Access to Communication and Technology (ACT) Service is a specialist electronic assistive technology service based at the West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6JA.
ACT provides Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Environmental Controls (EC) and computer access to children and adults requiring assistive technology, supported by clinicians, technicians, stock and admin staff.
Main duties of the job
In the ACT Technical Service, the Technical and Stock Assistant works under the direction of the Senior Technician to support delivery of electronic assistive technology solutions. The role covers both technical maintenance and stock support for the department.
Key responsibilities include:
* Performing annual maintenance of electronic assistive technology in domiciliary settings, including statutory electrical safety testing.
* Providing device/stock management functions: delivering and collecting equipment, reimaging devices, decontamination and ensuring inventory is maintained.
Job responsibilities
1. Ensure equipment supplied by ACT is safe to use and in good repair by performing annual maintenance checks, visual examination, functional inspection and electrical safety tests.
2. Conduct unaccompanied visits to clients to inspect existing equipment in schools, hospitals, nursing/care homes or client homes, sometimes shadowed by trainees.
3. Identify and resolve basic faults on complex equipment.
4. Use electrical safety testing equipment and hand tools requiring fine precision, such as screwdrivers and tweezers.
5. Maintain own stock levels (chargers, batteries, etc.) and carry necessary items when visiting client homes.
6. Support collection and delivery of equipment, meeting with carers and families with sensitivity, traveling within the West Midlands using own vehicle.
7. Support regular software updates for ACT equipment.
8. Complete decontamination of returned stock per Trust policy and ACT procedure, identifying repairs and raising requests.
9. Reimage returned equipment and return to stock.
10. Manage basic pool car maintenance and reporting vehicle conditions to admin.
Professional responsibilities include:
1. Work under the direction of a senior technician and coordinate with administrative staff to plan and reschedule visits.
2. Record detailed entries in the equipment management system (BEST) and electronic patient record (RiO) in line with trust guidelines and UK data protection.
3. Use proper equipment documentation and training information for clients, carers and professionals.
4. Complete other administrative tasks within the workshop, including record keeping in ACT Information systems.
5. Communicate with other professionals within ACT, relaying appropriate information.
Other duties commensurate with the grade are undertaken as agreed with the line manager.
Minimise the Trust’s environmental impact by recycling, switching off equipment, reducing paper waste and minimizing travel.
Qualifications
* Good standard of education to GCSE level, including Maths and English.
* A‑level or NVQ level 3 / ONC in a relevant subject or equivalent.
* Portal Appliance Testing Qualification.
Experience
* Relevant experience in a professional/technical environment such as healthcare or maintenance.
* Awareness of challenges presented by disability.
Skills
* Practical and imaginative problem‑solving skills.
* Good computer skills and confidence using electronic systems.
* Good written and verbal communication skills with a wide range of people, with an empathetic approach to patient care.
* Good organisational skills.
* Understanding of modern materials and processes.
* Ability to use basic engineering hand tools and equipment.
* Ability to use Microsoft Office.
* Fit for a job requiring significant manual handling, lifting and adjusting equipment.
Other
* Able to be independently mobile across Trust sites and the West Midlands; holds a current UK car or larger vehicle driving licence.
* Has access to own car for work purposes.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to identify any previous criminal convictions.
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