Job overview
This is a fixed term post for 12 months due to maternity.
The Rehabilitation Engineering Unit (REU), located in the purpose-built Specialist Rehabilitation Centre at Morriston Hospital, provides services in special seating /postural management (wheelchairs), pressure ulcer prevention and intervention (PUPIS) and functional electrical stimulation (FES).
The REU team consists of Rehabilitation Engineers, Technicians, Clinical Scientists, Therapists, Nurses, Trainees and Administrators who support the provision of assistive technology services to patients in the South West Wales region. The multi-disciplinary team assess, design and manufacture medical devices (approximately 600 per year), providing engineering solutions to improve the function, mobility and quality of life of people with complex disabilities. We work collaboratively with end-users, families and healthcare professionals.
REU has an externally certified Quality Management System (QMS) and is a section within the Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering.
The Unit continues to build on its award-winning reputation, delivering high quality patient care. This is complemented by first class training, research and innovation activities linked with Universities in Wales and collaborations with other Rehabilitation Engineering services.
Main duties of the job
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the in the role of Rehabilitation Engineering Practitioner. Applicants working towards their registration with the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) will be considered on an individual basis depending on their experience and proximity to registration.
This position offers the chance to work closely with patients of the special seating service to improve their quality of life through the design, manufacture and use of assistive technology.
This is a rewarding role and would suit an individual who is enthusiastic, organised, keen to develop themselves and wants to help those with complex, long-term disability. They must be effective communicators and have experience working with patients with neuromuscular conditions, as well as an interest in biomechanical function.
Working for our organisation
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.
You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.
There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.
Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for a detailed outline of the job requirements. This is available for you bilingually, in English and Welsh.
Person specification
Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential criteria
1. Engineering degree Or Level 4 HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering plus Evidence of extensive professional training and competency in manufacturing techniques and/or healthcare science
2. Working knowledge of engineering production methods, component products and assemblies in both manufacture and repair.
3. Knowledge of mechanical engineering workshop procedures.
Desirable criteria
4. A record/portfolio of knowledge and training achieved. e.g. manual techniques, materials, mechanical skills.
5. Registered with the Register for Clinical Technologists (RCT)
6. Working knowledge of Quality Assurance systems
Experience
Essential criteria
7. Competent to work with a range of materials, including metals, thermoplastics, wood and polyurethane and closed-cell foams.
8. Fully competent in a wide range of manufacturing processes, including cutting, bending and vacuum forming.
9. Extensive experience of manufacturing using workshop machinery and equipment, including pillar drills, heat bender and band saw, with a thorough understanding of the Health and Safety policies and procedures.
10. Experience of IT Systems including computer aided design and manufacture.
11. Experience of working in accordance with Health and Safety risk assessments and documents
Aptitude and abilities
Essential criteria
12. Ability to interpret written and diagrammatic information and accurately fabricate the required devices.
13. Highly developed physical skills with a high degree of precision and hand eye co-ordination to fabricate bespoke devices.
14. A highly developed artistic ability to sculpt and shape materials.
15. Good problem-solving skills and ability to cope with complex manufacturing process.
16. Ability to work within time constraints and plan own workload.
17. Able to cope with changes to work schedule organisational skills and abilities to initiate, undertake, and complete programmes of work and work to deadlines.
Desirable criteria
18. Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Welsh
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Welsh language skills are desirable