Wheelchair Rehabilitation Engineer

We are currently looking for a Wheelchair Rehabilitation Engineer for 28 Hours per Month who must be /have the following:

• A degree in engineering or equivalent experience required for Clinical technologist registration.
• A Member of the Register of Clinical Technologists or equivalent or in the process of application.

The post holder will be an enthusiastic and experienced Rehabilitation Engineer to provide the technical support to a clinical team made up of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Therapy Assistants. The post holder will also work closely with the Service Co-ordinator and admin staff as well as outside seating contractors and equipment suppliers.

The post holder will provide technical expertise in the assessment and prescription of equipment for people with a range of physical and neurological disabilities including modifications for wheelchairs and related equipment.

The post holder will also support the Service Co-ordinator and Clinical lead in liaising with the Approved Repair service.

• Repair and maintenance of patients' wheelchairs
• Liaison with suppliers and manufacturers
• Working alongside our suppliers in maintaining service delivery

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) provides good quality, safe and effective healthcare to the people of Cheshire and beyond.

The Trust, which manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford, was established as an NHS Trust in April 1991 and became a Foundation Trust in April 2008.

We employ almost 5,000 members of staff, provide around 540 hospital beds, with a range of services including accident and emergency, maternity, outpatients, therapies, and children's health.

The Trust is also part of Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP), a unique local health partnership that provides a range of community services for people across South Cheshire and Vale Royal.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, the Trust was recognised nationally for its ‘Be Safe Be EquiPPEd’ campaign, which aimed to make the Trust as safe as possible for staff and patients, through supporting the correct use of PPE.

The results in the 2020 national NHS Staff Survey showed improvements in all elements of the safety culture theme, with 92% of respondents feeling their role made a difference to our patients. We were also recognised nationally for our workforce health and wellbeing initiatives.

At Mid Cheshire, we value our staff and appreciate that in order to give our patients the best quality, compassionate care, we also need to look after our colleagues.

PERSON SPECIFICATION – Rehabilitation Engineer

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

ASSESS BY

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE/

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

• Dealing directly with the public.
• Degree in engineering or equivalent experience required for Clinical technologist registration.
• Member of the Register of Clinical Technologists or equivalent or in the process of application.
• Practical engineering experience.
• Risk assessment and risk management experience.
• Experience of working in an engineering environment with people with severe disabilities.
• Experience working in a technical role within a service providing wheelchairs and seating.
• Detailed knowledge of wheelchairs and equipment for disabled people.
• Experience in prescribing, ordering and providing wheelchairs, seating and associated equipment for people with disabilities.
• Graduate Diploma Rehabilitation Engineering.
• Training in posture management,
• Mechanical Engineering qualification.
• Understanding of disability issues.
• Wheelchair and seating product knowledge.

A I R

SKILLS

• Ability to problem solve through design and manufacture.
• Practical approach to problem solving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to explain complex technical information to different target audiences.
• Full car driving licence valid in the UK.
• Prepared to adjust working hours to suit clinics.
• Good organisational skills, ability to organise own time and meet tight deadlines.
• Computer literate including competent in Microsoft Office applications.
• Mechanical skills including e.g. lathe, milling machine.
• Ability to solve problems & make decisions under pressure.
• Competent in CAD and 3D modelling.
• Have a knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology, including postural control and the biomechanics of seating.

A I R

VALUES

• A commitment to quality and safety.
• A recognition of the importance of showing respect, dignity and compassion to patients and colleagues.
• A listening, learning and leading approach.
• A commitment to work together to create the best outcomes.
• Must demonstrate the Trust’s values around both raising concerns at work, and how to treat others who raise concerns.

R I A

BEHAVIOURS

• Self-motivated with ability to work independently on own initiative.
• Willing to work in hospital based clinics, schools and private homes.
• Adaptable and able to work under pressure and prioritise tasks.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Empathetic to the complex and often challenging needs of people with severe disabilities.
• Must be willing to act as a role model.
• Must be willing to take personal responsibility.
• Must have the courage to speak up.
• Must value and appreciate the worth of others.

A I R

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

(Reasonable adjustments will be made under the Disability Discrimination Act)

• Occupational Health cleared to perform the duties of the role.
• Ability to perform a wide range of duties according to the Job Description.

A R

KEY: Application form = A Interview = I References = R Skills test = S