Associate Practitioner

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; West of England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is seeking Associate Practitioners to support orthotics and prosthetics care. The role involves assisting in patient assessment, taking measurements and casts, and helping fit devices under supervision.

You will learn through on-site and remote supervision with NHS partnerships, contributing to patient education and follow-up care. Training and supervision are provided as part of a national programme, with opportunities to advance within a large

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Precise measurement and fabrication skills to ensure devices fit.
• Knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics is desirable; in-house training provided.

Responsibilities

• Assist in patient assessment and data collection.
• Support clinicians by gathering medical history and clinical information.
• Carry out measurements, casting, and scanning under supervision.
• Support device fitting and adjustments to optimise comfort and function.
• Provide clear patient education and coordinate follow-up and care.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Measurement and fabrication

Anatomy/biomechanics knowledge

Hand tools proficiency

Healthcare experience

Education

Level 2 Maths and English

Level 3 qualification (related area)

Care Certificate

Tools

Various hand tools

Job description

This role is an exciting opportunity to be part of the future of Orthotic & Prosthetic care in the UK with Opcare, where we are recruiting, training and empowering Associate Practitioners to enhance lives through enabling mobility.You will be encouraged to use your initiative within your scope of practice and supported in your continuous learning and development related to the role.Supervision will be provided by professionals on site with you and remotely with access to National Supervisors and Leaders in their field., Assist in Patient Assessment and Data Collection Support qualified clinicians by gathering relevant medical history, physical observations, and clinical information needed for treatment planning. Carry Out Accurate Measurements, Casting, and Scanning Use approved tools and methods to obtain precise measurements, casts, or scans and perform basic workshop tasks to adjust or repair devices under supervision. Support Device Fitting and Adjustments Assist with fitting orthotic and prosthetic devices, helping make minor adjustments to optimise comfort, function, and overall device effectiveness. Provide Clear Patient Education and Support Deliver easytounderstand guidance on device use, maintenance, wearing schedules, and limitations while offering emotional support to patients and families. Maintain Accurate Clinical Documentation and Coordinate Patient FollowUp Record all patient interactions and device details thoroughly and help manage reviews, enquiries, repeat orders, and ongoing care coordination.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with patients, their families, and healthcare professionals effectively.
• Precise measurement and fabrication skills to ensure devices fit correctly and provide the necessary support., Healthcare experience.
• Knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics is desirable; however, associate practitioners will complete in-house training programs to suit the services where they work.
• Proficiency in using various hand tools and equipment for fabrication, repairs and adjustment is desirable., Hold a Level 2 Qualification in both Maths and English (or equivalent)., Hold a Level 3 Qualification (or equivalent) preferably in a related area
• Hold the Care Certificate
• Full UK driving license
• Relevant work experienceOpcare have worked in partnership with the NHS in North Bristol since 1992. We are based in the Bristol Centre for Enablement in Patchway. As a large prosthetic and orthotic centre, we employ clinicians, prosthetic technicians and administrative staff to deliver the best service for the NHS.