Are you passionate about promoting safe and efficient moving and handling practices? Do you have a background in healthcare or social care? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join Wakefield Council as a Moving and Handling Advisor within our Optimised Handling Team. About the Role: As a Moving and Handling Advisor, you will play a crucial role in providing specialist moving and handling services to care providers of adults in both the Council and Independent Sector Services. Your responsibilities will include undertaking complex risk assessments, providing advice, education, and training on all aspects of moving and handling activities. You'll collaborate with a range of professionals and service users, promoting evidence-based practice and musculoskeletal health. Key Responsibilities: Collaborate with professionals including Care Co-ordinators, Social Workers, and Occupational Therapists, building strong relationships with service users and their families. Champion safe and innovative working practices, adhering to legislation and promoting evidence-based moving and handling techniques. Provide advice, information, instruction, and training in moving and handling activities, including ergonomic interventions and system design. Contribute to the development and delivery of formal moving and handling training, encompassing practical and theoretical elements. Identify and manage risks associated with moving and handling, utilizing an ergonomic approach to design safer work systems. Support care providers in enhancing their moving and handling skills, using a person-centred and strengths-based approach. Carry out assessments at various locations, potentially during early mornings or evenings, to ensure timely interventions. Contribute to the development and review of service user care plans, liaising with other professionals for holistic support. Maintain accurate documentation in adherence to Council policies, ensuring data protection and confidentiality. Essential requirements: Relevant Moving and Handling qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3 or equivalent), or equivalent knowledge and experience. Background in healthcare or social care (e.g., Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Care work). Willingness to work towards certifications such as Key Person Programme, Train the Trainer, and Ergonomics Course. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to analyse and reflect on own practice, identify learning needs, and commit to personal development. High level of IT skills including Microsoft Office programs. A full driving licence and access to a car with business insurance are essential, as you’ll travel across the Wakefield District. Working Conditions: Diverse work environments including homes, residential facilities, and day centers. Flexibility to work early mornings or evenings for assessments. Regular interaction with service users, families, and carers. Opportunities for professional development and training. What can I expect? A competitive salary Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave Hybrid working (subject to role suitability) Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level. We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership. Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard). Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension. Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more Want to know more? If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact. Name: Lynne McCool Tel: 01924 307848 E-mail: lmccool@wakefield.gov.uk Join us and make a real impact in the community. Apply today to become a valued member of our team!