Neurotechnology Lead

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Undertake highly specialist assessments for children and young people with acquired brain injuries and neurodisability, integrating the assessment of upper limb and lower limb neurotechnology and robotics in practice.
• Co-develop goal setting and treatment plans with allocated clinicians across the MDT to support technology use as an adjunct to rehabilitation treatment.
• Evaluate the suitability of children and young people for a range of emerging and established neurotechnology and specialist interventions available at TCT, including (but not limited to):

- Robotic aided gait training (RAGT) (end effector and exoskeleton devices)

- Robotic upper limb rehabilitation

- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

- Virtual Reality

- Wearable technologies

- Dynamic Exo skeleton devices

• Establish clear clinical criteria and referral pathways for all children who may benefit from neurotechnology interventions.
• Apply goal setting and outcome measurements for interventions, ensuring robust monitoring of effectiveness, participation and goal achievement.
• Lead the collection and interpretation of outcome data relating to neurotechnology interventions, sharing with the clinical specialist therapists and Head of Therapies and using findings to inform individual treatment plans, service development and investment priorities.
• Provide specialist consultation, training and support to therapy colleagues, the MDT and families, regarding the safe and effective use of neurotechnology within rehabilitation.
• Support the delivery of 24hr rehabilitation, through the provision of advice/ information, education and modelling, tailoring the provision of information to the needs of the child, their family and the staff concerned.
• Contribute to new referral discussions and assessments and work collaboratively with external professionals to facilitate effective admission and discharge processes.
• Work flexibility, providing clinical cover across the service during episodes of staff shortage/heavy workload.
• Represent the Therapy Team and The Childrens Trust as required, deputising for the clinical leads and supporting relevant meetings.
• To undertake other or additional duties that are within your skills and abilities, as the organisation may reasonably require from time to time.

Neurotechnology Leadership Responsibilities

Service Development

• Lead the development and strategic direction of The Children's Trust Neurotechnology Programme.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, quality improvement and service expansion.
• Develop business cases and proposals for new equipment and technology investments.
• Develop policies, procedures and operational guidance relating to the safe and effective use of neurotechnology.
• Represent TCT externally at conferences, events and professional forums, promoting and disseminating the organisations neurotechnology work.
• Liaise with external neurotechnology developers and providers, exhibitions and coordinating demonstrations and future pilots.
• Lead the collection, analysis and reporting of relevant outcome data to evaluate programme effectiveness, demonstrate impact and inform future service development.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with the Fundraising Team to identify opportunities for philanthropic support, contribute to funding proposals and provide expert advice regarding neurotechnology priorities and projects.
• Provide expert leadership and recommendations regarding neurotechnology budget priorities, investment decisions and expenditure, ensuring resources are aligned with organisational strategic objectives.
• Lead the knowledge translation of emerging research into clinical practice by implementing evidence-based neurotechnology interventions.

Communication

• Communicate effectively and reduce barriers to communication with children and young people (applying the principles of consistent communication), families and members of the Multidisciplinary Team.
• Maintain clear, accurate and confidential records in accordance with The Childrens Trust policy and contribute to timely child-related reports in line with legal, professional and organisational requirements.
• Attend and contribute to regular meetings with the Multidisciplinary Team, to discuss individual children/young people and service in general, as required e.g., reviews, case conferences, parents evenings, clinics.
• Manage informal complaints, in line with The Childrens Trust polices and contribute to the resolution of written complaints, and as they occur taking immediate action where necessary.
• Produce specialised reports regarding neurotechnology assessment and recommendations.

Governance and Quality Improvement

• Act as the lead for neurotechnology governance, ensuring the safe, effective and evidence-based implementation and use of neurotechnology.
• Read, implement and maintain compliance with relevant organisational policies, procedures, governance frameworks and risk assessments, ensuring practice remains aligned with current standards and legislation.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, clinical standards, competency frameworks and outcome measurement processes to support the safe, effective and evidence-based use of neurotechnology rehabilitation.
• Lead and participate in clinical audit, service evaluation and quality improvement activities, using audit findings, outcome data and current evidence to identify opportunities for service development and innovation.
• Monitor equipment utilisation, clinical outcomes and service effectiveness, using data to inform future service planning and investment.
• Ensure neurotechnology and associated specialist devices are used, maintained and monitored in accordance with MHRA guidance, organisational policy and manufacturer recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with equipment monitoring, safety, service manufacturing or required repairs.
• Identify and address risks that may affect service quality, patient safety, or efficiency, escalating concerns and implementing corrective actions as appropriate.
• Maintain competency in risk assessment processes, ensuring risk assessments for neurotechnology and specialist equipment are completed and accurately documented.
• Critically reflect on own practice and support reflective practice within the wider team to enhance service quality and professional development.
• Actively contribute to local clinical governance, innovation and safety initiatives, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Career Long Learning, Education and Research

• Undertake all mandatory training in line with The Children's Trust policies and maintain professional registration and competency requirements.
• Provide support to colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation and evidence-based practice.
• Advance personal knowledge, skills and expertise through continuing professional development activities, including courses, conferences, literature reviews, special interest groups, research activity and networking with external organisations and technology providers.
• Prepare appropriately for Performance Development Reviews, identifying learning objectives and development opportunities that support both individual career progression and service needs.
• Offer neurotechnology education lead, designing and delivering training, to support the safe and effective integration of neurotechnology across the organisation.
• Contribute to staff recruitment, induction, competency assessment and career development, as appropriate.

Limits of Authority and Problem Solving

Make day-to-day decisions regarding requirements for children and young people, based on case load, including recommendations for specialist equipment.

Responsible for day-to-day time management and prioritisation of workload, taking into account the needs of the whole service.

Monthly formal supervision

Supporting the Therapy team and house based multi-disciplinary team in delivery of an effective service.

Any other duties as required.

Professionalism

• Takes action and raises concerns.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of The Childrens Trust.
• Maintain professional boundaries and professionalism at all times.
• Committed to demonstrating the organisations values and behaviours at all times.

Health and Safety

• Adheres to all Health and Safety guidelines, principles, and regulations to perform your role and comply with The Childrens Trust policies and procedures.
• Provide evidence of all vaccinations (or medical exemption) required for the post.
• Adhere to manual handling procedures and complete mandatory manual handling training.
• Promotes the health and safety of others.
• Uses the incident reporting and risk assessment system (Vantage), to identify and report risks and incidents/actions if directed.
• Responsible for identifying and mitigating risk within the work environment.

Wellbeing and Emotional Resilience

• Maintains a positive approach and outlook when dealing with change and overcoming challenges and problems.
• Recognises own limitations, develops realistic goals, and uses support network resource when or if necessary.
• Treats challenges and problems as a learning experience.
• Remains organised and focused when under pressure.
• Responds appropriately and effectively to all constructive feedback.
• Motivates self and other.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of five years clinical experience post qualification
• Minimum of three years clinical experience working in Paediatrics, Neurology and/ or Neurosurgery
• Working within a multidisciplinary team
• Working with children and families
• Experience of using neurotechnology within a rehabilitation setting
• Experience of undertaking quality improvement.
• Experience of supporting staff through service delivery improvements/change

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Professional integrity, particularly in clinical governance
• Ability to work flexibly, to meet the needs of the service,
• Effective MDT working and relationship management of internal and external key stakeholders
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage service development projects.
• Ability to engage stakeholders and drive change.
• Ability to analyse and interpret outcome data.

Desirable

• Experience writing business cases/funding proposals.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree/Diploma in Physiotherapy OR Occupational Therapy
• HCPC Registration
• Continuous Professional Development, above the regulatory body standards
• Demonstrable CPD in neurotechnology, robotics, innovation or rehabilitation technology

Desirable

• Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy / / British Association of Occupational Therapists
• Postgraduate Diploma or Masters
• Training in technology-assisted neurorehabilitation.

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of evidenced based practice and current research in acute brain injury in paediatrics
• Knowledge of relevant outcome measures relating to acute brain injury and/ or paediatric neurology
• Understanding of current evidence supporting rehabilitation and neurotechnology
• Knowledge of outcome measurement and data analysis.
• Awareness of clinical governance and risk management principles relating to rehabilitation and neurotechnology.
• Competent skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of robotics-assisted gait training.

Desirable

• Knowledge of upper limb robotic rehabilitation systems.
• Podium and/or poster presentations at conferences

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

The Children's Trust

Address

The Childrens Trust

Tadworth Court

Tadworth

Surrey

KT20 5RU

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/jobs