Assistant Head of Orthoptic Services - Swansea, United Kingdom - Swansea Bay University Health Board

Swansea Bay University Health Board

Verified Company

Swansea, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Fixed term / Secondment for 9 months due to funding

You will be based at the Orthoptic Department, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, but may be required to work at other Orthoptic units within the Health Board so ability to travel is desirable but not essential.

Flexibility to adapt to different situations and work under pressure is necessary. Professional development is encouraged including participation in Orthoptic, Ophthalmology and multi disciplinary audit.

The Orthoptic service is accredited for undergraduate Orthoptic students and participation in demonstrating to students and other personnel is requested.

Applicants must hold a degree/diploma in Orthoptics and state registration with the HCPC.

To assist the Head of Orthoptic Services on a day to day basis. To have specific delegated managerial tasks.

The post holder will be an advanced practitioner, working autonomously to ensure delivery of a high quality Orthoptic Service for the Health Board.

The role requires an understanding and ability to manage change whilst delivering cost and service improvements and planning a sustainable, highly trained, competent workforce.

We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.

As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.

You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.

There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.

Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.

If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

To act as assistant to the Head of Orthoptic Services and have responsibility for specific delegated managerial tasks e.g. lead for clinical audit, lead for vision screening, lead for recruitment.
To deputise for the Head of Service in their absence
To have delegated responsibility for the development of policies, protocols and the delivery of service improvement including cost improvement planning and workforce reconfiguration
To be responsible for the day to day running of the Orthoptic team.
To have delegated responsibilities for managing staff within the Orthoptic service including recruitment, appraisal, CPD, discipline and sickness reviews

Assessment and diagnosis of a broad ranging, highly specialist complex caseload; including children and adults, some of whom have disabilities and visual impairment, and maintaining appropriate records.

Management of own highly specialist ocular motility caseload and devising appropriate care plans as an autonomous practitioner using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice
To provide advanced practice services in own area of expertise

To liaise with and provide specialist advice and expertise in the field of Orthoptics to patients, colleagues, carers, students and professionals in other areas including Ophthalmology, Paediatrics, Neurology and Maxillo-facial.

To develop, implement and deliver a specialist training for staff based on their area of expertise and training requirements.
Communication and Relationship Skills

Use a wide range of communication skills, selecting the appropriate level and style to ensure patient understanding and compliance with any instruction e.g.

explanation of complex treatment programmes including medically induced visual penalisation, the explanation of test results pertaining to the visual pathway and permanent neurological loss/handicap.

This will include providing both verbal and written information.

Communicate highly complex, confidential and sensitive service-related information to senior managers and other professionals either verbally or by means of presentations.

Liaise and communicate with medical staff, nurses, optometrists, administration staff and directorate managers to provide delivery of a high quality multidisciplinary service
Communicate regularly with Head of Service and other senior team members to ensure an equitable health board wide service
Overcome barriers to understanding, due to age, race, medical conditions or learning difficulties. A range of verbal and non-verbal communication skills will be used or facilitated
Develop and maintain links with other health care professionals and ensure they have appropriate access to the service
Provide professional support and specialist advice to the local authorities, Social Services, Education Authorities and other bodies who impact on the delivery of an effective Orthoptic service
To be respons