Job summary
We are excited to offer the opportunity for a motivated, reliable and compassionate individual to join our team as an Apprentice Orthoptist. This paid degree apprenticeship has been designed to give you a deep understanding of vision, binocularity and a broad range of eye conditions, through a combination of online live teaching, work-based learning, clinical placement activities and "on the job" learning .
Upon completion you will become a qualified orthoptist with HCPC registration, specialising in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of conditions relating to vision, strabismus (eye misalignment) and binocular function, as well as in supporting patients with reduced vision.
You'll spend 40% of your time learning on-line from passionate clinicians and researchers at the University of Sheffield, or on placements in alternative settings. The rest of your time you will be putting your learning into practice on the job with the enthusiastic and support orthoptic team at Plymouth Royal Eye Infirmary.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
To conduct a range of orthoptic/ophthalmic procedures under the supervision of an Orthoptist and within agreed departmental protocols and guidelines, whilst developing skills and following a University Programme in Orthoptics.
The postholder will be expected to work independently and make decisions following defined algorithms and with access to support and advice, recognising the limits of their own responsibility in those areas for which they have trained and have been proved to be competent.
Please see job description attached for more details.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Clinical:
1. To carry out clinical procedures requiring dexterity and making accurate fine measurements.
2. These procedures require in-depth training and will develop as the training continues.
3. Support patients to follow treatment plans as directed by an Orthoptist
4. Take comprehensive patient histories under the direction of supervising Orthoptist
5. Interpret results of these tests and highlight concerns to an Orthoptist
6. To accurately record patient information on an Electronic Patient Record
7. To ensure clinical areas are safe and hygienic, demonstrating awareness of Trust infection Control policy
Please see attached JD & PS for more details
Job description
Job responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Clinical:
1. To carry out clinical procedures requiring dexterity and making accurate fine measurements.
2. These procedures require in-depth training and will develop as the training continues.
3. Support patients to follow treatment plans as directed by an Orthoptist
4. Take comprehensive patient histories under the direction of supervising Orthoptist
5. Interpret results of these tests and highlight concerns to an Orthoptist
6. To accurately record patient information on an Electronic Patient Record
7. To ensure clinical areas are safe and hygienic, demonstrating awareness of Trust infection Control policy
Please see attached JD & PS for more details
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- oGCSE grades 6-9 in English and Maths or equivalent o3 A levels grade C or above OR oRQF level 4 /SCQF Level 7 in Scotland in Health and Social Care or equivalent e.g. RQF Level 3 plus demonstrable experience and training in a clinical setting PLUS oCommitment to complete in-house training in e.g. Measurement of intraocular pressure, supporting patients undergoing orthoptic therapy, Optical Coherence Tomography
Desirable
- Previous demonstrable training in relevant orthoptic and/or ophthalmic procedures
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
- oGood communication skills and telephone manner oAble to manage own workload oBasic office skills oGood IT skills
Desirable
- Proven Knowledge of common eye conditions
- Ability to communicate with people sensory or learning disabilities
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- No previous proven knowledge or demonstrable experience required
Desirable
- Demonstrable working experience in an Eye Service or an Optical Practice
- Demonstrable experience with Electronic patient record
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- oGCSE grades 6-9 in English and Maths or equivalent o3 A levels grade C or above OR oRQF level 4 /SCQF Level 7 in Scotland in Health and Social Care or equivalent e.g. RQF Level 3 plus demonstrable experience and training in a clinical setting PLUS oCommitment to complete in-house training in e.g. Measurement of intraocular pressure, supporting patients undergoing orthoptic therapy, Optical Coherence Tomography
Desirable
- Previous demonstrable training in relevant orthoptic and/or ophthalmic procedures
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
- oGood communication skills and telephone manner oAble to manage own workload oBasic office skills oGood IT skills
Desirable
- Proven Knowledge of common eye conditions
- Ability to communicate with people sensory or learning disabilities
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- No previous proven knowledge or demonstrable experience required
Desirable
- Demonstrable working experience in an Eye Service or an Optical Practice
- Demonstrable experience with Electronic patient record
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
