Deputy Head Orthoptist

Job summary

This is an opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Orthoptist to join our team at the Sussex Eye Hospital, Brighton and help lead the service in the role of deputy head. The department which consists of 7 Orthoptists and 2 optometrists provides a comprehensive service involving adult and paediatric Orthoptic work. There a re 2 consultant Ophthalmologists specialising in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Ocular Motility, and 1 consultant Neurologist specialising in Neuro-ophthalmology. Thespecialities covered include ocular motility, neuro-ophthalmology, Botulinum toxin, adjustable sutures, visual fields, stroke, CVI, cataract pre-assessment and secondary visual screening. CPD and research are actively encouraged.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will contribute to a comprehensive and quality Orthoptic service for patients referred to the Eye will work within a multi-disciplinary team to provide appropriate assessment diagnosis and treatment for Orthoptic patients.

The post holder will deputise for the Head of Service - Orthoptics, managing all functions of the department in their absence.

The post holder will be responsible for implementing and undertaking audit within the department.

To aid the Head Orthoptist in the management of the Orthoptic service based at UHSussex University Hospitals Trust East; Sussex Eye Hospital, Brighton and Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath

To be a point of contact for expert Orthoptic knowledge from both internal and external sources.

To liaise with the Head Orthoptist in the development and evaluation of new and existing Orthoptic services

To act as a role model to the team demonstrating exemplary professional behaviour

To promote Team work

To be responsible for implementing and undertaking audit in the Orthoptic service

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To aid the Head Orthoptist in the management of the Orthoptic service based at UHSussex University Hospitals Trust East; Sussex Eye Hospital, Brighton and Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath

To be a point of contact for expert Orthoptic knowledge from both internal and external sources.

To liaise with the Head Orthoptist in the development and evaluation of new and existing Orthoptic services

To act as a role model to the team demonstrating exemplary professional behaviour

To promote Team work

To be responsible for implementing and undertaking audit in the Orthoptic service

Communication

To have proven excellent communication skills to represent the Orthoptic service

To establish and maintain effective operational links with all relevant internal and external services and partners.

To be a point of contact for all enquiries regarding the Orthoptic and Contact Lens services

To promote a culture of Patient First echoing the ideals of:

Compassion and Communication

Teamwork and Respect

Professionalism and Inclusion

To teach other healthcare providers

To participate in the provision of clinical education for Orthoptic undergraduates by acting as an on-site clinical tutor.

Service Delivery and Improvement

To aid in the management, provision, co-ordination and evaluation of clinical Orthoptic services

To practise as an autonomous Orthoptic practitioner in in-patient and out-patient settings in line with Trust policy and the needs of the ophthalmology service.

To provide highly specialist clinical Orthoptic expertise to senior clinical staff of the multi-disciplinary team within the Trust.

To manage and co-ordinate clinical Orthoptic input to all aspects of clinical governance within the surgical division.

To help with the provision of clinical Orthoptic expertise for the identification and management of risk issues within the division of surgery.

To aid the Head Orthoptist in the investigation of clinical incidents and complaints regarding Orthoptic and Contact Lens practice.

To maintain contact with appropriate specialists and groups both nationally and locally to ensure best practice is identified and incorporated into UHSussex practice.

To aid in the development and evaluation of new and existing clinical Orthoptic services in UHSussex East.

To be involved in the planning and analysis of departmental audit, implementing administrative, clerical and clinical changes indicated for UHSussex East.

To assist in monitoring waiting times and referral waiting lists, implementing solutions as appropriate.

To assist in the writing and implementation of departmental quality standards, procedures and policies.

To implement innovative ways of working to improve efficiency, including recommendations for multi-disciplinary team working, to improve outcomes

People Management and Development

To deputise when necessary for the Head Orthoptist in managing the Orthoptic team and Contact Lens team across UHSussex East, including the organisation of day to day activities, recruitment, individual performance review and objective setting, dealing with management issues and development of the individual members of this team.

To provide professional support to the orthoptic staff and supervise the daily provision of Orthoptic services together with extended roles.

To participate in the provision of education for Orthoptic staff and members of the multidisciplinary team

Patient Care Delivery

To aid in the provision of Orthoptic service on both sites, providing added support and clinical expertise for other Orthoptists, Ophthalmologists and related staff.

To help to ensure that the clinical team delivers high quality care and safe practice at all times

Learning and Development

Attend mandatory training updates as required.

Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.

Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.

Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager

Participate in the Trusts appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.

This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Substantial postgraduation clinical experience with full range of Orthoptic patient workload (Paediatrics & Adults) Supervision and assessment of Orthoptic Undergraduate students

Desirable

Management qualification/courses Teaching qualification Post graduate Orthoptic qualification

Skills

Essential

Advanced communication skills, including the ability to liaise and negotiate effectively at all levels Excellent interpersonal skills Strong IT skills Ability to manage own variable workload

Desirable

Experience in biometry and perimetry

People management and development

Essential

Able to manage difficult situations Able to identify and address training needs of other members of staff

Desirable

Experience in management of others, which may include performance review and objective setting Experience in recruitment process

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

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