Highly Specialist Orthoptist/ Assistant Head Orthoptist

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

The closing date is 14 May 2025

Job summary

The Orthoptic Department in Wrexham Maelor Hospital is delighted to offer this exciting opportunity to become a Highly Specialist Orthoptist / Assistant Head Orthoptist. Find the detailed job description and person specification below.

Main duties of the job

To support the Head Orthoptist to maintain effective and efficient Orthoptic Services.

To support the Head Orthoptist in service and workforce planning, development and expansion.

To support the Head Orthoptist in maintaining a high level of clinical governance within the department.

Act as Team Leader in the absence of the Head Orthoptist.

The post holder is responsible for assessment and diagnosis of a broad ranging, highly specialised/advanced level complex caseload; including children and adults some of whom have disabilities and visual impairment.

To provide specialist advice and expertise in the field of Orthoptics to patients, colleagues, carers, students and professionals in other fields including Ophthalmology, Paediatrics and Maxillo Facial.

To participate in specialised clinics when required, including the children's refraction service, stroke, visual processing disorders and specialist assessment and management of pupils at Special Schools/Units.

To assist in the clinical teaching of Orthoptics to Orthoptic undergraduates on placement and other health professionals, including pre-registration Optometrists, Health Visitors, School Nurses, General Practitioners (GP), junior doctors and medical students.

To be responsible for specific areas of clinical expertise/ services outside of their core orthoptic role.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales . Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and 'Proud to Lead' competence framework.

Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the "Disability Confident Employer" scheme.

Please check your email account regularly. Successful applicants will receive all recruitment related correspondence via the email account registered on the application form.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Date posted

30 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

050-AHP115-0425

Job locations

Wrexham Maelor Hospital

Croesnewydd Road

Wrexham

LL13 7TD


Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

Person Specification

Qualifications and/or Knowledge

Essential

  • Degree in Orthoptics or Diploma of the British Orthoptic Council
  • Registration with Health Care Professions Council
  • Teaching qualification
  • Management qualification
  • Evidence of working at a Masters level

Desirable

  • Management qualification
  • Experience of Lead or managerial role

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of clinical Orthoptics and related areas.

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

  • Able to demonstrate situations where effective leadership and management skills have been used
  • Be able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when working with others
  • Evidence of undertaking presentation to groups. Evidence of good communication, organisational and time management skills

Desirable

  • Ability to speak Welsh

Values

Essential

  • Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of clinical Orthoptics and related areas Professional and motivated approach.
  • Flexible and reliable approach to working patterns
  • Caring and considerate attitude

Other

Essential

  • Willing to work at community clinics and the Maelor Hospital
  • Enthusiastic.
  • To be competent in written and spoken English
  • CRB clearance

Desirable

  • Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner, carrying case notes and / or equipment
Person Specification

Qualifications and/or Knowledge

Essential

  • Degree in Orthoptics or Diploma of the British Orthoptic Council
  • Registration with Health Care Professions Council
  • Teaching qualification
  • Management qualification
  • Evidence of working at a Masters level

Desirable

  • Management qualification
  • Experience of Lead or managerial role

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of clinical Orthoptics and related areas.

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

  • Able to demonstrate situations where effective leadership and management skills have been used
  • Be able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when working with others
  • Evidence of undertaking presentation to groups. Evidence of good communication, organisational and time management skills

Desirable

  • Ability to speak Welsh

Values

Essential

  • Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of clinical Orthoptics and related areas Professional and motivated approach.
  • Flexible and reliable approach to working patterns
  • Caring and considerate attitude

Other

Essential

  • Willing to work at community clinics and the Maelor Hospital
  • Enthusiastic.
  • To be competent in written and spoken English
  • CRB clearance

Desirable

  • Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner, carrying case notes and / or equipment

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Address

Wrexham Maelor Hospital

Croesnewydd Road

Wrexham

LL13 7TD


Employer's website

https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/train-work-live/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Address

Wrexham Maelor Hospital

Croesnewydd Road

Wrexham

LL13 7TD


Employer's website

https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/train-work-live/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Head Orthoptist

Mr Alex Green

alexander.green@wales.nhs.uk

03000848700

Date posted

30 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

050-AHP115-0425

Job locations

Wrexham Maelor Hospital

Croesnewydd Road

Wrexham

LL13 7TD


Supporting documents

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