Job summary
We are looking for an Occupational or Physiotherapist with relevant experience to work as part of the Gateshead Wheelchair Services Team. It is a fixed‑term contract to cover maternity leave until 23rd December 2026 and would also be an excellent secondment opportunity for a therapist to build on previous experience working in WCS. It is a full‑time role, 37.5 hours a week, working Monday to Friday.
Main duties of the job
Providing clinical input to wheelchair services, working closely with service users, their families and carers and the multi‑disciplinary teams supporting service users.
Work as an autonomous practitioner, managing a caseload including complex service users.
Demonstrate clinical competence, effectiveness and best practice in all areas of clinical service delivery, including:
* Triage.
* Clinical interventions, including assessment of mobility, posture and pressure care needs, prescription, review, and handover/set up of prescribed equipment, demonstrating evidence of service user involvement and collaboration in care planning.
* Documentation, ensuring compliance with agreed record‑keeping systems and standards.
* Caseload management.
* Use of outcome measures.
* Medical device management.
* Take responsibility for maintaining safe clinic environments.
* Safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom the service comes into contact.
* Carry out physical/postural assessments and interventions which may involve kneeling, squatting, crouching, bending, twisting and maintaining static or awkward postures for short periods of time.
* Lift, carry or adjust wheelchairs and other equipment on a daily basis, potentially several times a day.
This post is subject to enhanced DBS disclosure.
Key responsibilities
* To perform specialist postural management and wheelchair assessments for individuals using a person‑centred approach and ensuring high standards of care are provided.
* To manage and prioritise a caseload of patients with a variety of complex conditions.
* To manage and develop clinical services provided in relation to postural management and wheelchair services under the overall supervision of the Clinical Team Manager.
* To support in the development and delivery of training courses offered to prescribers and other professionals.
* To maintain patient activity and records on the electronic patient database.
* To be a proactive member of the team and wider multidisciplinary team in respect of communication, administration, quality of service and service development.
Person Specification – Experience (Essential)
* Evidence and experience of working with adults and children with physical disability/long‑term conditions within the NHS.
* Demonstrates a clear understanding of clinical governance and audit.
* Experience of assessing for and ordering equipment.
* Triaging referrals and managing waiting lists.
Person Specification – Experience (Desirable)
* Previous experience of NHS Wheelchair Service or private provider.
* Evidence of managing staff.
Person Specification – Qualifications (Essential)
* HCPC Registered Allied Health Professional.
* Degree (UK equivalent) in Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy or equivalent.
* Mentorship certificate/ Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience.
* Postgraduate qualification and/or training in: Postural Management.
* Wheelchair systems.
* Special seating systems.
* Postural management/management of chronic long‑term disability.
Person Specification – Qualifications (Desirable)
* Masters degree or working towards in relevant associated subject.
* Relevant management or leadership qualification or working toward.
* Relevant teaching and assessing qualification or able to demonstrate proven teaching ability at a range of levels.
Person Specification – Disposition (Essential)
* Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the post.
* Conscientious, attentive to detail, patient, reliable and able to work under pressure.
* Good team member, flexible and adaptable approach to work.
* High commitment to delivering excellent patient care.
* Excellent time‑keeping.
* Committed to CPD.
* Excellent interpersonal skills.
Person Specification – Disposition (Desirable)
* Evidence of ability to be innovative and proactive.
* Evidence of working on strategic planning and development.
Person Specification – Skills and Knowledge (Essential)
* Excellent communication skills.
* Excellent organisational skills.
* Knowledge of stock systems and procurement.
* Knowledge of mobility and seating equipment for adults and children.
* Good computer skills including databases and electronic communication and documents.
* Advanced clinical reasoning skills and excellent problem‑solving ability.
* A working knowledge of the regional Framework for Assessment and Provision of Wheelchairs.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation, national, regional or local directives and guidelines which impact on wheelchair users, providers and associated organisations.
* Manual handling skills.
* Knowledge of skin integrity criteria.
Person Specification – Skills and Knowledge (Desirable)
* Knowledge of the use and maintenance of medical devices relevant to wheelchair services.
* Presentation skills.
Person Specification – Physical Skills (Essential)
* Demonstrate a high level of dexterity, manual handling skills and coordination.
* Ability to carry out moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day and to work within an environment with competing demands.
* Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the post.
* Driving license.
Salary and contract
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full‑time
Location
Gateshead Equipment Services, Queens Park, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE110QD
Disclosures
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required.
All persons will undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure.
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. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants require a criminal record certificate for each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Guidance can be found here.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Application details
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
About the Trust
We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups. Looking after our workforce health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
Employer details
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Gateshead Equipment Services, Queens Park, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE110QD
Website: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk
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