Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen Are you a Registered Nurse, Optometrist or Operating Department Practitioner looking for the next step in your career? Do you have an interest in providing/developing oculoplastic clinical skills, to assess, diagnose and manage patients in specialist ophthalmic clinics and within the operating theatre setting? To have your own case load of patients, making independent decisions regarding clinical care and priorities, under the supervision of the Oculoplastic Surgeons? We are looking for someone to join our team, that has a passion for this area of ophthalmology and is interested in becoming an specialist Oculoplastic Surgical Care Practitioner, this can be provided as a development opportunity at Band 6, whereby, you will be fully supported within the team - leading to a Band 7 role on the successful completion of the training programme. You will need to have good communication skills, a team work approach and able provide a high standards of care with the support of your team.Informal visits/chats always welcome - contact us today to discuss the position in more detail or organise for you to come and visit Main duties of the job The post holder will undertake clinical sessions as an independent practitioner in designated practitioner led clinics and with their own patient profile in consultant led clinics within the ophthalmic outpatient department at MPH and in community based settings. To work as a specialist Oculoplastic Surgical Care Practitioner, providing screening / assessment, diagnosis, and prescribing treatment in ophthalmic services. To set, monitor and evaluate standards of care in partnership with other members of the ophthalmic multidisciplinary team to ensure the delivery of holistic, evidence based clinically effective specialist service. To act as an expert clinical resource to all Health Care Professionals and others involved in the delivery of care to this client group. As appropriate, maintain professional and core competency to maintain professional registration. Contribute to the Trust Governance agenda through patient involvement, education, clinical guideline production, audit and research. About us At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer: Flexible working options to help you balance work and life NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy. Date posted 07 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £37,338 to £52,809 a year Developmental post available, starting at Band 6 Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 184-OL-YE-2122 Job locations Musgrove Park Hospital Musgrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Job description Job responsibilities For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post. Job description Job responsibilities For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post. Person Specification Qualifications Essential 1st level Registered Nurse, Optometrist or Operating Department Practitioner Desirable Post graduate specialist ophthalmic courses or modules Recognised teaching qualification Independent/supplementary prescribing qualification or commitment to undertake Experience Essential Proven years - oculoplastic surgical skills clinical experience at Band 5/6. NHS experience Experience of teaching in practice Experience of standard setting and audit Desirable Evidence of clinical audit Experience of applying research findings to practice Experience of participating in research Additional Criteria Essential Evidence of a good standard of literacy/English language skills Clinical leadership skills Ability to be assertive when necessary and remain calm in stressful situations Demonstrate complex communication skills Evidence of implementing change in clinical situations Demonstrates importance of and ability to work as part of a team Good interpersonal skills and initiative. Ability to act as patient advocate Able to manage own work load Flexible in working practice Person Specification Qualifications Essential 1st level Registered Nurse, Optometrist or Operating Department Practitioner Desirable Post graduate specialist ophthalmic courses or modules Recognised teaching qualification Independent/supplementary prescribing qualification or commitment to undertake Experience Essential Proven years - oculoplastic surgical skills clinical experience at Band 5/6. NHS experience Experience of teaching in practice Experience of standard setting and audit Desirable Evidence of clinical audit Experience of applying research findings to practice Experience of participating in research Additional Criteria Essential Evidence of a good standard of literacy/English language skills Clinical leadership skills Ability to be assertive when necessary and remain calm in stressful situations Demonstrate complex communication skills Evidence of implementing change in clinical situations Demonstrates importance of and ability to work as part of a team Good interpersonal skills and initiative. Ability to act as patient advocate Able to manage own work load Flexible in working practice 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. 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. 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 Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Address Musgrove Park Hospital Musgrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)