Wheelchair Therapist

An opportunity has arisen for a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to join our small team at Holly Wheelchair Service in West Essex in this newly created post.

We are a forward looking, dynamic NHS wheelchair service where excellence is standard. We are a fully NHS service and part of a wider NHS Trust providing Community health and Mental health services.

We always strive to provide the best possible level of service to our clients and we are looking for someone who will do the same, You will need to work with our clients to meet their clinical needs and to help them achieve the things which matter to them.

The successful applicant will be have a positive, cheerful outlook, and be happy working in a fast paced environment.

We are looking for someone with at least 2 years post qualification experience working with people with long term conditions, Experience in areas such as neurology, paediatrics, leaning disability or community services would be advantageous, Previous wheelchair service experience is highly desirable but not essential, an induction and skills programme will be arranged, depending on your level of wheelchair and postural management experience.

You will be working in clinic and in the community, in client's homes, schools, day centres and care homes. This is a very varied job so flexibility is important, as is an empathetic manner and a holistic approach to assessments. You will need excellent problem solving skills and a good understanding of the way mobility and posture impact on all aspects of a person's life.

You will be well supported to independently manage a large caseload which will include children and adults with a wide range of predominantly neurological conditions. Assessing and prescribing equipment to meet their clinical needs.

There will be opportunities to work with complex equipment including modular seating systems, high performance wheelchairs, specialist powered wheelchairs and 'special controls'.

EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including;
- Season Ticket Loans
- NHS discounts for staff
- Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
- Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
- The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
- Day One Flexible Employer

Join our Staff bank

What is Staff Bank?

Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.

All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.

If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank

Undertake in depth assessments of mobility needs, pressure care needs and postural support requirements, dependent on experience.

Work alongside Rehab engineers and Wheelchair Technicians to review and adapt equipment, as the person's needs change.

Provide user training and ensure that equipment is safely and correctly set up for client at handover appointments.

Demonstrate a kind, calm and patient approach with clients, many of whom have difficulties with communication.

Understand the importance of working within the service criteria and budget constrains to deliver an equitable service to all clients, according to their needs.

Think creatively to support reconditioning and re-use of equipment, when appropriate.

Use electronic patient record systems, equipment management systems and spreadsheets to keep accurate notes and to communicate with contractors and with other healthcare professionals.

Communicate effectively with other HCPs and also with clients and their family or carers to provide clear information and training around equipment.

Support clients with 'Personal wheelchair Budget' decisions and manage the client related administration of the PWB process.

Keep accurate, up to date records of client contacts including face to face, telephone and electronic communications.

Participate in team meetings and supervision sessions.

Provide supervision to junior staff and engage in training and support for students.

Contribute to service developments and deliver wheelchair prescriber training alongside other team members.

Develop positive working relationships with local and regional HCPs who refer to the service.

Travel within West Essex to carry out domiciliary visits when required. Own vehicle preferred.

Use all opportunities to develop a highly specialist level of knowledge of wheelchairs