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 specialists 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 is 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 in 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 inquiries, 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 GPs, 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.
Dudley Group offers 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.
Date Posted: 07 March 2025
Pay Scheme
Agenda for Change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working Pattern
Full-time
Reference Number
253-0325-7037104
Job Locations
Russells Hall Hospital, Pensnett Road, Dudley, DY1 2HQ
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
* Degree in Orthoptics (BSC Hons/Med Sci) or equivalent
* HCPC registration
Knowledge and Training
* 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
Experience
* 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
Communication & Relationship Skills
* 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
Analytical & Judgement Skills
* Evidence of continued CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to include evidence of completing audit and presentations and an interest in research
Planning & Organisational Skills
* 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.
Physical Skills
* Ability to work in sometimes restrictive positions, reduced lighting, and move light equipment in order to complete an investigation
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer Details
Employer Name: The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Russells Hall Hospital, Pensnett Road, Dudley, DY1 2HQ
Employer's Website: https://www.dgft.nhs.uk/
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