About this role
Job summary
Do you have a background in repairing and delivering equipment and have experience of dealing with elderly/disabled people? If so, this interesting role could be for you!
We are looking for someone to work full-time (37.5 hours per week) as part of the Warrington Wheelchair Service, to support the team with the maintenance, repair, reconditioning, and servicing of both manual and powered wheelchairs. The Support Services team are a valued part of the smooth running of the Wheelchair Service and provide support to the Therapy Team.
You will work as part of a team dedicated to the provision of an efficient and patient orientated wheelchair support service and will be the first point of contact for patients, so good customer service skills are essential.
You must have the ability to work on your own initiative and be a good organiser of yourself and your workload.
Main duties of the job
The main duties of the role include undertaking planned preventative maintenance, repairs and reconditioning of wheelchairs, as well as acceptance testing new wheelchairs. This includes standard, complex, bespoke, and electric powered wheelchairs. There is a responsibility around stock control and the ordering of parts. The post holder will also be delivering and handing over wheelchairs to service users, and collecting wheelchairs that are no longer required.
Some of the work will be carried out in the dedicated workshop area and some will be out in the community- for example, in patients homes, schools, nursing homes, and day centres.
There may be times when the role is emotionally demanding e.g., collecting a wheelchair from bereaved relatives, or repairing a chair in use by a vulnerableterminally ill service user, and so sensitivity is required along with good communication skills.
About us
Flexible working will be considered for all roles.
North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (NCM) serves more than one million residents across the Halton and Warrington boroughs and the wider North West region.
Bringing together community and out-of-hospital services (formerly provided by Bridgewater Community Healthcare) with inpatient and elective care (formerly Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals) we provide services at two hospital sites and more than 70 community hubs and facilities.
Our mission, vision and values are at the heart of North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (NCM).
They underpin everything we do and everything we aspire to be as an organisation.
Our missionWe will be exceptional for our patients, our communities and each other
Our visionWe will be a great organisation providing excellent healthcare and opportunities to work and learn
Our values Kind: We are caring, supportive and respectful to everyone Open: We are honest, transparent and open to new ways of working Fair: We listen, value our differences and are inclusive to all One team: We work well together and with our communities
Job description Job responsibilities
Welcome to North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust.
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have now integrated to become North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust.
Job Purpose:
To work as part of a team dedicated to the provision of an efficient and client orientated wheelchair support service.
To undertake the delivery and collections of wheelchairs supplied to clients for home use.
To be the designated staff to undertake the planned preventative maintenance program and for first line repair service for the wheelchairs supplied to clients for home use.
To facilitate the best use of stock through performing effective quality control using the database BEST and other equipment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
To be fully conversant with the wheelchair support services operational policy and service specification relating to the wheelchair service.
To be fully conversant with the design, assembly, and special features operation and practical use of the range of equipment available to the service.
To be familiar with all operational policies and guidelines relating to the repair and maintenance of equipment.
To be familiar and demonstrate competence in the range of wheelchair maintenance techniques recommended by the manufacturers.
To act as a source of advice and information on the wheelchair supply, repair and maintenance.
To undertake assigned duties in the planned preventative maintenance program.
To be aware of the statutory regulations which apply to equipment safety inspections and planned preventative maintenance.
To undertake regular operational and portable appliance testing of equipment.
To identify equipment faults and undertake first line maintenance where possible.
To provide an appropriate and efficient first line maintenance and response to equipment repair requests received by the department.
To initiate appropriate contingency arrangements when an item of equipment has to be removed or isolated pending inspection or repair.
To undertake acceptance checks on new equipment and accessories.
To provide an efficient and appropriate response to action from receipt of MHRA safety notices.
To provide detailed, accurate, informed and legible repair and maintenance reports.
To undertake correct selection and preparation of equipment/components prior to supply.
To undertake a sensitive and responsive delivery and collection service of equipment.
To undertake strict equipment handover procedures with clients/carers, including the adjustment and/or installation of items, in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
To train end users (clients, carers, clinicians) in the routine maintenance of loaned equipment.
To provide routine refurbishment of equipment.
To undertake equipment decommissioning and disposal in accordance with department procedures.
To demonstrate an understanding of risk management and apply this to the work situation.
To respond to emergency requests in a flexible and positive manner.
To liaise effectively with clients, carers, colleagues, clinicians and contractors.
To demonstrate competence in the use and security of assigned vehicle(s), tools, equipment and documentation.
To cover the prioritised duties of wheelchair support service operational staff in their absence, at the request of the rehabilitation technician.
To undertake all operational and administrative processes in accordance with the wheelchair service standards.
To be conversant with the use of the database BEST.
To advise the rehabilitation technician of any circumstances which gives cause for concern in relation to client health and safety. Prompt recording and reporting of incidents/accidents and near misses.
To receive training and demonstrate competence in assigned duties.
To identify training needs of self and participate in the departments ongoing training programmes.
To participate in the staff appraisal scheme and personal development plans.
To be familiar with and comply with, the organisational policies and procedures.
To prioritise own work area in accordance with the rehabilitation technician.
To provide a technical and operational perspective and support to the wheelchair support service for the provision of wheelchair services including planning and development and effectiveness.
To maintain an effective level of communication and interpersonal relationships within the organisation.
To maintain personal users and service users health and safety.
To respond positively to changes in shifts to ensure the service meets its targets.
To undertake on call shifts when required to cover other staff.
To undertake warehouse and cleaning duties when required.
To undertake duties including inputting/completing data onto the database BEST.
Please see full Job Description and Person Specification attached.
Person Specification
Sponsorship Essential
Please confirm your Right to Work status (share-codes will be checked where applicable).
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Full driving licence. Knowledge of health and safety and COSHH. Able to prioritise a demanding workload The ability to travel independently across the Trust The ability to work flexibly in accordance with service needs
Desirable
Geographical knowledge of Warrington. Assembly / installation skills for equipment and components. Ability to manage own caseload when undertaking on call duties.
Job Specific Requirements Essential
The ability to travel independently across the Trust The ability to work flexibly in accordance with service needs.
Experience Essential
Experience of dealing with elderly / disabled people. Basic testing and maintenance experience. Experience of delivering equipment. Experience of repairing equipment. Experience of using powered tools. Effective organisational and interpersonal skills. The ability to work as an effective team member. Problem solving skills. Knowledge of risk assessment and management.
Desirable
Electrical / mechanical experience.
Qualifications Essential
Relevant NVQ / City and Guilds qualification or relevant experience
Desirable
PAT-testing qualification / certification
Relationships Essential
If you are related to a director or have a relationship with a director or employee of an appointing organisation, please state the relationship.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (BCH)
Address Europa Point
Europa Boulevard
Warrington
Cheshire
WA5 7TY
Employer's website https://northcheshireandmersey.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)