Rehabilitation Engineering Technician

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Independently complete decontamination of wheelchairs mobility equipment to the manufacturers technical instructions utilising the specialist equipment provided, ensuring that equipment is ready for storage in as required by the service level agreement.
• Under supervision, complete specialist refurbishment of wheelchairs and accessories to the manufacturers’ technical instructions using specialist processes and hand and powered tools as applicable.
• Independently record, accurately, the processes and equipment used in the servicing of medical devices using the documentation and processes within the quality management system. 
• Independently complete the assembly of configured equipment ensuring that documentation, testing, pre-delivery inspection, safety and risk management are carried out, where needed, both at the users place of residence and at the base workshop. 
• Independently deliver equipment to the client’s target address, which shall include; client’s home, place of work, school, college, day centre etc.
  
   Independently setup, seat and position client, handover and discuss associated
  documentation with the client in accordance with the manufactures technical
  documentation and service policy. Ensure that the end user/carer fully understands
  how to use/operate the equipment provided and their responsibilities.
   Independently collect equipment from the client’s target address, which shall include;
  client’s home, place of work, school, college, day centre etc.
   Select items from the store to fulfil the requirements for each delivery, including heavy
  items weighing up to 200Kg, utilising where necessary specialised lifting equipment,
  operational and stock management procedures.
   Using vehicles supplied by the Rehabilitation Engineering Division, visit; hospitals,
  special schools, private houses and other establishments to carry out
  delivery/collection, handovers, fitting and adjustment, of wheelchairs and accessories. 
• Where a comprehensive repair cannot successfully be made to the user’s equipment, the post-holder shall carry out a risk management process to determine safety adequacy or provide a temporary loan.
• Work with the Rehabilitation Engineering Manager and the Administrator(s) to plan the most effective visit routes for the mobile work. 
• Sensitively exchange information with the user and other stakeholders, using terminology that ensures understanding by all parties noting that there is a likelihood that English is not the first language. 
• There is a need to have an understanding of cultural differences of differing ethnic groups. There is also a need to have an up-to-date knowledge of relevant current legislation in the field of disability. 
• To understand and empathise with users with particular disabilities that may make communication difficult. 
• To understand and empathise with users of carers where collection of wheeled mobility equipment is being made following bereavement.
• There is also a need to be able to communicate with users who are annoyed/frustrated or distressed about the equipment they have not functioning. 
• Be available on a rotational basis to provide an on call service in response to out-of hours emergency repair requests. If necessary visiting the user at their home to ensure that their equipment is repaired and safe to use. This will include verifying users’
  details from the specialist database and generating the repair servicing documentation appropriate to the work.
• On occasions it may be necessary to access the warehouse
  for additional components, spare parts or loan equipment to affect the repair. As a key holder, the post holder will be responsible for the security of the premises at this time. 
• Ensure, on a daily basis, that supplied vehicles are maintained in a clean, tidy and roadworthy condition and that spare parts carried meet the potential need of the day’s work. 
• Identify and report any environmental problems with regard to provided wheelchairs. 
• Adopt a flexible approach to time management, to ensure that quality of service to the user is maintained and stakeholders in line with the service level agreement.

Education and Training

• Attend, as appropriate, training and seminars in agreement with the line manager. 
• To be responsible, with management support, for your own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.

Governance / Quality Control 

• Ensure all work complies with the divisional quality system procedures and that any changes in practise are notified to the Quality Manager or local Quality Representative.
• Assist in the development of the service for the purposes of improved quality and more effective maintenance/servicing of equipment.

Policy and Process

• In association with local health and safety committee, take such steps as necessary to ensure the implementation of safe working practices, in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Act, especially noting the moving and handling requirements of jobs in the facility. 
• Undertake local risk management as part of lone worker home visits based on both the Trust’s and Health & Safety Executive’s lone worker policy to ensure that information relating to potentially hazardous environments is relayed back to relevant Trust departments. 
• Have extensive knowledge and understanding of patient and equipment manual handling principles in relation to the equipment and environment on which is used and have the ability to implement it where necessary.

General

• The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and wellbeing and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
• To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of King's College Hospital NHS Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
• To live and role model the King’s Values of:
  - Understanding you
  - Inspiring confidence in our care
  - Working together
  - Always aiming higher
  - Making a difference in our community
• To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff.
• To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
• This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
• All employees must hold an 'nhs.net' email account which will be the Trust's formal route for email communication.

Safe Guarding

• The Trust takes the issues of Safeguarding Children, Adults and addressing Domestic Abuse very seriously. All employees have a responsibility to support the organisation in our duties by;
• attending mandatory training on safeguarding children and adults
  familiarising themselves with the Trust's processes for reporting concerns 
• reporting any safeguarding child or adult concerns appropriately
  Infection Control Statement
• The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene procedures and requirements when in clinical areas.
  These requirements are set out in the National Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures which will be made clear during your induction