Senior Occupational Therapist - Wheelchairs

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 6 Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist or Rehab Engineer to join our dynamic and supportive Wheelchair Service.

The Service has roughly 2,000 active users including children and adults. Experience of working within wheelchair services is essential. You will be joining a small but enthusiastic and friendly team consisting of 3 OTs, 1 Therapy Support Worker and administrative staff. Supported by a peripatetic RE from The West Midlands Rehab Centre, providing the regional specialist hub to the 12 District Wheelchair services in the West Midlands.

The team has actively developed and expanded over recent years with scope for further service development. The post provides a mix of complex clinical caseload operating through both clinic settings and home visits and have a number of specialist care homes in the area with clients with complex posture. We aim to promote 24 hour postural management and grow good networks for MDT joint working. With proactive links across the acute and community services.

Proactive participation in practice placement education and attendance at PMG is available. We are committed to continuing professional development, in-service training and clinical supervision.

Main duties of the job

The Wheelchair Therapist is responsible for high quality, person-focused assessment prescription of wheelchairs, pressure care, buggies and accessories to clients of all ages (including carers where appropriate) in their own homes, clinic settings and other community environments

Carry out detailed assessment of mobility, posture, seating needs, skin and environment. Collaboratively agree outcomes, prescribe appropriate equipment, fit and adjust to meet client’s needs. Providing instruction in safe use, care, and maintenance

Excellent clinical knowledge of 24 hour postural management and pressure mapping. Understanding the properties of the pressure care available to the service

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of product ranges available to wheelchair services. Clinical use, review of product range used within the service for suitability of purpose, safety and durability. Knowledge of prescription, ordering systems, lead times, and the modifications available to the equipment range within the guidelines set by the MHRA

Ensure clients and carers are trained in the safe handling of wheelchairs/accessories. Involving manual handling of wheelchairs and other equipment

Knowledge of how the PWB scheme works within the service. Advising clients about the scheme and what would be appropriate for their needs

Provide clinical advice and guidance to other therapists on selecting suitable wheelchairs and seating equipment, providing MDT training of standard wheelchair prescription

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about the role and responsibilities.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.