Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Lead Orthoptist at Mid and South Essex NHS Trust. You will be based at Broomfield Hospital but employed MSE wide. The successful candidate will work alongside a dedicated team of Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, Optometrists & Nurses in a busy but supportive department, undertaking clinics in orthoptics in addition to managing a team of 4 Orthoptists and 5 Technicians We require an enthusiastic and motivated Orthoptist to join our team as a permanent member of staff, working 37.5 hours per week over 4 or 5 days. Are you excited by this? This position is an excellent opportunity for a Specialist or Highly Specialist Orthoptist looking to upskill in a forward thinking and progressive department. The candidate must have a current Orthoptic Degree or Diploma Qualification, and be registered with the HCPC. The post will mainly be around the Mid Essex department in Chelmsford where there are eight Consultants, one of which has a specialist interest in paediatrics, strabismus and neuro ophthalmology. If you think you have the skills and enthusiasm for this role, then we want to hear from you. Main duties of the job The job involves Orthoptic assessment and diagnosis of patients covering a wide age range and a variety of clinical conditions. You will need to plan, implement and monitor individual treatment plans from an orthoptic, optical and advise on surgical recommendations, using evidence-based practice and advanced clinical reasoning. In addition to core orthoptic clinics, the department also supports specialist paediatric, refraction, ocular motility and neuro-ophthalmology clinics. The post holder will also be required to undertake administrative duties consistent with the day to day functioning of an orthoptic clinic. You will be expected to deputise for the Head of Orthoptics as required As a recognised Orthoptic undergraduate placement we also participate in clinical teaching of Orthoptic students on placement, as well as to medical students, ophthalmic nurses, optometrists and other health professionals visiting the Orthoptic department. About us Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is now one of the largest in the country, with a workforce of approximately 15,000 who serve a population of 1.2 million people.We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and provide a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.From facilities through to consultant specialists we want to be the best, to achieve this we need to recruit not just those who are the finest in their field but also those who have the potential to be. Yes, experience is important but so is outlook - if you are dynamic, forward-thinking and enthusiastic we want you to join us. We not only offer you a good working environment with flexible working opportunities, but also the opportunity to develop your career with access to appropriate training for your job and the support to succeed and progress. Date posted 28 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time) Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 390-SUR-SO-6092 Job locations Broomfield Court Road Chelmsford CM1 7ET Job description Job responsibilities We work closely with other members of our department carrying out joint clinics with both Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. You will be required to participate in Eye casualty emergency clinics with patients referred from the Stroke unit, A&E and local external providers. As a result, you must have good communication skills as you will work within a multi-disciplinary team of Orthoptists, Optometrists, Medical staff and nurses, and other non medical staff. You will need to be able to communicate effectively with all age ranges from birth to end of life and be able to remain professional, providing clear explanations, as well as empathic and understanding as there is often a high level of anxiety when patients are attending hospital appointments. For further details regarding the role responsibilities and the entry requirements, please see the combined job description and person specification. We look forward to your application. Job description Job responsibilities We work closely with other members of our department carrying out joint clinics with both Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. You will be required to participate in Eye casualty emergency clinics with patients referred from the Stroke unit, A&E and local external providers. As a result, you must have good communication skills as you will work within a multi-disciplinary team of Orthoptists, Optometrists, Medical staff and nurses, and other non medical staff. You will need to be able to communicate effectively with all age ranges from birth to end of life and be able to remain professional, providing clear explanations, as well as empathic and understanding as there is often a high level of anxiety when patients are attending hospital appointments. For further details regarding the role responsibilities and the entry requirements, please see the combined job description and person specification. We look forward to your application. Person Specification Qualifications Essential HCPC recognised qualification DBO, BSc or BMed Sci Orthoptics HCPC registration Driving License and use of car Desirable Orthoptic Prescribing Exemption Certificate Experience Essential At least 3 years post qualification experience Evidence of continuous CPD Experience of managing staff, Person Specification Qualifications Essential HCPC recognised qualification DBO, BSc or BMed Sci Orthoptics HCPC registration Driving License and use of car Desirable Orthoptic Prescribing Exemption Certificate Experience Essential At least 3 years post qualification experience Evidence of continuous CPD Experience of managing staff, 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). Additional information 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). Employer details Employer name Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust Address Broomfield Court Road Chelmsford CM1 7ET Employer's website https://www.mse.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)