Senior Prosthetic Techncian

Job Overview

The Prosthetic Technician's role is to manufacture custom made devices that act as the interface between the service user and the assembly of CE marked components that make up the functional prosthetic device. These custom made devices are individually made using a wide variety of materials and manufacturing processes and setup for amputee use.

The post holder will provide ongoing maintenance, fault finding and repair of these highly specialised devices including the latest state of the art prosthetic devices.

The post holder will be a fully trained and competent Prosthetic Technician who will work closely with a clinical team of Prosthetists based at the centre to deliver a service that is tailored to meet the needs of the service users. The technicians ensure that the devices supplied to the user are of the highest quality and meet the relevant quality assurance standards.

The post holder will be responsible for the ongoing mechanical maintenance, repair and replacement of the prosthetic devices. The post holder is required to provide technical advice to patients and their relatives / carers. Is responsible for the safe use and maintenance of workshop equipment which is used jointly by others.

Works autonomously within service protocols and carries out all work unsupervised, requesting information and advice as required.

Main duties of the job

To fabricate, maintain, repair and decommission a comprehensive and specialised range of prosthetic devices to meet the complex needs of service users. These devices are made to fit a wide variety of amputation levels from digits to hip-disarticulations and for all ages from infants to the elderly.

The range of skills required consist of specialised forming of thermoformable plastics employing techniques such as vacuum forming and using many different types of thermoplastics. Forming the materials and being accountable for the safety and strength of the completed assembly supplied to the user.

Complex lamination processes for thermosetting plastic materials utilising a variety of acrylic and polyurethane resins with multilayer manufacturing techniques with strategic use of strengthening materials such as carbon fibre, glass fibre, Kevlar etc. incorporating the forming of two part isocyanate foams and acrylic putties. Deciding on the specification of the lamination and being accountable for the safety and strength of the completed assembly to be supplied to the user.

Specialised metal working techniques such as cold working, shape forming, shrinking and stretching, riveting, boring, soldering, brazing, tapping holes and cutting.

Specialised Leather manufacture, including blocking, cutting, skiving, shaping, sewing and bonding using both adhesive and mechanical methods.

Working for our organisation

If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales . Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and ‘Proud to Lead’ competence framework.

Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the “Disability Confident Employer” scheme.

Please check your email account regularly. Successful applicants will receive all recruitment related correspondence via the email account registered on the application form.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

This post is specific to manufacture of medical devices both upper and lower limb prostheses.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• BTEC/SCOTVEC or City&Guilds to Diploma Level in mechanical engineering or equivalent work experience
• Evidence of further training and experience in manufacturing techniques
  
  

Desirable criteria

• A record/portfolio of knowledge and training achieved
• Eligibility for registration with BAPO (British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists) Voluntary Registration
  
  

Experience

Essential criteria

• Practical knowledge and experience of the manufacture of prostheses for all levels of limb amputation site, including knowledge of materials and production techniques.
• Contemporary analogue and digital electronics with microprocessor knees and myo-electric arms.
• Complex prosthetic test equipment i.e. fault finding/diagnostic techniques for prosthetic limbs.
• Health and Safety at Work -legislation & H&S risk assessments.
  
  

Desirable criteria

• ALAC Quality Management System - iPassport
• CAD-CAM Manufacturing Techniques used in the Prosthetics Service