Lead for low vision services and Deputy Head (South of Trust)
- NHS
- Part Time
- Darlington
- 49387.00 - 56515.00 a year
Job Description
Job summary
A permanent position has become available for a lead Low Vision Specialist and Deputy Head Orthoptist leading Orthoptic Services in the South of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. 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 perform both new and follow-up low visual aid assessments on patients throughout the Trust, managing the service to ensure timely assessment and onward referral to allied services. They will work closely with both Ophthalmology and third sector services to ensure low vision needs are identified and managed appropriately. In addition to leading the low vision service they will be responsible for the day to day management of Orthoptic services in the South of the Trust as Deputy Head (South of Trust) and will also hold their own general Orthoptic case load. The successful candidate will therefore require excellent communication and organisational skills. As the postholder is clinical lead for the low vision services and Orthoptic services South of Trust they will be required to support strategic planning for the service in conjunction with the Head Orthoptist and other leaders within the Trust..
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 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 and ensure timely review both in general Orthoptics and the low vision service.
They will work as part of the multi-disciplinary Ophthalmology team throughout the Trust and will efficiently plan work and travel time between units within the Trust ensuring patients are seen as soon as possible for their low vision assessments. 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. As lead of service, they will be required to monitor its effectiveness through audit and service evaluation considering waiting times, Key Performance Indicators and patient experience, using them to strategically plan for continuous service improvement. 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
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- A deep understanding of causes of low vision and the clinical presentation
- Ability to perform and interpret low vision assessment tests including assessing for a range of magnifying aids.
- Excellent communication skills to support patients with communication difficulties, explain complex diagnoses and break bad news and to develop and maintain excellent relationships with mutli-disciplinary teams
- Leadership skills
- Able to work autonomously, under pressure and with excellent organisational skills
- Computer literate/IT skills, able to use Microsoft applications, ie outlook, excel, powerpoint
Desirable
- Previous experience of service evaluation
- Previous experience of breaking bad news
Experience
Essential
- Significant clinical experience post-graduation
- Previous teaching experience
- Experience in performing low vision assessment and assessing for appropriate magnifying aids
Desirable
- Previous experience of service evaluation
- Previous experience of breaking bad news
- Evidence of ability to lead in service developments
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
- Full UK driving licence
Statutory Registration
Essential
- HCPC
- BIOS/equivalent for professional indemnity
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma or degree in Orthoptics
- Advanced clinical training and experience to Masters level or equivalent
- Low vision qualification
- Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
Desirable
- Teaching qualification
- Leadership qualification
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
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 6HX
United Kingdom
