17 Oct
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Dudley
Job description
The Orthoptic department is looking for someone who is motivated and hardworking to take on the role of OCT Ophthalmic Technician.
They would be joining a team of 10 Ophthalmic technicians who work alongside 7 Orthoptists and an Optometrist . The whole team works closely with the Eye Department at Russells Hall Hospital and Corbett OPD which currently has 10 Consultants including specialists in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Motility, Glaucoma, Corneal, Macular and Retina and Oculoplastics.
It is a very busy and expanding department which is constantly striving for improvements in patient care and as a part of the team you will be actively involved in developing our service for the future.
The working week will include some Saturdays and evenings.
Main duties of the job
The OCT Technician will be responsible for providing clear and detailed images of the retina of the eye by carrying out Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT).
They will also help support the Band 4 Ophthalmic technicians and will undertake Visual Field assessment, Corneal Topography and Glaucoma diagnostic clinics as part of their role.
Experience of any of the above would be an advantage but is not essential as full training will be given to the successful applicant.
It is essential that the applicant has had previous experience of working with the general public and has excellent communication skills to enable them to communicate effectively and with sensitivity with patients and carers including those with learning and communication difficulties.
They should also have GCSE Maths and English to at least grade C (or equivalent numeracy and literacy skills level 2) as well as a NVQ level 3 qualification or equivalent.
Working for our organisation
At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service that aligns with our vision of excellent health care, improved health for all .
We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace.
We are committed to becoming a diverse and an inclusive employer and where people feel sense of belonging. Seeking to expand diversity within our teams, we positively encourage applications from under-represented groups such as ethnically diverse, disabled and LGBTQ+ groups.
We are also under-represented in-terms of gender within nursing roles and we would welcome applications from people from male and non-binary backgrounds.
Dudley Group offer many opportunities for our staff to develop and grow within their roles through our Learning & OD department.
These include topics such as communication, wellbeing, team development, cultural competency, and values, plus much more.
For those in a Management / Leadership role, there are additional programmes to support you to develop the skills you need.
These include our Managers Essentials Programme and a Leadership Programme that all managers will attend as part of your Dudley Managers Induction.
Our Learning Prospectus is a great way to discover the details behind what’s available for you here at The Dudley Group
We are committed to home life balance through flexible working and making reasonable adjustments where possible
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- GCSE Maths and English at least grade C or equivalent numeracy and literacy skills level 2
- NVQ level 3 qualification or equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria
Previous experience of working with the general public
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience working with patients in a hospital setting
- Previous experience working in a clinical ophthalmic setting
Knowledge and Training
Essential criteria
Standard keyboard skills
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience using related ophthalmic technology eg Humphrey Visual fields, OCT, Corneal Topography and Biometry
- Willingness to attend training courses (internal and external)
and complete all mandatory training as required by the role
Communication & Relationship Skills
Essential criteria
- Good communication skills both verbal and written with the ability to communicate effectively and with sensitivity with patients and carers including those with learning and communication difficulties
- Ability to convey and prioritise information to a range of people including Medical and nursing staff, Patients and carers, some of whom may have communication difficulties or language barriers, or may be anxious or distressed about their eye condition.
- Reliable, flexible, adaptable and a team player
- Maintain professional manner at all times
- Able to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team and confidently communicate with other medical professionals and hospital staff at all levels
- Able to work effectively in a busy and demanding environment with some interruptions
Desirable criteria
Counselling skills to deal with sensitive, unpleasant or distressing issues
Analytical & Judgement Skills
Essential criteria
- Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to make appropriate judgements about what can be dealt with by self, and what needs to be passed onto a more senior member of staff
- Evidence of the understanding and ability to maintain patient and staff confidentiality
- Ability to deal with interruptions and act on new information / process change
- Committed to delivering high quality service and developing clinical practice based on reflection and evidence based practice
Planning & Organisational Skills
Essential criteria
- Ability to work under instruction as well as to work on own initiative as required
- Ability to work at speed and under pressure
- Able to organise and prioritise own workload
Physical Skills
Essential criteria
- Ability to move patients and equipment as required and after relevant training
- Able to commute to meet the needs of the service
- Ability to work in clinic rooms where lighting may be reduced at times for testing purposes
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Values
Essential criteria
- Able to provide safe, caring, and effective services
- Values and behaviours that reflect the Trust values of Care, Respect and Responsibility
- Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and where people feel they belong and their contribution is valued
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom (UK) are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route.
Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here .
It is vital that you provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Overseas applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Guidance can be found here .
Not everyone needs a Skilled Worker’ visa.
▶️ Consultant Ophthalmologist (interest in Glaucoma)
🖊️ The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
📍 Dudley