Technical Instructor - Wheelchair

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced individual to join the Tayside Outreach Project at Ninewells Hospital supporting the provision of specialist wheelchairs, powered mobility devices and training patients and carers in their use.

The position is for a Technical Instructor who will work as part of a small team of therapists undertaking the assessment and provision of equipment including wheelchairs, mobility scooters and power assistance devices throughout the whole of Tayside.  The Technical Instructor contributes to patient care by providing powered wheelchair training, environmental assessments and observational seating assessments.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate training or experience in occupational or physical therapy related to providing therapeutic activities and interventions in a health or social care environment.  They will have experience of independently assessing the needs of individuals including carrying out risk assessments and environmental assessment.  Practical knowledge of contemporary wheelchair and powered mobility equipment would be an advantage.  An understanding of health and safety and working within quality management systems will be necessary for the role.

Competency will be demonstrated at interview through evidence of training, practical workplace experience and formal qualification in a relevant subject. 

The Training Instructor will be required to travel throughout the Tayside region to carry out domiciliary visits in patients homes.  They may be required to assist with patient handling using mechanical aids and lifting techniques.

The Tayside Outreach Project helps people who do not meet the criteria for NHS provision of powered wheelchairs, to obtain the appropriate powered wheelchair, mobility scooter or power assistance device for outdoor use.  The Project team provide advice to patients and other charitable organisations to help ensure that they are able to obtain the appropriate wheelchair to meet their needs.  The Outreach Project is based in the Tayside Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Technology (TORT) Centre and works alongside the Tayside Assistive Technology Service.  TORT through its constituent specialisations is committed to providing a prompt and clinically appropriate service to enhance the quality of life and independence of people with disabilities through the use of technology. 

There is an opportunity for the successful applicant to combine this post with the same role in the Assistive Technology Service which is offering a permanent part-time position providing additional working hours.

Internal - Written approval must be sought from your line manager prior to applying for this secondment.  You will be required to bring this if shortlisted for interview. 

   Informal enquiries to: Nicola McBean Outreach Senior therapist: or Adrian Goodwin TORT Operational Manager:

Hours of work are:  14 hours 48 mins per week

NHS Scotland is reducing their full time working week from 37.5 to 37 hours per week from 1 April 2024 but with no change in pay.  This reduction will also be applied pro rata for part time staff.  This advert and any subsequent offer/contract of employment therefore reflects the new working hours.  However, as not all service areas will be able to adopt the 37 hour working week immediately from 1 April 2024, you may be required to work up to an additional 30 minutes per week for a temporary period for which you would be paid until the service you are working in changes rosters or working patterns to accommodate the new reduced working week.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Recruiting Board.

Short-listed applicants will be contacted by email.   Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam folder.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

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Some of our vacancies are for internal candidates only. If you are a member of staff, please ensure you update your Jobtrain profile to reflect that you are employed by NHS Tayside