Bhsct_Senior Ophthalmic Science Practitioner (System Support Role) Band 6
Belfast Health And Social Care Trust
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Job summary
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust seeks an experienced Senior Ophthalmic Science Practitioner (Systems Support) to lead the Ophthalmic Imaging team across NI. The post holder will perform advanced imaging, supervise staff, and support the implementation of ophthalmic clinical systems within a multi-disciplinary environment.
Responsibilities include managing complex imaging investigations, planning staffing, and training OSPs to maintain high-quality patient care across multiple sites.
Qualifications
- Health Science based degree (level 6) such as BSc Optometry, Biomedical Science, Healthcare Science, Health Physiology, Nursing or equivalent.
- Diploma in OCT Interpretation (Level 5, 120 CATs) or Foundation Degree in OCT (Level 5, 240 CATs) with 3+ years’ Ophthalmic Imaging experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead ophthalmic imaging team and oversee imaging investigations.
- Provide and monitor advanced diagnostic imaging across ophthalmology.
- Manage and train OSP staff within the MDT.
- Support ophthalmic clinical systems and informatics.
- Ensure safe, high-quality imaging and data integrity.
Skills
Education
Job description
Advertised role location: ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL
Official document: Band 6_Senior Ophthalmic Science Practitioner (Systems Support) (doc)
POST: Senior Ophthalmic Science Practitioner (systems support role)
LOCATION: Ophthalmic Services facilities across NI
BAND: 6
REPORTS TO: Advanced Ophthalmic Science Practitioner
RESPONSIBLE TO: Service Manager
The post holder will be an experienced Ophthalmic Science Practitioner (OSP) and will act as a team leader in the Ophthalmic Imaging department in providing and maintaining a high-quality service to the Ophthalmology Directorate. They will provide complex ophthalmic investigation including diagnostic imaging and clinical investigation, to patients of all ages suffering from diseases of the eye and visual system. They will have an advanced knowledge of a range of ophthalmic conditions and will facilitate the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients. They will assist the Advanced OSP in planning and organising available OSP staff resources. They will support, manage and train OSP staff. They will assist the Advanced OSP in the management and implementation of ophthalmic clinical systems, and support image quality assurance. They will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to contribute to the smooth and efficient running of the service across multiple sites to deliver an efficient, responsive, effective and customer focused support service.
- To be skilled in the full range of routine and specialised imaging techniques, which requires advanced knowledge of ophthalmic anatomy and disease to demonstrate the condition correctly and to ensure the correct use of imaging.
- Perform retinal imaging and image analysis and visual field testing using current standard techniques.
- Be responsible for the provision of a range of diagnostic imaging services across ophthalmology.
- Perform and monitor a range of basic and specialist diagnostic imaging investigations to a high level of competence (including Optical Coherence Tomography including enhanced depth imaging, Anterior and Posterior segment photography, Fluorescein angiography, Indocyanine green angiography, Autofluorescence imaging, and OCT Angiography).
- Produce reliable results, and to know how to recognise and rectify situations or artefacts that may affect the validity of the test result.
- Be responsible for own caseload and clinics, prioritising and accepting urgent referrals when necessary.
- Demonstrate a specialist level of competency and knowledge within own field.
- Maintain and develop professional skills in line with advances in ophthalmic imaging.
- Be responsible for the care and welfare of patients attending clinics.
- Regularly participate in multi-disciplinary audits, informing practice as necessary.
- Support the day-to-day operation, maintenance and servicing of the instrumentation used in imaging.
- Undertake troubleshooting and resolutions of problems, which may impact on service delivery.
- Develop, maintain and update SOP’s in keeping with advances in treatment or equipment modification.
- Undertake administrative duties as necessary.
- Under the direction of the Advanced OSP undertake risk assessment of patients, and staff against safety and other standards quality.
- Assist the Advanced OSP to plan and organise available OSP staff resources.
- Under the direction of the Advanced OSP, manage open calls relating to ophthalmic clinical systems and liaise with other Informatics teams (including Trust ICT, third-party suppliers, Ophthalmology PACS management, Epic/ Encompass management) to ensure efficient, effective, timely resolution of calls.
- Assist the advanced OSP to manage user support incidents, problems, and service requests to a satisfactory conclusion. Assist in the testing of modalities used in the ophthalmic imaging service, liaising with the relevant internal and external parties. Assist with producing documentation and providing full information and advice when investigating incidents.
- Under the direction of the Advanced OSP, support the introduction of new systems/techniques.
- Provide support for necessary procurement, servicing and service contracts relating to existing and new ophthalmic imaging equipment.
- Provide professional leadership and support to OSP staff and oversee the management of any technical staff within span of control.
- Act as a specialist in the delivery of technician led services by engaging with and influencing other members of the technical and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Promote and develop effective communication across the MDT, including liaison with all relevant medical, nursing and optometric staff.
- Act as a mentor and resource person for OSPs and members of the MDT.
- Ensure OSP staff compliance with Trust policies and departmental standard operating procedures.
- Participate as required in recruitment and selection in accordance with Trust policies.
- Ensure a robust, effective communication system is in place to support OSP staff.
- Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings and provide feedback to imaging team.
- Promote and ensure equality, diversity and equal rights for all.
Communicate effectively with:
Internal: Patients, relatives & carers, Medical Staff, Nursing staff, All Ophthalmology staff, Administrative and clerical staff, Clinical Engineering, Trust IT department.
External: Medical equipment manufacturers, Software companies, Relevant Professional Bodies.
- Attend departmental scheduling meetings and report to advanced OSP.
- Advise the advanced OSP or departmental manager of any service changes or possible areas of improvement.
- Work with the advanced OSP to predict future imaging needs and streamline pathways to improve efficiency.
- Advise management on new developments in ophthalmic imaging and suitability for implementation to ophthalmic services.
- Maintain the stability of and develop the IT provision for ophthalmic imaging services.
- Assist the Advanced OSP with scheduling/rostering of OSP staff to ensure adequate staffing levels at all ophthalmic imaging sites.
- Assist the Advanced OSP in supporting the long‑term sustainability for support for the maintenance and implementation of ophthalmic clinical systems across the working day and be an expert on the ground to assist users and ensure smooth running of the systems.
- Assist advanced OSP with procurement, acceptance and use of medical devices and consumables.
- Assist advanced OSP with management of all imaging and diagnostic equipment to include regular maintenance, repair and replacement of equipment as necessary.
- Contribute to the effective and efficient use of information resources, administrative patient reporting and data storage; this includes archive of relevant investigation data.
- Actively pursue personal professional development.
- Ensure personal compliance regarding mandatory, professional and personal development according to service needs.
- Maintain appropriate records and work to good clinical practice principles and demonstrate a commitment to professional development and reflective practice.
- Promote clinical supervision and mentorship for staff.
- Be responsible for teaching, training and induction of new OSP staff as required.
- Provide training in basic ophthalmic imaging techniques to other MDT staff as deemed appropriate by the consultant ophthalmic staff.
- Ensure personal compliance with CPD guidelines, professional codes of conduct and evaluate effect of development on service.
- Participate in Trust wide projects where deemed appropriate by consultant ophthalmic staff
- Work closely with senior managers and MDT to assist in the auditing of clinical standards of care within ophthalmology to ensure patients receive a high standard of clinical care.
- Take an active role in quality and service improvement in all areas of ophthalmology services and monitor and maintain all quality systems and processes within own work area.
- Assist the advanced OSP and senior managers in proposing and implementing service improvements across ophthalmology including the development of protocols, patient care pathway and training opportunities for all staff involved in the delivery of ophthalmology services
- Establish and maintain links with a broad range of key stakeholders both internal and external to the Trust.
- Represent the service and the Trust at professional meetings as requested and feeding back information appropriately.
- Actively participate in Trust groups/committees as necessary.
Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:
At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
Promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.
All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.
The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.
The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
- Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);
- Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;
- Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;
- Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
- Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
- Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;
- Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
- Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.
Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).
Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.
http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf
This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
JOB TITLE / BAND: Senior Ophthalmic Science Practitioner
DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Ophthalmology/ Surgery and Specialist Services
Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.
The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.
You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.
Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment
Experience
Qualifications
Registration
Health Science based degree (level 6) qualification such as BSc Optometry, Biomedical Science, Healthcare Science, Health Physiology, Nursing or equivalent
AND
Diploma in OCT Interpretation (Level 5, 120 CATs)
AND
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Ophthalmic Imaging
OR
Foundation Degree in OCT (Level 5, 240 CATs)
AND
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Ophthalmic Imaging
Shortlisting by Application Form
Other (e.g. Driving etc.)
Must hold a full driving license valid in the UK and have access to a car,
Or be able to demonstrate suitable alternative arrangements for travel.
‘Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements’
Must be flexible to meet the needs of the service including travel to other sites, evening and weekend working.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
Evidence of good inter-personal and communication skills.
Evidence of Leadership skills
Evidence of ability to work well within a team and independently.
Advanced knowledge of Ophthalmic Imaging technology
Advanced knowledge of Ophthalmic Clinical Systems and Informatics
Shortlisting by Application Form
Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.
Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment
Experience
Qualifications
Registration
Member of Academy of Healthcare Science (ACHS) and/or OIA registration
Experienced in managing staff
Experienced in training staff
Experienced in communicating with IT departments and equipment manufacturers to maintain imaging equipment
Other
Familiarity with computing techniques, image manipulation and database management.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.
If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.
Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
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