About this role
Job summary
The post holder will work autonomously reporting directly to the Lead Nurse for Ophthalmology and will be clinically based within the Ophthalmology department at Russell's Hall Hospital. The post holder will be expected to have a close working relationship with senior Ophthalmology staff as well as Dudley DACHS Vision support services (VSS). The post holder will provide a supportive service to visually impairs patients of all ages, their carers and families, through the provision of information and emotional support, helping them to make decisions about their future needs.
Main duties of the job
To provide emotional support to patients, families and carers, ensuring that adequate information is given and providing follow up if required.
To receive direct referrals from consultant Ophthalmologists, Eye Clinic nursing staff, Orthoptists and self-referrals from patients ,families and carers.
To discuss and explain registration in detail.
To support patients with their agreement throughout the registration process.
To assist consultants to complete the necessary paperwork (CVI) in accordance with the department of health guidelines and to keep a record of registrations.
To support patients following diagnosis who do not wish to be registered or who are not suitable for registration.
Assess, Plan and ensure patients receive prompt care according to their needs.
To ensure that patients who are experiencing anxiety, distress and/or practical difficulties due to their eye condition, irrespective of their registration status, are referred to the vision support services.
To liaise with the low vision clinic and ensure patients are correctly referred to them.
To maintain a specialist knowledge base of related fields/ resources for visually impaired patients.
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. More information - inclusive practice people promise.
Dudley Group offer 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.
Please click below to view our EDI page: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion - The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (dgft.nhs.uk)
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.
Person Specification
Qualifications and education Essential
-Educated to Degree Level/Substantial equivalent. -A Diploma in Rehabilitation Studies (Visual Impairment) or equivalent or first level registration with ophthalmology qualification or professional social worker qualification as defined by the general social care council, registered or eligible for registration on the part of the GSCC register for qualified social workers evidence of continued learning and development.
Desirable
-Counselling qualification or equivalent. -ECLO qualification (or willing to work towards)
Experience Essential
Recent experience of working with people with a visual impairment. computer skills/ ability to produce database. -Presentation/Teaching skills. Good communication skills. -Good time management.
Desirable
Knowledge of clinical audit. ECDL/equivalent
Communication and relationship skills Essential
-Knowledge of current services available to people with sight loss. Commitment to undertake further training and develop role within DGH. -Ability to motivate self and others of MDT.
Desirable
Interview Application Form References Portfolio
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).
Employer details Employer name The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Address Russell's Hall Hospital
Pensnett Road
Dudley
DY1 2HQ
Employer's website https://www.dgft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)