Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. To provide technical advice and support to Mersey Care Wheelchair Service
2. Attend wheelchair service clinics, home visits or other appointments to provide technical advice and support in the selection and modification of community equipment.
3.  Undertake work in a variety of community settings (including service user homes, residential/ nursing homes and schools) to make technical recommendations with regard to mobility /equipment and medical devices, involving close liaison with other professionals participating in service user care.
   4. Assess for and devise modifications/adaptations for equipment to meet the service user requirements. Provide clear specifications and technical drawings to support recommendations for modifications/adaptations.Preparation and handover of powered wheelchairs, demonstrating controls, verification of suitability and safe operation by service users, at the time of issue.
   5. Monitor and maintain quality control aspects of the work undertaken by the repair service.
   6.  Monitor the progress of work on the modification and reconditioning of equipment.
   7. Provide technical support to the repair service provider.
   8. Undertake minor wheelchair and community equipment repairs and adjustments and the fitment/adjustment of postural equipment under indirect supervision  of clinicians
   9. Ensure that all necessary equipment is available for assessments, clinics and visits.
   10. Provide high quality assessment and provision services to all service users, working closely with colleagues, carers, other professionals and agencies.
   11. To demonstrate the use and application of specialist equipment to Wheelchair Service colleagues, 
   service users, carers and other professionals.

12. Support service users equality, diversity & rights.
13. Attend relevant meetings to represent Mersey Care Wheelchair services, as requested.
Professional 
14. To maintain own professional development.
15. Be aware of the latest evidence-based practise and new developments within own scope of work 
and record evidence of own learning/experiences.
16. To participate in the staff appraisal scheme and Personal Development Review process in line with own personal development plan attend identified activities/courses, both external and in service 
17. Participate in reflective practice and clinical supervision.
18. To be an active member of the in-service training programme by the attendance at and contribution to the delivery of presentations and training sessions at staff meetings and tutorials.
19. To take part in evaluation of specific services and with the use of evidence-based practice, local and national research/audit; support the implementation of changes to service provision and working 
practices.
20. To demonstrate a sound understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management and apply to work situation.
21. To maintain accurate, comprehensive and contemporaneous documentation, in line with legal, Trust and service requirements.
22. To work as a lone practitioner, with the support of senior colleagues.
23. To develop own specialist skills and when appropriate assist colleagues in problem solving.
Organisational 
24. To be responsible for a designated workload – this may alter according to service needs/priorities.
25. To be responsible for organising and managing own workload, deciding priorities for own working day, balancing other service user related and professional demands, and ensure that these remain in accordance with those of the service as a whole.
26. On a daily basis to respond to urgent referrals and other issues which will require the reprioritisation of the working day.
27. To be responsible for ensuring the effective and safe selection and use of all equipment and resources.
28. To be responsible for equipment used in carrying out Wheelchair service duties.
29. To assist with the development of departmental policies/procedures and to adhere to these including competence to use equipment and to ensure the safe use of equipment by others through 
teaching, training, and supervision of practice.
30. To be actively involved in the collection and inputting of appropriate data and statistics for audit and for the use of the service.
31. Report on adverse incidents relating to defective equipment involving wheelchairs in accordance with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and local reporting procedures.
32. Assist with the practice education of students placed within wheelchair Services.
Communication 
33. To communicate effectively with service users and carers to maximise mobility potential.
34. To ensure understanding of consent to treatment, personalised care plans and intervention outcomes.
35. To make enquiries of other health care professionals regarding the service user and their condition to ensure the acquisition of appropriate information.
36. To appropriately refer on to other healthcare professionals, effectively communicating the needs of the service user.
37. To sensitively communicate complex information and negative news regarding wheelchair service interventions e.g., understanding the limitations of equipment modifications possible.
38. To communicate with Wheelchair Service colleagues regarding work progress.
39. The post holder is required to overcome barriers to communication using a range of verbal, nonverbal and listening skills. This will include patients with dysphasia, hearing difficulties, partially 
sighted, memory loss and confusion, behavioural problems, limited English and patients unable to accept diagnosis.
40. To advise service users and carers in the use and maintenance of their equipment.
41. To produce timely informative technical drawings, reports, letters for service user care records.
42. If required, in accordance with the Trust policy, provide reports for legal reasons.
Managerial 
43. To propose and implement policies/procedures for the service and to review on a regular basis proposing changes as appropriate to meet the needs of the service user and the service.
44. Work with Managers and senior members of the team and other health care providers to ensure good quality and appropriate specialist input to local service delivery plans and the development of 
guidelines, through the undertaking of audit/research.
45. To comply with the organisational, service policies and procedures.
46. To day-to-day line manage as required of B4 and B3 staff.