Job summary
Rehabilitation engineering is the clinical application of engineering science and principles to develop technological solutions and devices, in the provision of services and research and development to meet the needs of individuals living with complex disabilities.
The Regional Technical Aids Service (RTAS) provides bespoke design, modification, manufacture and consultancy services for mechanical, electrical and electronic, specialist IT and communication assistive technologies to suit the needs of these individuals.
Working in collaboration with therapists and other health, social care and medical professionals across the region, in both clinical and community settings, the service aims to improve the lives of people living with disabilities, enabling them to remain in their own homes and realise their full potential in terms of independence, education, employment and social participation.
RTAS engineers / technologists are engaged in and utilise their skills and experience in the provision of high quality engineering solutions to improve physical, mental and social wellbeing.
- Interview date: 12th January 2024
- 30 hours /week
- You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.
Main duties of the job
- We are currently seeking a suitably qualified, capable and motivated engineer or technologist to join the team to support the delivery of our services which include, initial assessment of referral requirements, problem solving, risk analysis, design, manufacture and documentation.
- The successful applicant will be educated to degree level in an engineering or science-related subject or equivalent (e.g. a HNC or HND qualification with in-depth, relevant experience), with specialist knowledge of engineering design, materials and manufacture.
- Whilst experience in the field is desirable we encourage applications from individuals from all engineering, scientific or clinical disciplines with transferable skills, as provision of training across the service scope is available.
- In addition, if not already registered or eligible for registration, the post holder will be required to complete the IPEM Clinical Technologist Training Scheme, resulting in professional registration as a Clinical Technologist with either the RCT or AHCS, with training available to support achievement.
- This is a demanding but rewarding role, requiring excellent technical awareness, communication, planning, organisational and interpersonal skills. Experience in the application of a range of IT packages (Microsoft Office, Databases, 2D / 3D CAD Modelling) is essential, as is a full valid UK driving licence, as regular region wide travel is a remit of the role.
About us
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest, largest and most successful teaching NHS foundation trusts in the country, we have around 16,000 staff and an annual income of £1 billion.
We have a long history of providing high quality care, clinical excellence, and innovation in medical research regionally, nationally and internationally.
We're also proud to be the second largest provider of specialised services in the country. This means we support people with a range of rare and complex medical, surgical and neurological conditions, cancers and genetic orders.
Our staff oversee around 1.84 million patients 'contacts' each year, delivering high standards of healthcare.
Please see attached information on what Staff Benefits we have to offer at our Trust.
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and recognise the benefit in providing an inclusive environment. We value and respect the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects the communities we serve, and is equipped to deliver the best service to our patients. We welcome all applications irrespective of people's race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Providing the technical aspects of the Regional Technical Aids Service (RTAS) at the Freeman Hospital and across the region.
- Responsible for the prescription, design, manufacture or modification of bespoke equipment and assistive technology / engineering solutions to meet the needs of individual clients, families or carers.
- Project lead independently managing a caseload of referrals, including initial assessment, problem solving, risk analysis, design, manufacture and documentation.
- Ensuring the safe introduction, delivery / handover of manufactured / modified products into clinical, domestic and educational establishments. Providing both verbal and clearly written instructions regarding their safe use.
- Compliance with all relevant legislative and other national and local requirements.
- Assists in maintaining and developing high standards of service provision, in accordance with formal Quality Management Systems where appropriate, throughout their area of responsibility.
- Safe and efficient operation of all engineering / scientific equipment on which you have been trained.
- Contribute to research and development projects.
- Undertake other duties and responsibilities within the scope of RTAS to meet the changing needs and circumstances of the service.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate.The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first months pay.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Providing the technical aspects of the Regional Technical Aids Service (RTAS) at the Freeman Hospital and across the region.
- Responsible for the prescription, design, manufacture or modification of bespoke equipment and assistive technology / engineering solutions to meet the needs of individual clients, families or carers.
- Project lead independently managing a caseload of referrals, including initial assessment, problem solving, risk analysis, design, manufacture and documentation.
- Ensuring the safe introduction, delivery / handover of manufactured / modified products into clinical, domestic and educational establishments. Providing both verbal and clearly written instructions regarding their safe use.
- Compliance with all relevant legislative and other national and local requirements.
- Assists in maintaining and developing high standards of service provision, in accordance with formal Quality Management Systems where appropriate, throughout their area of responsibility.
- Safe and efficient operation of all engineering / scientific equipment on which you have been trained.
- Contribute to research and development projects.
- Undertake other duties and responsibilities within the scope of RTAS to meet the changing needs and circumstances of the service.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate.The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first months pay.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- Completion of a recognised mechanical engineering apprenticeship, training scheme or equivalent.
- Degree or equivalent level experience in relevant subject.
- Post Graduate Diploma or equivalent level experience.
- Full valid driving licence.
Desirable
- Registered as a Clinical Technologist with RCT or AHCS.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Good knowledge of engineering principles, materials and manufacturing techniques.
- Good knowledge of engineering software packages (e.g., 2D / 3D CAD / CAM) and experience of applying them.
- Good knowledge of IT software packages (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience of applying them.
- Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to area of work.
Desirable
- Desire to provide high quality engineering solutions to improve / restore physical, mental and social wellbeing.
- Experience of machine tool operation including CNC programming.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Specialist knowledge and skills in medical or scientific equipment relevant to working area.
- Good communicator - ability to demonstrate equipment in non-technical language.
- Demonstrable ability to problem solves.
- Demonstrable ability to independently manage personal work / caseload.
- Knowledge, skill and experience necessary to respond calmly, competently and professionally in the event of a patient experiencing problems, including CPR
Desirable
- Skilled in welding techniques including TIG.
- Good organisational and communication skills.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- Completion of a recognised mechanical engineering apprenticeship, training scheme or equivalent.
- Degree or equivalent level experience in relevant subject.
- Post Graduate Diploma or equivalent level experience.
- Full valid driving licence.
Desirable
- Registered as a Clinical Technologist with RCT or AHCS.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Good knowledge of engineering principles, materials and manufacturing techniques.
- Good knowledge of engineering software packages (e.g., 2D / 3D CAD / CAM) and experience of applying them.
- Good knowledge of IT software packages (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience of applying them.
- Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to area of work.
Desirable
- Desire to provide high quality engineering solutions to improve / restore physical, mental and social wellbeing.
- Experience of machine tool operation including CNC programming.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Specialist knowledge and skills in medical or scientific equipment relevant to working area.
- Good communicator - ability to demonstrate equipment in non-technical language.
- Demonstrable ability to problem solves.
- Demonstrable ability to independently manage personal work / caseload.
- Knowledge, skill and experience necessary to respond calmly, competently and professionally in the event of a patient experiencing problems, including CPR
Desirable
- Skilled in welding techniques including TIG.
- Good organisational and communication skills.
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
