We are seeking an enthusiastic Orthoptist to join our welcoming and friendly team of 4 Orthoptists, based at the recently built Eye Centre at Southlands Hospital which is part of University Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust. The post is full time.

As this is a Band 5 - 6 post we welcome applications from experienced (to start as B6) and more recently qualified Orthoptists (B5). Less experienced Orthoptists will be supported by an experienced team and where necessary, taken through the BIOS preceptorship pathway. They will be able to move up to Band 6 if and when completed, following the necessary development and experience.

The successful candidate will need to be hard working, flexible and a team player with excellent communication and problem solving skills.

As well as consolidating general Orthoptic practice, depending on department need, there are opportunities to develop an extended role in glaucoma once they have had a year's Orthoptic experience.

We are an accredited placement for orthoptic students and depending on experience the post holder will assist with clinical teaching etc.

Main duties of the job

The caseload is varied and provides an interesting mix of paediatric and adult patients. The Orthoptic service receives referrals from GPs, School Nurses and Health Visitors as well as Stroke, MFU, Neurology, Paediatrics / CDC and the main Eye Clinic.

As well as consolidating general Orthoptic practice, depending on department need, there are opportunities to train in assessment of glaucoma once they have had a year's Orthoptic experience.

About us

Join us at UHSussex , every day is different, you can be the change, better never stops

At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Improving lives: We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put our Patient First. Our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

Build a career with us: As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do

Job description

Job responsibilities

There are a total of 4 orthoptists working at Southlands Hospital and we are a friendly and extremely supportive team. We work alongside a team of 11 ophthalmologists, 2 of whom have an interest in squint/ paediatric ophthalmologist, 4 optometrists and nursing staff.

We have close links with the Orthoptic Team at St Richards Hospital in Chichester as we are part of the same Trust. We meet across sites for meetings, monthly journal clubs, and CPD opportunities. There is a very occasional need to work at St Richards on an ad hoc basis.

To work clinically to deliver a comprehensive range of core Orthoptic services to the highest standards of quality and care. Opportunities to have extended role training. Please see the attached Job description for further details about this role.

Please see separate Job Descriptions for the Band 5 and Band 6 duties.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• To possess an Orthoptic degree or diploma Registration with HCPC
• Evidence of CPD

Knowledge Training and Experience

Essential

• Experience of paediatric orthoptics and experience assessing and managing children with additional needs
• Adult orthoptics: experience assessing and managing complex neurological conditions
• Willing to develop new skills as required for a possible extended role such as glaucoma monitoring or refraction.

Desirable

• Experience working in a team and single handed
• Experience of teaching other healthcare professionals
• Experience in Visual field testing using a Humphrey perimeter.
• A minimum of 2 years post grad working experience in Orthoptics
• Experience of working in glaucoma monitoring clinics.

Values and Attitudes

Essential

• The ability to handle difficult situations calmly and effectively and show tact, empathy and efficiency when dealing with patients.
• To be able to use own initiative ensuring they are in line with the departments values.
• Willing to travel to other sites and to be flexible with sessions

Communication and Relationship Skills

Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to develop good rapport with patients/parents.
• To be able to communicate effectively with patients with special needs e.g. aggressive, anxious patients, children with special needs, hard of hearing
• To be able to work under pressure in a busy environment
• Able to develop good working relationships with hospital staff at all levels.
• To be willing to participate in teaching of Orthoptics to students and other professionals.

Desirable

• Evidence of presentation skills, e.g. for audit or teaching purposes.

Planning/Organisational Skills

Essential

• Good organisational skills. Able to plan and manage own work load effectively.

Desirable

• Have worked on a departmental or personal project.

Patient care

Essential

• To have developed management plans with patients and adapted them as required suiting the situation and the patient.

Team Working

Essential

• To have worked effectively within a team.

IT

Essential

• To be computer literate.

Desirable

• Experience of using a hospitals computer patient administration system.

Research and Development

Essential

• To have knowledge/experience of departmental audit.

Desirable

• To have experience of research.

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Southlands Hospital, Shoreham-By-Sea

Upper Shoreham Road

Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

BN43 6TQ

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

279-W5151958-APR23-A