowledge of audit tools and awareness of organisational and clinical standards in Physiotherapy

Knowledge

• Evidence of sound clinical knowledge and specialist skills relevant to the clinical caseload
• Broad knowledge of current best practice in Occupational Therapy / Physiotherapy
• Have an understanding of the legal responsibilities of the profession

Other

• Flexible and open to change
• Ability and willingness to undertake further training as necessary
• Must be able to travel to different sites and patient homes using own transport as Trust will be unable to provide this.

Skills

• Ability to manage own work load, 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
• Must be able to maintain patient confidentiality
• Ability to think quickly, assess clinical situations and take decisions upon that information
• Ability to liaise effectively within the multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to motivate patients and other staff
• Must be able to demonstrate the confidence to take independent action.
• Competent IT Skills

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.

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£37,338 to £44,962 a year, pro rata