Orthoptist

Dorchester, South West England, United Kingdom Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Outstanding Care, Outstanding Careers

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Job overview

The Royal Eye Infirmary at Dorset County Hospital is looking to recruit an experienced and highly motivated Band 6 Orthoptist to join our friendly department. This is a permanent, part time post. The department is based at Dorset County Hospital, but we run single handed clinics in the community.

A diploma/degree in Orthoptics and HCPC registration is essential. The post holder will be expected to travel between the hospital site and various locations in the community to carry out peripheral clinics; therefore, a car driver is preferable.

The department currently runs paediatric and ocular motility clinics. Currently, orthoptists in our department have extended roles in stroke. We are also a placement site for Orthoptic students. Staff regularly participate in department audit, clinical governance and clinical teaching sessions. The post-holder will be supported by the Head Orthoptist.

UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibilitycriteria.

Main duties of the job

• To assist in the provision of the Orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner.
• Expected to work clinically to deliver a range of core Orthoptic services
• To provide Orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and management of patients of all ages and abilities, planning, implementing, and monitoring individual Orthoptic treatment plans / care pathways using clinical reasoning and evidence based practice.
• To support the Ophthalmology service as required.
• Applicants will have a degree or diploma in Orthoptics and be registered with HCPC.

Working for our organisation

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate's individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will need to plan and prioritise your own workload. Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team of Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, Optometrists, medical photographers, ophthalmic technicians, nurses, clerical staff and secretarial staff. Undertake correspondence with GPs and other colleagues. Deal with queries regarding appointments, internal referrals etc. that arise during the working day and to liaise with the senior Orthoptists to take the appropriate action Check clinical area is safe for patients and staff and report any hazards to the manager in a timely manner. Participate in regular Orthoptic departmental meetings giving feedback from courses and conferences attended. To participate in departmental audit and research where possible. To cover, as appropriate, for colleagues during periods of sick and annual leave. To report damage or functioning problems with equipment to the manager in a timely fashion.

Person specification

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Essential criteria

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

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of further training courses and conferences attended

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Essential criteria

• Experience of paediatric Orthoptics and experience assessing and managing children with additional needs
• Adult orthoptics: be able to investigate diagnose and manage a range of ocular motility disorders
• Experience assessing and managing complex neurological conditions
• Experience of diagnosing patients with complex conditions
• Experience of working in a team and single handed
• Experience of teaching other healthcare professionals
• Experience of departmental audits (review of banding)

Desirable criteria

• Experience with teaching orthoptic students (review of banding)

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Essential criteria

• Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effective time management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Ability to work autonomously and within a team.

Our Mission

Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.
Our Vision

Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
Our Values

Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

For more information, please use the link below to read our joint strategy for Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Healthcare.