Rehabilitation Engineer
Praising NCH&C’s “compassionate, inclusive and effective leadership at all levels”, the CQC observed that our staff are well supported to make positive changes and innovations.
Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust is committed to continuing to create a modern and inclusive work environment. As part of this commitment we actively promote flexible working opportunities where possible, to meet the needs and wishes of our workforce to maintain and improve their wellbeing.The trust offers a range of flexibility, including flexible working patterns, and we would encourage you to discuss this with the recruiting manager before or during the application process if this would interest you.
We welcome applications from people who share our values and can help us deliver outstanding care in our local community.
Job overview
The role of Rehabilitation Engineer is responsible for provision of high quality technical solutions for patients requiring wheelchairs and wheelchair seating, and will be part of the Wheelchair Services clinical team.
Main duties of the job- To take a lead role in relation to any technical developments/improvements that are required to maintain/update Wheelchair range and prescribed equipment.
- To undertake advanced assessment and prescription of wheelchairs and accessories for children and adults with learning difficulties; neurological impairment; developmental and congenital problems; general frailty; multiple pathology and who frequently have a highly complex presentation.
- To ensure a high standard of care is maintained for each patient referred to the Wheelchair Assessment Centre by liaising and working with all disciplines and agencies involved with that patient. To communicate with these agencies, patients, family and carers in an appropriate manner, often with sensitive information regarding diagnosis and outcomes.
- To undertake a significant clinical caseload to high professional standard using highly developed specialist knowledge from theoretical and practical experience.
- To prescribe and provide bespoke engineering solutions to meet the clinical needs of patients.
- To provide technical expertise to other healthcare professionals.
Working for our organisation
Join a clinical team that is passionate about patient care and work closely with a dynamic workshop team.
Find out more about working for our organisation here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/226719057/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will:
- Carry out their work in client’s homes, at clinics, at hospitals, at schools and in a variety of day placements. The Postholder will be required to work in a variety of settings including clinic, hospitals, school and patient homes. Working autonomously for the majority of their caseload management.
- The postholder will form part of a multidisciplinary team and will be required to undertake joint assessments when required.
- To have specialist knowledge in Tone and postural management. Providing bespoke solutions to seating provision. Working alongside external parties to ensure appropriate seating meets the clinical need of the patient
- To maintain quality standards for all equipment supplied by the service, which includes reporting any defects and accidents that occur directly to the relevant authorities such as MHRA
- To maintain an up-to-date in-depth knowledge and understanding of all relevant standards, legislation etc, applying to the manufacture and use of mobility aids.
- To provide expert advice to the Trust a on technical aspects relating the management of assets owned by NCHC
- To undertake a significant clinical caseload, including clients with a complex presentation.
- Provide advice, teaching and instruction to clients, carers and other professionals. This will include patients who may have a barrier to understanding, such as severe learning difficulties; post-stroke.
- To take an active role in their professional capacity to contribute to projects undertaken by the Wheelchair Assessment and repair service
- To evaluate the suitability of new equipment in line with service provision and commission equipment as appropriate.
- To keep accurate patient records using SystemOne.
- To work within agreed process to triage referrals and prioritise based on clinical urgency and patient safety
- To update the Trusts asset management data base with regard to equipment issued
- To provide cost-effective technical and clinical solutions to address the needs of service users
- Providing advice and information to ensure that all specified standards and legal requirements are met by the equipment prescribers and contractors.
- Establish and maintain first-class working relationships with a wide variety of staff.
- To communicate effectively with colleagues, other healthcare professionals, clients and their relatives/carers.
- Work with clients and carers and communicate complex, sensitive and contentious information in a media that breaks down barriers of understanding
- To be aware of and work within the contract for the provision, repair and maintenance of mobility equipment.
- The post holder will be required to drive
Person specification
Education and Qualification
Essential criteria- HNC or Degree in engineering discipline or Physical Science
- Registered with the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT)
- An incorporated member of , or eligible to become an Incorporated member of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IIPEM)
- Further Post-Qualifying studies such as research activities and / or publications
Experience and Knowledge
Essential criteria- Previous experience of working as an engineer as part of NHS Wheelchair Services
- At least 2 years work experience post qualification
- Excellent knowledge of Wheelchair and Seating equipment
- Knowledge of the major disabling medical conditions to include prognosis and physical and neurological impairments
- Experience of working with people with disabilities
- Understanding of relevant safety legislation, standards and guidelines (e.g. MHRA, Controls Assurance, Medical device Regulations)
- Knowledge of ISO 13485 series or equivalent standards
- Knowledge of, and ability to interpret and relevant trust and professional policies, procedures and guidelines
- Experience of developing and maintaining Quality Management Systems
- Experience of incident reporting and investigation
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria- Shows ability to manage pressure of work and to prioritise workload
- Awareness of current NHS agenda principles/protocols
- Independent decision making
- Excellent communication strategies and skills, able to apply and adapt to diverse, complex and challenging situations
- IT skills e.g. excel, word/ PowerPoint, ability to use clinical information systems
- Use of hand tools and machinery
- Experience of service development
- IT Skills
- Proactive / innovative approach to service delivery
Personal Attributes / Behaviours
Essential criteria- Sound problem solving skills
- Good team work ethics
- Demonstrate positive attitude, enthusiasm and openness
- Demonstrates flexible approach to working
- Able to make own travel arrangements as necessary for the demands of the role
- Ability to motivate other staff members
- Good management, planning and organisational skills
Other Requirements
Essential criteria- Good level of physical health
- Full UK Driving Licence
- DBS Clearance at Enhanced Level
All sites are Smoke Free.
Immigration Status - Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust is a diverse employer and welcomes all job applications. However, potential applicants should note that although the Trust is registered with the Home Office as a sponsor organisation for migrant workers, sponsorship can only be offered against Skilled Worker visas.If you are an applicant from outside the UK and do not already hold a self-gained right to work, we recommend you check the Home Office eligibility requirements before making an application.
Please note: Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for some job roles, and this will be identified through filtering questions at the start of any job application on the Trac recruitment system.
Redeployment - Please note that in the first instance priority for this vacancy will be given to NCH&C staff who are on the Trusts Redeployment Register.
DBS - If this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and you are not a current employee of Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust or being recruited as an Apprentice then the cost of the DBS check will be automatically removed from your first month’s salary.However if you are registered with the update service this may not be required.
Closing and Interview Dates -This vacancy may close early if sufficient applicants are received.
Data Protection - A privacy notice detailing how we will handle your data is attached to this advert as a document. Your application will be transferred to our recruitment management system (Trac) once the advert has closed and you will receive notification then detailing how Trac will handle your data.