Deputy Head Orthoptist

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Oxford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a Deputy Head Orthoptist to support the Head Orthoptist in leadership, management and service development within the Orthoptic service.

You will provide senior clinical expertise in the assessment and management of complex orthoptic and ophthalmic conditions, working with ophthalmologists, optometrists and the multidisciplinary team to maintain high standards of patient care.

Qualifications

• BSc or equivalent qualification in Orthoptics, HCPC registered.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
• Senior clinical expertise and ability to lead Orthoptists and staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operational management of the Orthoptic service.
• Provide clinical leadership and support to the Orthoptic team.
• Assess, diagnose and manage patients with complex orthoptic/ophthalmic conditions.
• Contribute to service development and new ways of working.
• Engage in governance, audit, quality improvement and risk management.
• Lead workforce planning and efficient use of resources.
• Support education, supervision and professional development of staff.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Communication

Leadership

Prioritisation

Teamwork

Patient-centred care

Initiative

Education

BSc or equivalentOrthoptics

HCPC registration

CPD evidence

Job description

Working closely with the Head Orthoptist, you will play an important role in the day-to-day leadership and development of the Orthoptic service. You will support the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care and contribute to the ongoing improvement and development of the service. As Deputy Head Orthoptist, you will support the Head Orthoptist in the effective management and leadership of the Orthoptic service, including deputising in their absence. You will provide senior clinical expertise and support to the Orthoptic team, managing patients with a broad range of complex ophthalmic and orthoptic conditions. You will work collaboratively with Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure high standards of patient care. You will contribute to:

• The day-to-day operational management of the Orthoptic service.
• Clinical leadership and support for Orthoptists and wider members of the team.
• The assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with complex orthoptic and ophthalmic conditions.
• Service development and the implementation of new ways of working.
• Clinical governance, audit, quality improvement and risk management.
• Workforce planning and the effective use of resources.
• Education, supervision and professional development of staff.
• Maintaining and developing clinical standards in line with professional and Trust requirements.
• Supporting recruitment, induction and development of Orthoptic staff.
• Working closely with the wider Ophthalmology and multidisciplinary teams.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to the future development of the Orthoptic service whilst developing your own leadership and management experience. The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and forward-thinking Deputy Head Orthoptist to join our friendly and supportive team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Orthoptist to develop their leadership and management skills whilst continuing to provide high-quality specialist clinical care.

• BSc or equivalent qualification in Orthoptics.
• HCPC registration as an Orthoptist.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable:

• Relevant leadership, management or postgraduate qualification.
• Further specialist training relevant to the role.

Experience Essential:

• Significant post-registration experience as an Orthoptist.
• Broad clinical experience across a range of orthoptic and ophthalmic conditions.
• Experience of managing complex patients.
• Experience of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Evidence of involvement in audit, clinical governance, service development or quality improvement.
• Experience of supporting or supervising colleagues and/or students.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a senior or leadership role.
• Experience of service management and workforce planning.
• Experience of implementing service improvements or new ways of working.

Skills and abilities Essential:

• Excellent clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide clinical leadership and support to colleagues.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and contribute positively to service development.

We welcome applications from candidates who are passionate about Orthoptics and who are keen to develop their leadership skills.

• qualified orthoptist with HCPC registration
• 5 years clinical experience

Desirable criteria

• MSc qualification in leadership or ACP

Sexual Safety Charter: In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles, You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises of four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury. Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury. Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence, and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel.

Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment. If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment. If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.