administrative Optometry placement coordinator

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board; Pontyclun; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health authority in the UK is looking for an experienced administrative Optometry Placement Coordinator. The successful candidate will manage clinical placements for optometrists pursuing post-graduate qualifications, provide support to the Head of Optometry, and be adaptable and organized. This fixed-term role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on trainee experiences, requiring strong communication skills and attention to detail. Knowledge of Welsh is a plus.

Benefits

Leading pension

Generous leave

Flexible work options

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in administrative roles, preferably in healthcare.
• Ability to prioritize workload effectively.
• Welsh Language skills are desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate hospital-based clinical placement programs for optometrists.
• Provide administrative support to the Head of Optometry.
• Handle day-to-day queries from trainees.

Skills

Highly organized

Adaptable

Excellent written communication

Verbal communication skills

Attention to detail

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an administrative Optometry placement coordinator to join the Optometry team in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. This is a new role, responsible for coordinating the health board hospital-based clinical placement programme for optometrists pursuing post-graduate specialist qualifications. The successful candidate will be an experienced administrative worker who will be responsible for arranging and coordinating placements for post-graduate optometrists, as well as providing administrative support to the Head of Optometry. The post-holder will be required to attend hospital sites within the health board as needed, to ensure smooth rota planning, onboarding, clinic room allocation, etc. and to ensure placements are arranged to meet both the needs of the trainee and the Ophthalmology service.

Applicants will need to be highly organised, adaptable, motivated and able to prioritise their workload. The role requires good IT skills, attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Previous experience of working within a similar environment will be advantageous. This post is fixed term/secondment for 5 months to 31/03/2026 due to funding. If you are interested in applying for this as a secondment position, you must obtain permission from your current line manager prior to applying for this post.

The post holder will lead on all administrative duties relating to arranging placements in secondary care for optometry post-graduate qualifications across the health board. They will ensure that these short-term clinical placements are managed effectively and efficiently, and will need to be reliable, flexible and well‑organised with strong verbal and written communication skills as they will be dealing with queries from different sources. Working as part of the multi‑disciplinary team and providing expertise in the proactive management of placements, this includes ensuring the suitability and capacity of the Eye Clinic to host placements. Manage a smooth training experience for trainee and mentor and provide administrative support to Head of Optometry, guided by CTMUHB guidelines, procedures and relevant All Wales policies. Respond to day‑to‑day placement/trainee queries and, where appropriate, escalated any complex issues to their Line Manager.

Welsh Language: This post is advertised as Welsh Desirable. This doesn't mean essential; while the candidate does not need to have skills in Welsh, we will consider it an advantage when short‑listing and selecting candidates. This isn't 'fluency', just Speaking & Listening skills at Level 3 (equivalent to CEFR B2) or above. Level 3 means basic conversations with patients about their everyday health. For more information, see “Welsh Language Guidance” in the documents at the bottom of this posting.

Applicants who are not UK or Republic of Ireland nationals will require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa unless they already hold permission to work via another route. Prospective applicants should self‑assess their eligibility for sponsorship by visiting the UK Government’s Work in the UK guidance. For eligible candidates, the Health and Care Visa offers reduced application costs and exempts payment of the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.

Please ensure you check your email regularly, as all recruitment correspondence will be sent to the email address provided on your application form. Applications are welcome in either Welsh or English, with no preference given to the language used. We reserve the right to close a vacancy early or withdraw an advertisement to accommodate the redeployment of internal staff into suitable roles. All posts are subject to relevant checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check and, where required, Professional Registration verification. We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer.

Located in the heart of South Wales, we are central to Cardiff, Newport and Swansea. Deeply rooted in our community, as an NHS organisation we are dedicated to providing compassionate patient care and building healthier communities together. At CTM, you’ll be part of a supportive, inclusive team from diverse nations, cultures, and backgrounds. Every role counts, every person matters and together we are creating a space where everyone can thrive.

Discover more about working with us here: Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board – Join CTM Home – Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Working for our organisation and beautiful region, steeped in history and heritage. With nearly 13,500 staff, our health board is one of Wales’s largest employers. Together, we are Team CTM – a workforce dedicated to offering excellent patient care and support to the 450,000 people across our three regions, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, and Rhondda Cynon Taf. We operate three District General hospitals, several community hospitals, primary and community care facilities. CTM’s location offers the best of South Wales, just 20 minutes from Cardiff’s vibrant city life, the natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons, and the serene coastline at Ogmore. Whether you enjoy lively urban amenities, peaceful countryside or seaside escapes, our location makes an ideal setting for both work and personal life.

CTM 2030 Strategy – Our Health, Our Future focuses on uniting our region around shared health and wellbeing goals. Our values guide us daily:

• We listen, learn, and improve
• We treat everyone with respect
• We work together as one team
• CTM employees enjoy benefits including a leading pension, generous leave, flexible work, career growth, and access to ongoing learning and development. At CTM, you’ll find a welcoming, team‑oriented workplace that values diversity and compassion, where you can take pride in your work and the difference it makes.