Orthoptic Assistant for School vision screening
Job summary
To be a vision screener within the Orthoptic Team providing vision screening to 4-5 year olds in schools throughout the 84 Primary Schools in the Stockport area, following the standard clinical and administrative procedures.
The successful candidate will be expected to perform vision screening tests on 4-5 year olds unsupervised and to be able to carry out all administrative duties related to vision screening including accurate record keeping and computer input.
Travel by car throughout Stockport is required by the post-holder. To input into excel & Word documents and patient systems to record information.
To undertake assistant duties in orthoptic clinics when required to do so.
Main duties of the job
- To provide a high quality vision screening service for 4-5 year old children in primary schools across the Stockport area
- To work autonomously in the primary schools in Stockport. This involves working within set standing operating procedures, guidelines and policy without supervision.
- To ensure accurate and timely referral if the vision screening 'pass' criteria, as set out by national guidance, is not met. May be first point of contact for patients and is totally responsible for ensuring eye care is accessed when indicated by vision screening result.
- To co-ordinate with school staff in the delivery of the service ensuring that the testing environment is appropriate.
- To check all consent forms to ensure the correct child and only those with consent are tested.
- To input into hospital computer systems to ensure patient information and clinical outcomes are recorded accurately. To be computer literate.
- To work effectively as part of a team.
- To recognise non-compliance during screening tests and take appropriate action recognising that this may be due to different factors (learning disability, autistic spectrum disorder).
- To undertake clerical and administrative duties involved in the running of the hospital orthoptic departments at Stepping Hill Hospital and Stockport primary schools.
- Organise and plan own day to day workload or activities in order to meet the demands of the job role.
About us
We hold a unique position in the Stockport community as the provider of healthcare and we are one of its largest employers.
We believe that the best organisations are those that reflect the communities they serve. We are therefore seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce to make it truly representative of our local population.
We actively encourage applications irrespective of race, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage & civil partnership, or pregnancy or maternity. Recognising those communities that are underrepresented within our workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from you.
If you require support with your application please contact a member of the recruitment team, who can discuss alternative application methods.
We recognise that flexible working is important. We take requests for flexible working seriously, consider any request we receive and try to work with you, so we can explore if your request may fit with the needs of the service.
Benefits we offer to you:
- Between 27-33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
- NHS pension scheme membership
- Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, home electronics and more, to make your salary go further
- NHS Staff discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary finance - for loans, savings, budget planning and tips on managing debt
- Stockport Credit Union- for local financial advice
Job description
Job responsibilities
As an autonomous practitioner to be legally and professionally responsible and accountable for management of patients in Stockport NHS Trust.
To test the visual acuity of 4-5 year olds in the primary school environment.
To recognise non-compliance during screening tests and take appropriate action recognising that this may be due to different factors (learning disability, autistic spectrum disorder) and liaise with a Senior Orthoptist if required.
To be able to assess a pass or fail in vision of a 4-5-year-old child in accordance with Trust and National vision screening guidelines.
To direct referrals for children who have failed in a timely manner, prioritising appropriately according to guidelines.
- To assist patients/service users/carers/relatives during incidental contacts.
- To act as an advocate for the patient and their family, including promoting and protecting their interests, rights, equality, inclusion and privacy.
- To participate in the investigation and management of incidents / complaints as required.
- Ensure orthoptic vision screening related documentation is appropriate, accountable and defensible.
Person Specification
Previous Experience
- Experience with working in Healthcare setting or similar
- Experience with working with Children or young people
- Qualification in healthcare
- Knowledge of child development / vision development/ eye care services
Qualifications
- Numerate and literate to GCSE level or equivalent including English and Maths GCSE
Key Skills and ability
- Excellent communication skills with Adults and children
- To be computer literate - good knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheets, be a fast learner for hospital computer systems
Experience working with children
- Ability to deal with children with challenging behaviours or additional needs
- Experience with eye care services and/or experiences of working in a school setting
Communication
- Ability to handle sensitive situations
- To be able to quickly develop a rapport with young children
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Employer details
Employer name
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Outpatients B, Stepping Hill Hospital
Popular Grove
Stockport
SK27JE
United Kingdom
Employer's website
http://www.stockport.nhs.uk/