Orthotic Technician

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Evaluate interpret and analyse orders /requirements , specification sheets and prescriptions from customers to manufacture Orthoses/appliances which meet current MHRSA, European Legislation and Departmental Quality assurance standards.
2. Manufacture complex devices such as KAFOs and CCDs and a complete range of Orthoses using appropriate work procedures for all skeletal areas, including routine & non routine devices. 
3. Plans and prioritise own work load and that of other technicians in the absence of the orthotic production manager, also ensure lead times for production are adhered to.
4. Carry out “on the spot” (done on day-DOD) repairs, adaptations whilst patient waits and ensure delivery of goods to relevant clinical area, as requested by line manager, clinician or administration staff.
5 Prepare and maintain a conducive work environment and confirm the work area is in a fit and ready state for production.
6. Ensure a professional working relationship is provided to Orthotists/Podiatrists, by means of offering advice of specific requirements to meet the needs to produce orthotic devices. Also by attending a number of Orthotic/Podiatry clinics to supervise the Orthotist/Podiatrist and offer this advice of particular devices 
for the patient, including those patients with distressing conditions and special needs.
7. Move and handle devices, casts, components and materials in an appropriate and safe manner which is consistent with current legal and organisational requirements.
8. Ensure equipment and machinery is clean, set correctly and in working order, reporting defects to line manager.
9. Dispose of waste both clinical and industrial, in a suitable container in an environmentally safe manner.
10. Produce positive casts using the appropriate type of material.
11. Identify all relevant anatomical land marks accurately and in detail. Rectify casts which meet the prescription and have the potential to achieve the required function for the user.
12. Confirm the completed cast is free from defects is rectified to provide the correct bio mechanical forces required from the completed device.
13. Act as an intermediary to the clinical staff concerning any queries regarding orders/ specifications / incorrect or of any defects of the negative cast(s) raised by the technical staff and advising the clinical 
staff of any alternative suggestions.
14. Identify and select the components to meet the function of the device
15. Accurately fit components and material to positive cast(s) and or device, confirm their fit, security and compliance with the functional and aesthetic requirement of the prescription and user.
16. Clearly and accurately identify the cast(s) and or a device with the user’s unique reference number, ensuring identification remains consistent during production of device 
17. Evaluate the type of machinery and cutting implements for trimming and finishing the appropriate type of material during construction of the device.
18. Evaluate the finished device for its freedom of defects functional effectiveness, fit to cast / pattern or profile before, correcting any defects before the device is sent for inspection.
19. Apply production techniques and methods that are consistent with the assessed risks and reduce possibility of contamination from hazardous substances.
20. Complete relevant inspection documentation for each order, to meet QA requirements.
21. Minimise any likelihood of damage to surrounding tissue of the user.
22. Asses fastening requirements and evaluate location, once applied confirm strength and integrity of the fastening method selected.
23. Effectively clean and disinfect devices returned from user for repair or adaptation.
24. Produce devices using safe working practice methods, departmental technical data and work instructions as outlined in relevant manuals.
25. Carry out regular stock level checks of all manufacturing products ensuring all stocks levels are correct and order any shortages in the absence of the Production manager check in all order deliveries, authorise payment of invoices.
26. Impart technical knowledge of work processes to subordinates to assist with skill mixing in the department.
27. Comply with all aspects of current relevant Health and safety, manual handling and COSHH legislation.
28. Demonstrate own activities and provide spontaneous advice to fellow technicians and supervise their work where their knowledge is restricted to a particular process or resource.
29. Liaise with Production manager and administration assistant to ensure all devices meet the production lead times and all appointed orders are despatched prior to the appointment to all clinics including RTT appointments.
30. In the absence of the production manager ensure all completed devices are compliant with the specification sheet and meet the required standard set out in the department’s quality assurance 
procedure.