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Job summary

Main area
Orthoptics
Grade
Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
390-SUR-SO-6092
Employer
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Broomfield
Town
Chelmsford
Salary
£46,148 Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
14/03/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust logo

Lead Orthoptist and Deputy Technical Services Lead

Band 7

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is now one of the largest trusts in the country, serving a population of 1.2 million people comprising acute hospital sites at Broomfield in Chelmsford, Basildon and Southend.

 

We are a well-led, high-performing and innovative organisation determined to provide the best health care services for our local population and working in the best interests of the people we serve.

 

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Lead Orthoptist at Mid and South Essex NHS Trust. You will be based at Broomfield Hospital but employed MSE wide. The successful candidate will work alongside a dedicated team of Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, Optometrists & Nurses in a busy but supportive department, undertaking clinics in orthoptics in addition to managing a team of 4 Orthoptists and 5 Technicians

We require an enthusiastic and motivated Orthoptist to join our team as a permanent member of staff, working 37.5 hours per week over 4 or 5 days. 

Are you excited by this?

This position is an excellent opportunity for a Specialist or Highly Specialist Orthoptist looking to upskill  in a forward thinking and progressive department. The candidate must have a current Orthoptic Degree or Diploma Qualification,  and be registered with the HCPC.

The post will mainly be around the Mid Essex department in Chelmsford where there are eight Consultants, one of which has a specialist interest in paediatrics, strabismus and neuro ophthalmology.

If you think you have the skills and enthusiasm for this role, then we want to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

The job involves Orthoptic assessment and diagnosis of patients covering a wide age range and a variety of clinical conditions.  You will need to plan, implement and monitor individual treatment plans from an orthoptic,  optical and advise on surgical recommendations, using evidence-based practice and advanced clinical reasoning.

In addition to core orthoptic clinics, the department also supports specialist paediatric, refraction, ocular motility and neuro-ophthalmology clinics. The post holder will also be required to undertake administrative duties consistent with the day to day functioning of an orthoptic clinic.

You will be expected to deputise for the Head of Orthoptics as required

As a recognised Orthoptic undergraduate placement we also participate in clinical teaching of Orthoptic students on placement, as well as to medical students, ophthalmic nurses, optometrists and other health professionals visiting the Orthoptic department.

Working for our organisation

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is now one of the largest in the country, with a workforce of approximately 15,000 who serve a population of 1.2 million people.
 
We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and provide a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
 
From facilities through to consultant specialists we want to be the best, to achieve this we need to recruit not just those who are the finest in their field but also those who have the potential to be. Yes, experience is important but so is outlook – if you are dynamic, forward-thinking and enthusiastic we want you to join us. 

We not only offer you a good working environment with flexible working opportunities, but also the opportunity to develop your career with access to appropriate training for your job and the support to succeed and progress. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We work closely with other members of our department carrying out joint clinics with both Optometrists and Ophthalmologists.  

You will be required to participate in Eye casualty emergency clinics with patients referred from the Stroke unit, A&E and local external providers.

As a result, you must have good communication skills as you will work within a multi-disciplinary team of Orthoptists , Optometrists , Medical staff and nurses , and other non medical staff.

You will need to be able to communicate effectively with all age ranges from birth to end of life and be able to remain professional, providing clear explanations , as well as empathic and understanding as there is often a high level of anxiety when patients are attending hospital appointments.

For further details regarding the role responsibilities and the entry requirements, please see the combined job description and person specification.

We look forward to your application.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • HCPC recognised qualification DBO, BSc or BMed Sci Orthoptics
  • HCPC registration
  • Driving License and use of car
Desirable criteria
  • Orthoptic Prescribing Exemption Certificate

Experience

Essential criteria
  • At least 3 years post qualification experience
  • Evidence of continuous CPD
  • Experience of managing staff,

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDNHS Employers Diversity and Inclusion PartnersApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyMenopause Friendly EmployerArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesStonewall Silver 2022Disability confident employerNHS Rainbow badgeNHS Pastoral CareNHS 75th Birthday

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Alex Landells
Job title
Head of Orthoptics and Technical Services Lead
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
07765230781
Additional information

Landline 01702 435555 ext 7044

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