Sunderland City Council has a thriving Community Therapy Service, encompassing a range of diverse and exciting teams and services across the city. The primary objective of the service is to support residents in the management of their disability or long-term health condition, enabling people to lead fulfilling, safe and independent lives.



Due to developments within the wheelchair service, we have a vacancy for an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to join the service as a Wheelchair Assessor. The wheelchair service has a team of highly skilled assessors and are a friendly and supportive team.



Wheelchair Assessors hold a caseload of adults and children, completing assessments for a range of specialist wheelchairs, seating and posture and accessories. Wheelchair assessors work in clinics and community settings in collaboration with colleagues from health and social care, company representatives andandnbsp;engineers from the Regional Rehabilitation Mobility Engineering Service. Assessments can take place in dedicated wheelchair clinic rooms, customersandrsquo; homes, schools and other community settings.



Wheelchair services have implemented a number of significant improvements to the service which have been coproduced with members of our wheelchair user forum.



Essential requirements are a recognised degree in either Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy and current registration with the Health andamp; Care Professions Council. Post graduate experience working as an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist is desirable, role specific training will be provided.

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Candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to provide safe and effectiveandnbsp;assessments of customers needs, including their posture, leading to the provision of a range of wheelchairs and accessories to meet the identified needs of customers with the aim of enabling and improving quality of life.andnbsp; andnbsp;Candidates must be able to meet the travel requirements of the role.

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Wheelchair Assessors use analytical and problem solving skills to reach conclusions andamp; should have the ability to work collaboratively using effective communication and listening skills, including skills to produce good quality reports using I.T. systems.



Supervision will be provided by the wheelchair service Team Manager and the post holder will work closely with other therapy services and social work colleagues in community and acute settings.



The service strives to maintain high standards of customer care and works with its practitioners to assure continuous professional development, demonstrating best practise and a commitment to the undergraduate education of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy students.



The post is for 22.2 hours workingandnbsp;across Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the therapy service work Monday to Friday, and the council offers flexible working patterns, including a combination of office based and home working.



Council grades differ from the NHS Banding system, Grade 7-8 posts are suitable for candidates who are recent graduates, as well as those with previous experience of working as an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist and a career progression scheme is in place.



Candidates should be registered with the HCPC at the point of application for the role.



Annual Leave entitlement starts at 26 days, rising to 31 days after 5 yearsandrsquo; service, with previous working in council or NHS roles considered for annual leave entitlement, subject to eligibility.



For candidates already employed as an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist, there is the option to maintain their existing NHS pension, with contributions from the council for applicants, provided conditions are met.



This post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to a DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.



For an informal discussion please contact:

Samantha Taylor, Wheelchair Services Team Manager

Samantha.Taylor@sunderland.gov.uk or



Tracey Rumfitt, Strategic Manager - Therapies

Tracey.Rumfitt@sunderland.gov.uk

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Applications should be made on-line at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. For further assistance contact Customer Enabling Services by email: jobs@sunderland.gov.uk

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Please note that CVs are not acceptable.



Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered online with North East Jobs, including your invitation to any online assessment you are required to undertake and your invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other means. Please remember to check your junk mail items.



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Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme