Orthotist

Job overview

We are looking for an Orthotist to join our experienced and exciting team. We specialise in assessing and managing complex MSK foot & ankle conditions, scoliosis and spinal cord injury. Utilising a collaborative approach the Orthotists work with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, especially Orthopaedic surgeons, clinical nurse specialists and physiotherapists.  We are looking for a Band 5 Orthotist with an interest in foot, ankle and lower limb pathologies as we strive to improve this service and manage a diverse patient caseload.

Our Orthotics Department boasts a large staffed on site workshop with manufacturing facilities which provide opportunities to communicate on a one to one basis with our technical staff and develop your manufacture and design skills.

The main Orthotics Department is located on the hospital site at Stanmore. A satellite Orthotics Department also operates at Bolsover Street Central London Assessment Centre which the applicant would have to be willing to attend when required.

Applicants for this post should be:

• Graduates in Prosthetics and Orthotics, University of Salford or University of Strathclyde.
• Hold a Diploma from either the Orthotic and Prosthetic Training and Educational Council or Training Council for Orthotists.
• We will consider applications from final year students.

All applicants are required to be HCPC registered and ideally be members of BAPO.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide a high standard of orthotic care to patients. These patients will have a diverse range of pathologies and complexity.   There will be treatment for both outpatients and inpatients as part of a broad MDT.  They will contribute to the development, improvement and delivery of the service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To perform good quality assessment of patients using advanced communication skills
• To collaboratively identify patient centred goals
• Use measurement and data acquisition techniques in recording all information to ensure accuracy of patient prescriptions.
• Perform positive model rectifications as appropriate
• Perform risk assessments in the selection of components for customised devices to ensure patient safety.
• Evaluate the completed device on the patient to ensure the desired quality of body-device interface, functional alignment, comfort, cosmetic appearance and mechanical integrity and safety
• To be responsible for own caseload working without direct supervision and work as an autonomous professional
• To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient treatment records in line with professional standards of practice and department procedure
• To liaise with other members of the RNOH multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and in other organisations to ensure the best level of care for each individual
• Promote the Orthotist role within the clinical unit by undertaking evidence based audit and research projects to further own and teams clinical practice. To promote the Orthotist role as a career option and support in recruitment of future students
• To make recommendations to the clinical lead/manager for changes to practice that could enhance patient or staff experience
• Contribute to the smooth running of the Orthotics service through regular supervision of students
• To participate in the staff appraisal scheme as the person being appraised and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programmes to meet set knowledge and competencies.
• Under direction, collect data for use in service audit and research projects.
• Under direction, manage and undertake research into specific areas of clinical practice and service delivery using appropriate methodologies
• Maintain, develop and record own CPD activities to ensure you strive to meet professional and service standards of care E.g. Participate in regular supervision, formal training and clinical reasoning sessions, problem case sessions and peer review. Access advice and support from senior colleagues as required
• Contribute to the learning and development of the team through in service training
• Assist more junior staff in the development of their IPR objectives
• Inducts, supervises and educates an allocated member of staff according to their learning needs
• Assists senior staff in presenting educational sessions to the MDT
• Shares good practice with all grades of staff formally & informally
• Discuss the most complex cases and queries with peers and senior staff as appropriate.
• Support the work experience programme providing the opportunity for students to observe, thereby promoting the profession
• To be aware of and comply with all RNOH policies and procedures
• To actively participate in professional and departmental duties