South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Therapist - Postural Management and Wheelchairs
The closing date is 27 November 2025
We are looking for an Occupational or Physiotherapist with relevant experience to work as part of the Gateshead Wheelchair Services Team. This fixed‑term contract covers maternity leave until 23 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.
In this role you will work with clients of all ages with long‑term mobility problems across a variety of settings, including clinic & community. You will have your own clinical caseload for which you are responsible and will work with clients, their families, other health professionals, our Rehabilitation Engineers & other product specialists.
You will carry out assessment of service users who need manual or powered wheelchairs for long‑term use, including their physical abilities, lifestyle & relevant environmental factors, and any specialist postural & seating needs, and you will select and configure equipment to meet these needs. You will also demonstrate safe & effective wheelchair use, including transfers & propelling techniques, to service users & their support staff.
In addition to clinical work, you will contribute to triaging referrals, planning the rota of work for the team, supporting training delivery & assisting supervision of student placements. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all mandatory training is up to date and for undertaking appropriate CPD in line with the role.
Main duties of the job
* Provide clinical input to wheelchair services, working closely with service users, their families, carers and the multidisciplinary team.
* 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, documentation, caseload management, use of outcome measures, maintaining safe clinic environments, safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults, carrying out physical/postural assessments and manipulating equipment.
This post is subject to enhanced DBS disclosure.
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust – There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award‑winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.
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’s 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.
The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits – Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co‑ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. 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.
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description for full duties of the role.
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 case load 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 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 MDT in respect of communication, administration, quality of service and service development.
Person Specification
Experience
* 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.
* Previous experience of NHS Wheelchair Service or private provider.
* Evidence of managing staff.
Qualifications
* 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, Postural management/management of chronic long term disability.
* 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.
Disposition
* 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.
* Committed to CPD.
* Excellent interpersonal skills.
* Evidence of ability to be innovative and proactive.
* Evidence of working on strategic planning and development.
Skills and Knowledge
* 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.
* Knowledge of skin integrity criteria.Knowledge of the use and maintenance of medical devices relevant to Wheelchair services.
Physical Skills
* 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 licence.
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.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
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