Job summary
Applications are invited for an enthusiastic Orthoptist to join our dynamic team of 7 Orthoptists, 11 ophthalmic technicians and an Optometrist. The Orthoptic department works closely with the Eye Department which currently has 10 Consultants including specialist in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Motility.

The role includes undertaking Orthoptic adult, and paediatric clinics, Specialist Paediatric and Ocular Motility Clinics as well as working single handed in Community Clinics and School Vision screening The successful candidate should therefore have experience at least at Band 5. The department runs specialist Stroke, Low vision and Visual Processing clinics so experience in these areas would be a benefit but are not essential. Our Orthoptists also undertake extended roles as Glaucoma Practitioners and First Assistant in Theatre. There are plans to develop further extended roles within the team, so if this appeals to you then we would love to hear from you.

The department is an approved clinical placement centre so you will take part clinical supervision and teaching of undergraduate Orthoptic students and other medical professionals.

A Diploma or Degree in Orthoptics and state registration with the HCPC is essential. For all informal enquires please contact Pam Grewal, Optical Services Manager.

Main duties of the job
Your main duties will be to provide as an autonomous practitioner, individually and as part of a team, high quality specialist orthoptic investigation, assessment and treatment for patients referred to the orthoptic department from various hospital departments including Ophthalmology, Paediatric, Emergency Department, Maxillo-facial, Neurology, and Stroke, and from other health professionals such as GP's, school health advisors (SHA) and Health Visitors.

You will also be required to participate in the training of other health professionals, including junior doctors, pre-registration Optometrists and Orthoptists

About us
At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service that aligns with our vision of "excellent health care, improved health for all". We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace.

As part of the NHS People Promise, your wellbeing is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring our employees achieve a healthy work-life balance supported by our flexible working options and by making reasonable adjustments where possible. We believe no-one should have to sacrifice family, friends, or their personal interests for work. We are a modern employer able to attract and retain high quality staff through our commitment to the NHS People Promise.

As an employer, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. We want to ensure that our workforce is representative of the population we serve. More information - inclusive practice people promise.

Dudley Group offer many opportunities for our staff to develop and grow within their roles through our Learning & OD Team. These include topics such as communication, wellbeing, team development, cultural competency, and values.

Please click below to view our EDI page: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion - The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (dgft.nhs.uk)

Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.

Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential

• Degree in Orthoptics (BSC Hons/Med Sci) or equivalent
• HCPC registration

Desirable

• BIOS Clinical Tutor course completion or similar
• BIOS Clinical Tutor course completion or similar

Knowledge and Training
Essential

• Evidence of specialist knowledge of the pathology, management, and treatment of a wide range of Orthoptic conditions to include Stroke, Ocular Motility and Neuro Ophthalmology

Desirable

• Evidence of training in Low Vision Assessment clinics and/or Visual Processing clinics
• Band 5/6 Preceptorship programme completed
• Completed clinical competency in an Orthoptic extended role or willing to undertake additional training/study to fulfil an extended role as required by the Department e.g. Glaucoma, IVT injector

Experience
Essential

• Post graduate experience as an Orthoptist which includes all aspects of clinical orthoptics, including children with learning disabilities, ocular motility, neuro-ophthalmology, maxillo-facial, endocrinology
• Experience of working single handed as an autonomous practitioner, making own clinical decisions, diagnostic and therapeutic

Desirable

• Experience of carrying out School Vision screening and involvement in an Orthoptic led Vision Screening programme
• Experience of undertaking visual fields and other diagnostic tests
• Experience of formal and informal teaching, coaching and supervision of a variety of health professionals and students

Communication & Relationship Skills
Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate effectively and with sensitivity with patients and carers including those with learning and communication difficulties
• Counselling skills to deal with complex, sensitive, contentious, unpleasant, or distressing issues
• Ability to remain focused despite interruptions from other staff, patients, and phone calls, and maintain concentration for prolonged periods of time during assessments.
• Able to confidently communicate with and develop good working relationships with staff at all levels in the organisation

Analytical & Judgement Skills
Essential

• Evidence of continued CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to include evidence of completing audit and presentations and an interest in research
• Committed to delivering high quality service and developing clinical practice based on reflection and evidence-based practice
• Computer literate to enable inputting of data, analyse and present information (including familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Planning & Organisational Skills
Essential

• Demonstrate clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients, both paediatric and adult, and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and time available.
• Professional, punctual, reliable, flexible, and self-motivated in approach to duties
• Willing to work hours required to carry out job satisfactorily and support the team

Physical Skills
Essential

• Ability to work in sometimes restrictive positions, reduced lighting and move light equipment in order to complete an investigation
• Able to commute to meet the needs of the service

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Values
Essential

• Able to provide safe, caring, and effective services
• Values and behaviours that reflect the Trust values of Care, Respect and Responsibility
• Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and where people feel they belong, and their contribution is valued

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