Senior Orthotist

Job overview

This is a unique opportunity to permanently join an established NHS department in the Capital City of  Wales which is committed to providing excellent care.

We are seeking two orthotists to work as active members of the Orthotics team, delivering clinical care to patients within a growing service and in a vibrant department. These are  full-time positions at a band 6 Senior Orthotist. The successful applicants shall be HCPC registered as an Orthotist/Prosthetist and have a degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics or equivalent experience. They will have experience in this field across a wide range of pathologies acquired through working in a healthcare setting. Sufficient years experience; these include rheumatology, orthopaedics, neurological, spinal/Scoliosis and diabetology, all specialist services in Cardiff & Vale UHB.

There are currently 4 full time clinicians who between them cover the whole of Cardiff & Vale UHB and are based in ALAS in the grounds of Rookwood hospital.  They work closely with other services within ALAS both professionally and socially.

The work covers Inpatient/outpatients clinics in the major hospitals  along with limited domiciliary work.  There are also clinics within 2 major Special school clinics in Cardiff with a strong MDT team.

Main duties of the job

They will deliver orthotic clinics with their own caseload of patients and provide advice to medical and nursing staff in the  UHB on aspects of orthotic assessment, provision and management.

Opportunities to work on and contribute to a range of service developments will be made available, as well as being involved in working with and supervising the work of students  and trainees coming through the department.  MDT working is essential and a strong knowledge in working with Scoliosis patients will be an advantage.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To undertake orthotic assessment and treatment of patients with a variety of routine and complex needs.
• To communicate effectively and efficiently with a range of professional colleagues including medical and surgical Consultants, ward staff, therapy staff and administration staff.
• Provide clinical and professional advice to the multi-disciplinary team and/or patients/carers regarding appropriate orthotic provision and ongoing care.
• To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication methods to ensure effective communication with patients, carers and colleagues where information may be highly complex and require the use of well-developed skills of persuasion, motivation, negotiation and reassurance.
• To overcome barriers to understanding, including communication difficulties, anxiety or motivation.
• Clear and effective communication with orthotic product and service providers.
• To liaise with Clinical Lead Orthotist, Senior Specialist Orthotists, and  Orthotic Services Manager as appropriate to ensure efficient and effective clinical services are maintained.