Job summary
A part-time temporary maternity cover post has become available for a Specialist Orthoptist at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust until March 31st 2027. This is a dynamic department with a strong focus on quality which is constantly striving to improve services for our patients and ensure that their experience is as good as possible. We are looking for a forward thinking and innovative Orthoptist to become part of our team

Main duties of the job
The candidate will hold their own general Orthoptic caseload and will perform both new and follow-up assessments. There may be opportunity to work in multi-disciplinary clinics with both our paediatric Ophthalmologist and Optometrists and secondary screening clinics. The successful candidate may be required to work at any of our Trust sites. The successful candidate will therefore require excellent communication and organisational skills

About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Job responsibilities
The post holder will act as a source of expertise on the diagnosis and management of ocular motility disorder to patients, carers, other health care professionals, G.P.s and Ophthalmology Medical staff. They will be required to accurately diagnose and develop effective treatment plans for patients, ensure timely review. They will appropriately discharge and make onward referral to other services within the Trust for both Ophthalmological and emotional support, involving external agencies such as the DVLA and local government sensory support services where necessary. The post holder will be required to educate and train other Health care professionals, undergraduate Orthoptic students, medical students, Opticians and work experience students. They will be required to participate actively in continuous professional development to benefit both themselves and the Orthoptic services.

Person Specification
Statutory Registration
Essential

• HCPC registration
• Ongoing CPD

Desirable

• BIOS registration

Special Requirements
Essential

• Up to date knowledge of clinical techniques and technology
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the post

Qualifications
Essential

• Diploma/degree in Orthoptics

Desirable

• Clinical teachers qualification

Experience
Essential

• Experience in all aspects of clinical Orthoptics including specialist services ideally e.g. Paediatrics, Neurology, Community services, adjustable suture squint surgery

Desirable

• Experience of Goldmann visual field testing
• Experience of clinical teaching ideally including Orthoptic undergraduates

Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• Good communication with patients and other professionals,
• Good planning and organisational skills
• Ability to organise own workload and clinics
• Manual dexterity in the use of Orthoptic equipment

Desirable

• Experienced with computer software
• Research skills

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.