County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Clinical Equipment Advisor Occupational Therapist
Closing date: 09 June 2026.
This is an exciting new position within the Clinical Equipment advice team (based at Medequip). The role supports the clinical management of the Community Equipment Service, providing local expertise to equipment prescribers across multiple professions to deliver an effective service. The post holder will also contribute to development work relating to the wider Community Equipment Service as determined by CDDFT Community Services and the Community Equipment Service Partnership Board.
Main duties of the job
The service provides community equipment to adults in community settings and children in both home and educational settings across County Durham and Darlington.
The role supports the clinical advice team in reviewing/authorising equipment orders, re‑issuance of special equipment, and facilitation of the community equipment training programme.
Provides high‑level support and advice regarding equipment provision from a therapeutic/nursing perspective, including in‑person assessments when required.
Supports service developments within the community equipment service and undertakes evidence‑based audit to enhance clinical practice within the specialism.
Makes recommendations to the Clinical Lead that may lead to implementation of specific changes to practice or contribute to service protocols.
The post holder is an autonomous practitioner, personally, professionally and legally accountable for the services provided. The development and maintenance of close working relationships with the community equipment provider (currently Medequip) and multi‑agency prescribers is central to the post.
About us
We provide hospital services from two acute sites—Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham—plus a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland. Community hospitals serve Chester‑LeStreet, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale, as well as over 80 other community settings and home care.
We welcome applications from disabled and BAME candidates, recognising under‑representation.
Job responsibilities
* Review and authorise equipment requests from multiple professions and organisations, deputising for the Clinical Lead in their absence.
* Support management of resources and service development and audit.
* Provide expert clinical support to the multidisciplinary team regarding community equipment.
* Support governance and incident management in relation to community equipment.
* Work closely with the community equipment provider (Medequip) to ensure high service quality.
* Support delivery and content of community equipment training.
* Develop high‑quality relationships with equipment prescribers from NHS, ICB, local authorities, and education.
* Maintain a high level of product knowledge.
Person Specification
Statutory Registration
* HCPC registered Occupational Therapist.
* Member of appropriate professional bodies.
Qualifications
* BSc Occupational Therapy.
* Evidence of CPD, including attendance at recent post‑graduate courses relevant to the specialism.
* Understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s culture, strategic direction and NHS standing.
* Involvement in specific interest groups.
Experience
* Comprehensive, relevant qualified experience in physical rehabilitation, including recent general rehabilitation experience.
* Experience of collaborative working within multidisciplinary teams.
* Evidence of communication skills across a wide variety of settings.
* Experience in staff appraisal.
* Experience in a variety of settings.
* Experience of crisis management.
* Experience delivering training/public speaking.
Special Skills & Knowledge
* In‑depth, up‑to‑date knowledge of assessment and treatment of a wide range of physical disabilities.
* Understanding and management of mental health and psychosocial issues relating to rehabilitation.
* Knowledge of community equipment service.
* Remain updated with professional practice and new research.
* Understanding of clinical governance and its implications for services.
* Ability to work within Trust policies on data protection, equal opportunities and health and safety.
* Ability to perform moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day.
* Ability to cope with a stressful environment and deal with emotional or aggressive patients and carers.
* Ability to work independently, organise, prioritise and delegate workload.
* Understanding of legal responsibilities of the profession.
* Evidence of self‑directed learning and critical appraisal skills.
* Ability to meet physical demands of the post.
* Commitment, motivation and flexibility within a multidisciplinary service.
Special Requirements
* Ability to travel and carry small items of equipment daily.
* Driving post requires a valid Full UK driving licence.
* Ability to meet physical demands of the post.
* Commitment, motivation and flexibility within a multidisciplinary service.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
The post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
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