Job summary
- Main area
- Ophthalmology
- Grade
- Band 8a
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 390-SUR-BR-5172
- Employer
- Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Broomfield
- Town
- Chelmsford
- Salary
- £55,690 Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 02/09/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Head Orthoptist and Technical Services Lead
Band 8a
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital provider in the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS), which is a system of health and care partners working together for our local population.
Within Mid and South Essex there are 149 GP practices, operating from over 200 sites, forming 27 Primary Care Networks and one Ambulance Trust. There are also three main community and mental health service providers who work together through a community collaborative.
We collaborate with other valuable partners, including three Healthwatch organisations, nine voluntary and community sector organisations and three top tier local authorities, with seven district, borough and city councils, as well as our local universities.
Job overview
The post holder will be responsible for managing and developing the Orthoptic and Ophthalmic technician services across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust and be accountable for the delivery of high quality, cost-effective provision of the service in compliance with relevant professional bodies. In consultation with the General Manager and Clinical Lead, the post holder will be required to prioritise and coordinate the development of the services, in line with Trust and national directives to include capacity and strategic planning. The post holder will be responsible for managing the delegated budget ensuring achievement of pre-determined budgets.
You will provide line management and clinical leadership to Orthoptic and Technician staff. To be accountable for the orthoptic and ophthalmic technology service provided by the staff and be accountable for all aspects of their own clinical workload.
The post holder will be expected to maintain effective links with other Managers and Team Leaders within the service to drive quality improvement and the development of clinical practice. He/she will also be expected to represent the department, Business Unit and Trust as required.
The post holder will be expected to undertake Service improvement/transformation projects within the department and to work closely with key colleagues within the department and the wider MSE organisation to review services and delivery of care.
Main duties of the job
Within your role, you will:
· Maintain excellent working relationship with key personnel in ophthalmology across all sites including lead optometrist, optical services team leaders, senior management team, clinical lead and nursing leadership
· Communicate changes to clinic templates and the influence this will have on current working practices.
· Have the ability to report both verbally and in writing the current position in terms of waiting lists and capacity across the service. This includes generating ideas to improve and reduce waiting lists
· To ensure effective communication across sites, and consistent service provision
· Attend and report to senior leadership communication briefing
· Liaise with key external stakeholders including but not confined to local CCGs and Essex LOC as required by general manager for ophthalmology
Working for our organisation
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Are you looking for an exciting new role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.
For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.
We look forward to your application.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- BSc Orthoptics or equivalent Orthoptic qualification.
- Registration with HCPC
- UK Driving Licence
Desirable criteria
- Registration with British Orthoptic Society
- Orthoptic prescribing exemption certificate
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- At least 5 years post qualification experience as an Orthoptist in an acute hospital setting and evidence of continuous CPD
- At least 3-5 years management experience or equivalent obtained through a combination of continuous professional development & training courses including evidence of directly line managing a team.
Desirable criteria
- Management qualification
- Experience developing and implementing business and service development plans.
Communication Skills
Essential criteria
- Good communication and influencing skills. Strong, participative and supportive management style.
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.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Tracy Porter
- Job title
- General manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 07889601454
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