Job summary
We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Health Care Assistant to join our busy Ophthalmology Outpatients Department. You will support nursing and clinical staff in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care to individuals attending ophthalmology clinics.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a specialist outpatient setting and develop ophthalmic clinical skills within a supportive team.
This role requires the staff member to perform some specialist testing of patients who visit the unit, this will be an integral part of this role within this very busy fast paced unit, which is highly active.
You will also provide clinical support as required to help always ensure the efficient and effective running of the Department, following current standards and policies relevant to the area.
37.5 hours per week worked over a 7 day contract.
Main duties of the job
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Assist qualified nursing staff in the delivery of care to patients attending ophthalmology clinics
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Support patients before, during, and after consultations and procedures
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Undertake basic clinical tasks following appropriate training and competency assessment (e.g. visual acuity, blood pressure, blood glucose monitoring etc)
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Prepare clinic rooms and equipment, ensuring a clean and safe environment
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Assist with patient flow and clerical duties within the outpatient department
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Maintain patient dignity, confidentiality, and safety at all times
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Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary team
- Work as part of a team within a very busy fast paced unit, delivering specialist testing to enable doctors to be able to diagnose and treat many of the ophthalmic conditions in which we support our patients.
- To be able to quickly learn skills and follow instructions for their important job role to enable the team to complete their part of the journey that patients follow when attending for ophthalmic issues.
- Ability to attend many learning events to increase knowledge and skills to and adopt them into the work area.
About us
The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) provides hospital and integrated health and social care services to over one million people living across Greater Manchester. Our 20,000 colleagues care for people in hospital and in the community, working across Bury, Rochdale, Oldham and Salford, to save and improve lives.
As a large NHS trust we are committed to enhancing the health of our local population by delivering consistently high standards of care and working closely with local authorities and key partners. We believe in our power and potential to make a difference and we're always looking for people who demonstrate our three core values - care, appreciate and inspire - to join our team.
In return, we can offer you a job role with purpose and flexibility. The size and scale of the NCA means we can provide more challenge and opportunities so your career can always be moving in the right direction. By joining us you can also access a competitive benefits package, including, a fantastic annual leave allowance, flexible working opportunities and protected hours for health and wellbeing activities, helping you to achieve more personal downtime and a better work-life balance.
Learn more about us in ourCandidate Information Pack (opens in existing window)
Job description
Job responsibilities
To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about working at the Northern Care Alliance within the attached Candidate Information Pack or by visiting our careers website: www.careers.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk
Changes to the UK immigration policy introduced on the 9th April 2025, increased the minimum salary threshold for certificates of sponsorship applications for Health and Care Worker Visa from £23,200 (£11.90 per hour) to £25,000 (£12.82 per hour). For further information on the Health and Care Worker visa, please visit the Home Office website.
As per Agenda for Change, if you are new to the NHS your starting salary would be £24,937 (minimum Band 3 salary point from 1st April 2025 in line with National Living Wage requirements). This salary point is below the new minimum threshold, and therefore not eligible for sponsorship. For further information please check the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook on the NHS Employers website.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about working at the Northern Care Alliance within the attached Candidate Information Pack or by visiting our careers website: www.careers.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk
Changes to the UK immigration policy introduced on the 9th April 2025, increased the minimum salary threshold for certificates of sponsorship applications for Health and Care Worker Visa from £23,200 (£11.90 per hour) to £25,000 (£12.82 per hour). For further information on the Health and Care Worker visa, please visit the Home Office website.
As per Agenda for Change, if you are new to the NHS your starting salary would be £24,937 (minimum Band 3 salary point from 1st April 2025 in line with National Living Wage requirements). This salary point is below the new minimum threshold, and therefore not eligible for sponsorship. For further information please check the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook on the NHS Employers website.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in Healthcare or a Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship - or equivalent experience
- Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy (GCSE English and Maths Grade D-G)
- Care Certificate
Knowledge, Training & Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as a Care Support Worker or equivalent in a Health or Social care setting
- Experience of working within a team
Desirable
- Demonstrates an interest or previous experience in ophthalmology
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Good communication (written and verbal skills)
- Basic IT skills
- Good organisational skills
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in Healthcare or a Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship - or equivalent experience
- Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy (GCSE English and Maths Grade D-G)
- Care Certificate
Knowledge, Training & Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as a Care Support Worker or equivalent in a Health or Social care setting
- Experience of working within a team
Desirable
- Demonstrates an interest or previous experience in ophthalmology
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Good communication (written and verbal skills)
- Basic IT skills
- Good organisational skills
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).