Specialist Orthoptist

The Orthoptic Department at Wrexham Maelor Hospital provides services across the East of the Health Board, delivering high-quality, patient-centred care to a diverse population. The department offers a wide range of specialist clinics, including Stroke, Neurological Conditions and Visual Processing Disorders, working closely within multidisciplinary teams to support patients with complex needs. We are a small, friendly and progressive team of dedicated Orthoptists, committed to clinical excellence, service development and continuous learning. This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive department where your skills and ideas will be valued and where you can develop your career in a varied and rewarding role. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Main duties of the job

• To provide Orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner, both preventative and curative as directed by the standards of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS).
• To assess, treat and manage patients referred to the Orthoptic service at the main base and manage own complex caseload, and be responsible for single handed practice in the community clinics as designated by the Head Orthoptist.
• To determine the clinical diagnosis and to develop effective treatment plans, and refer to the Ophthalmologist when required.
• To participate in specialist clinics including the children's refraction service, stroke, Visual processing clinics and specialist assessment and management of pupils at Special Schools/Units.
• To assist in the clinical teaching of Orthoptics to Orthoptic undergraduates on placement and other health professionals, including pre-registration Optometrists, Health Visitors, School Nurses, General Practitioners (GP), junior doctors and medical students.

About us

If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales. Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and 'Proud to Lead' competence framework. Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the "Disability Confident Employer" scheme.

Please check your email account regularly. Successful applicants will receive all recruitment related correspondence via the email account registered on the application form. Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job responsibilities

If this role has caught your eye, you can find further details in the job description and person specification attached.

Person Specification

• UK Degree in Orthoptics or Diploma of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society.
• To hold HCPC Registration.
• Evidence of post graduate clinical experience and attendance at relevant courses.
• Documented evidence of CPD.
• Evidence of participating in teaching of healthcare professionals and Orthoptic undergraduates.
• Willingness to undertake a relevant teaching course.

Experience

• Proven ability in Orthoptic clinical skills with evidence of competence in working with a varied caseload.
• Proven in depth knowledge of formulating treatment plans involving complex information.
• Evidence of working autonomously in clinical situations.
• Evidence of up to date Orthoptic knowledge / techniques by attending training courses.
• Evidence of Continued Professional Development.

Skills and Attributes

• Good communication skills with all age groups.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Able to communicate effectively with colleagues.
• Evidence of supporting others in a clinical environment.
• Able to demonstrate commitment to high quality patient care.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Evidence of implementing research based practice.
• Experience and/or ability to use computers.
• Professional and motivated approach.
• Communicate well with colleagues and other professionals.
• Flexible and reliable approach to working patterns.
• Caring and considerate attitude.
• Neat appearance, good time keeper, well organised and reliable.
• Willing to work at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital and its outreach clinics.
• To be competent in written and spoken English.
• Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner.
• Ability to speak Welsh.

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.