Orthoptist

Job details

• Branch: Southern HSC Trust area (SHSCT)
• Location: Trust Wide
• Directorate: Surgery & Clinical Services
• Salary: Band 6 (£38,682 - £46,580)
• Contract Type: Temporary
• Opening Date: 18/05/26
• Closes: Tue, 02 June 2026 @ 4:00 PM
• Interview Dates: To be confirmed

Notes

If you are submitting a manual application, please post it to: Recruitment Shared Services, Rosewood Villa, Longstone Hospital Site, 73 Loughgall Road, Armagh, BT61 7PR. Applications received after the advertised closing date/time cannot be considered, so please allow enough time for postage. “A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026”. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

Job Description

Specialist Orthoptist Band 6

Job Description

JOB TITLE

Specialist Orthoptist

BAND

Band 6

DIRECTORATE

Surgery and Clinical Services

INITIAL LOCATION

SHSCT Trust Wide

REPORTS TO

Head of Orthoptic Service SHSCT

ACCOUNTABLE TO

Head of Allied Health Professions Acute

JOB SUMMARY

To work under the direction of the Line Manger to deliver a comprehensive range of Orthoptic services to the highest standards of quality and care ensuring that Orthoptic care is delivered in keeping with agreed professional and Trust standards and values.

The post holder will be required to work mainly single handed to organise the day-to-day running of clinics, undertake and manage waiting lists at scheduled locations.

To provide comprehensive, high quality Orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner, and to work as an effective member of the cross-site Orthoptic team in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients with ocular motility disorders and amblyopia; to develop and monitor effective treatment plans using specialist skills based on clinical and analytical reasoning and using evidence-based practice.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

For each of the following the post holder will;

Main Duties/Responsibilities

As an autonomous practitioner be responsible for the investigation, diagnosis and formulation of a programme of treatment for all patients, adults and children referred to Orthoptic clinics where duties are scheduled and to liaise with the Orthoptics Services Manager regarding problems arising.

To plan and organise this efficiently and effectively with regard to clinical priorities and use of time.

To continually review the service needs of Orthoptic patients and prioritise own clinical caseload and keep accurate contemporaneous records.

To instruct patients/carers in a continuous course of home treatment and supply both written and verbal information.

To assess, diagnose and formulate a programme of treatment for new patients from all recognised referral sources.

To support and communicate in the appropriate way with patient/carers regarding issues and options relating to patient diagnosis, treatment and care to empower patients in the management of their condition.

To liaise with ophthalmic medical staff in matters relating to patient’s assessment and treatment.

To take the lead in the decision and timing of referrals to the Ophthalmologist for surgery or other matters during patients treatment.

To undertake pre and post-operative assessment of patients.

To identify surgical risks (pre, peri, and post surgery) and to discuss these with the patients, parents/carers and surgeon.

To assess patients’ post-operative progress and modify treatment accordingly.

To liaise with other disciplines as necessary to promote the effective co-ordination of Orthoptics and other services.

To undertake the testing of children in schools and special schools in the community and participate in Child Development Clinics.

To undertake the assessment of in-patients and arrange appropriate review in either the virtual or Out-patient stroke clinic.

To record and maintain adequate clinical records to the departments standards and ensure the confidentiality and safety of these records and information relating to Patients.

To develop and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of techniques and technology and to attend appropriate training events which ensure continuous professional development.

The post holder will participate in an appraisal system to give and receive feedback/advice on personal development.

Adherence to the Trust’s policies and statutory legislation.

To undertake and interpret visual fields analysis.

Adherence to the professional standards as contained in the Orthoptic Quality Manual and contribute to the monitoring, maintenance and further development of professional quality standards. Adherence to the H.C.P.C. professional code of ethics. Registration with H.C.P.C. is a requirement of employment in the NHS.

To undertake the evaluation of own work through the use and application of evidence-based practice, audit research and outcome measures.

To enter Patient treatment information on the Trust Information system to facilitate the collection of statistical data and any other information required by the Orthoptic Services Manager to monitor and cost the service.

To ensure the efficient use and maintenance of equipment and stock control and reporting of any faults

To organise and oversee, as appropriate, the day-to-day running of the clinic in areas such as making appointments and maintaining a records system, ordering supplies and occlusion materials that ensure the effective and efficient delivery of service. Will liaise with the Orthoptic Services Manager to ensure sufficient funds are available before ordering equipment.

Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, including full participation in KSF Development Reviews/appraisals, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post

To provide Training / demonstration to other Health Professionals and Students, and participate in Careers Conventions.

To bring to the attention of the Orthoptic Services manager any risk, or potential risk identified within the work practice.

To collect Statistical data and any other information required by the Orthoptic Services Manger to monitor the service.

At the discretion of the Orthoptic Services Manager will be required to provide cover at other clinics throughout Northern Trust area during periods of extended sick leave, staff vacancies etc.

To provide training/demonstration to other Health Professionals and participate in Careers Conventions.

Newly qualified / returner Orthoptist will be expected to participate in preceptorship.

At the discretion of the Orthoptic Services Manager, may be required to provide Orthoptic cover at other clinics throughout Southern Trust area.

To carry out other duties assigned by the Orthoptic Services Manager commensurate with the post

Contribute to the development of Orthoptic policies, procedures and standards and ensure adherence to these.

Have a sound working knowledge of relevant IT systems, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, email, etc.

To be responsible for the care and maintenance of equipment within department.

Clinical and Professional

To maintain a current knowledge of Orthoptics and related topics.

Working as an autonomous practitioner in a single-handed capacity without direct supervision

To understand the guidelines, SOPs, and protocols that impact on the orthoptic service.

Contribute to the development of annual governance and audit plans which will promote a culture of quality improvement.

Communication

To have excellent and highly developed communication skills with all staff, patients, and parents/ carers of patients.

To communicate the initial actual or potential diagnosis which may be of a distressing nature requiring sensitive, careful explanation of highly complex information, either to the parent or carer of a child, or to an adult patient

Develop and maintain effective communication networks within the Orthoptic team and with other disciplines, services/agencies and patients/clients/carers including Ophthalmology and Optometry.

To write reports and recommendations to health/education professionals, parents/carers and special schools as required.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The post holder will be required to

Ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.

Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example

Smoke Free policy

IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct

standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour

Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.

Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.

All employees of the Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Trust including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the Trust’s policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.

Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within the Trust's area, as needs of the service demand.

RAISING CONCERNS - RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will 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 the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

September 2025

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND Specialist Orthoptist Band 6

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Orthoptic Department / Surgery and Clinical Services

SALARY £37,338 - £44,962

HOURS 37.5 hours per week

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 in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 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.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SECTION 1: 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

Minimum of 2 years’ experience working as a Band 5/6 Orthoptist

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration

Completion of Orthoptics Degree (BSc) BMedSci (Orthoptics) or Diploma of British Orthoptic Council (BDO).

Registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities

Must demonstrate good organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to identify solutions to problems and implement them effectively.

Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team

Demonstrate a commitment to the provision of high quality and safe services with an ability to drive a culture of continuous improvement and good clinical practice.

Interview

Knowledge

Knowledge of current HPSS reforms and their impact on the Orthoptic Service.

Up to date knowledge of Orthoptic management and practice.

Have an excellent understanding of Orthoptic assessment and intervention for paediatric and adult patients

Evidence of post-graduate professional development

Interview

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

SECTION 3: these 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 criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Evidence of CPD

Experience of delivering student supervision and clinical education to Orthoptic undergraduates.

Evidence of assessing, managing and treating a wide variety of Orthoptic conditions

Shortlisting by Application Form

If this post is being sought on secondment then the individual MUST have the permission of their line manager IN ADVANCE of making application.

As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.

THE TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Successful applicants

may be required to attend for a Health Assessment

can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.

are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times