About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for experienced, enthusiastic and motivated orthoptist to join our friendly team at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
The position offered is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hrs per week), band 6 Specialist Orthoptist post.
A Diploma or Degree in Orthoptics and state registration with the HCPC is essential.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will work as an integral part of our team of orthoptists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, vision scientists, ophthalmic nurses and health care assistants at our main hospital site; Alder Hey Children's hospital and in our community clinics based in Liverpool. As a tertiary hospital we assess children with complicated eye conditions referred to us from all over the UK in addition to serving the children in our local communities.
The post-holder will provide orthoptic clinical delivery in a wide variety of clinics including orthoptic, joint orthoptic & optometry clinics, general paediatric and specialist ocular motility, paediatric cataract, neuro-ophthalmology and cranio-facial clinics.
The main duties of this role involves core orthoptics, multi-disciplinary clinical assessments and has the ability for the post holder to develop skills and knowledge in future extended roles.
About us
Sponsorship - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship.You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the government website.
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Summary:
To deliver a comprehensive range of core orthoptic services to the highest standards of quality and care.
Key Relationships
Lead orthoptist, orthoptists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, HCAs, vision scientists, ophthalmology service managers, administration staff, patients, parents and carers, school nurses, health visitors, GPs and Community Optometrists.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical
Assess, diagnose and formulate management plans for orthoptic patients from all recognised referral sources in both acute and community settings.
Working as an integral part of the hospital eye service team; undertaking an active role in multidisciplinary work.
Provide patient focused care.
Ensure clinical work is of the highest standard, following departmental policies and guidelines.
Ensure correct, safe use, care and cleaning of clinical equipment and take responsibility of reporting any issue to line Manager.
Record and maintain a record of information accurately and legible in written and electronic form. Ensure patient documentation in electronic patient record is accurate.
Ensure patients are reviewed in appropriate time frame. Ensure documentation for follow up appointment or discharge is completed and is accurate.
Communication
Ensure effective communication with patients / carers when handling complex, sensitive information regarding diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
Ensure effective communication with patients / carers to gain co-operation and trust.
Instruct patients (parents/carers) a programme of treatment and be responsible for patients undergoing ongoing orthoptic management.
Maintain good communications with patients relatives regarding the patients needs and welfare. Provide support for relatives where necessary.
Ensure effective communication within wider Ophthalmology team.
Ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Escalate any concerns or issues to Lead orthoptist
Responsibility for CPD, Audit, Research
Be responsible for maintaining own education and continuing professional development.
Ensure active participation in PDR process to help facilitate ongoing development.
Attend and participate in staff meetings.
Be pro-active in ensuring evidence-based practice; be able to use information from journals and other sources to ensure up to date clinical practice.
Participate in the teaching of undergraduate Orthoptic students and other health professionals.
Participate in the teaching and clinical training of outpatient staff: nurses and HCAs in vision assessment, instillation of eye drops and imaging techniques.
Take an active role in audits in which effectiveness of Orthoptic care and treatments will be evaluated.
Contribute to the development of clinical protocols and evidenced based practice
Participate in research within Ophthalmology department.
Person Specification
Experience of working with paediatric patients with complex needs. Essential
experience of working with paediatric patients
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 Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Address Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Eaton Road
Liverpool
L12 2AP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://alderhey.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)