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Job summary

Main area
Orthoptics
Grade
Band 6
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Job ref
130-AHP009-0225-C
Employer
Swansea Bay University Health Board
Employer type
NHS
Site
Singleton Hosital
Town
Swansea
Salary
£37,898 - £45,637 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
27/05/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Swansea Bay University Health Board logo

Specialist Orthoptist

Band 6

Welcome to Swansea Bay University Health Board. We welcome applications from people who share our values: caring for each other, working together and always improving.    


Swansea Bay University Health Board reserve the right to close this vacancy after 24 hours if a large number of suitable applications are received. Therefore we encourage early applications to ensure consideration for this post.

Prior consideration for this vacancy will be given to staff currently awaiting redeployment and we therefore reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any stage.

Please be advised that there is a temporary top up for Bands 2 and 3 to reflect the incorporation of the top up to the living wage of £12.60 per hour - £24,638 per annum.

This temporary top up will be in place until the annual pay uplift for 2025/26 is confirmed.


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


 

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join our friendly team of 6 Orthoptists, 2 Orthoptic assistants, 3 Optometrists and 3 Paediatric Consultant Ophthalmologists, working across two main sites at Singleton Hospital and Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

The caseload is diverse including core orthoptic, one stop refraction, adult ocular motility and paediatric clinics.  There is support and encouragement for advanced/extended roles. Advanced roles currently include specialising in stroke, traumatic brain injury and visual function clinics. Our Orthoptist are also actively involved within the medical retina, glaucoma and botulinum clinics.

We are passionate about teaching, providing education and training for undergraduate orthoptists, medical and nursing students.

We provide regular CPD sessions through monthly Ophthalmology audits, regular team meetings and journal clubs, with scope for funding for external courses.

This is a Band 6 post but newly qualified Orthoptists are welcome to apply and will be supported by the BIOS preceptorship programme. 

Main duties of the job

Duties will include using a wide range of orthoptic skills in order to assess, diagnose and manage a variety of both paediatric and adult ocular motility conditions. You must be able to work as part of a team and show enthusiasm. You will have support and supervision but will be expected to work autonomously. Flexibility to adapt to different situations and work under pressure is necessary.

You will be based at the Orthoptic Department, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, but may be required to work at other Orthoptic units within the Health Board so ability to travel is desirable but not essential.

Applicants must hold a degree/diploma in Orthoptics and state registration with the HCPC. Previous experience is not essential as supervision and mentorship will be given.  

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

 

Working for our organisation

We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board. 

As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.

You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.

There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.

Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.

If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and person specification for a detailed outline of the job requirements. This is available for you bilingually, in English and Welsh.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Degree in Orthoptics or Equivalent
  • HCPC Registration
  • Highly Specialised knowledge and skills
Desirable criteria
  • Evidence of Post Graduate study in relevant area of expertise
  • Teaching Qualification
  • IT Qualification

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Working at Band 5 or equivalent
  • Evidence of CPD
  • Experience of working as part of a multi professional team
  • Understanding of wider health care issues within the NHS
Desirable criteria
  • Previous experience at Band 6
  • Teaching experience
  • Evidence of taking part in research and audit

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Good Organisational and Planning skills
  • Able to work unsupervised
Desirable criteria
  • Ability to speak Welsh
  • Ability to teach other Health Professionals

Values

Essential criteria
  • Resilience, adaptability and flexible approach.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoStonewall Health ChampionsStop Smoking Wales is the NHS Smoking Cessation Service in WalesStonewall Hyrwyddwr Amrywiaeth Diversity ChampionDisability confident employerEmployer pledge demonstrating a commitment to change how we think and act about mental healthEmployer pledge demonstrating a commitment to change how we think and act about mental healthCore principles

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Welsh language skills are desirable

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Beca Phillips
Job title
Assistant Head of Orthoptic Services
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01792 285289
Additional information

Alternative number 01792 285213

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