Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job overview

We are pleased to invite applications for the post within our ophthalmology service at the South Sites – Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, and Orpington Hospital.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Band 3 Ophthalmic Technician to further develop advanced diagnostic imaging skills, support the development of new starters, and contribute to service improvement initiatives.

Main duties of the job

This role offers the opportunity to carry out advanced ophthalmic diagnostic testing while playing a key part in developing the next generation of clinicians through active support, mentoring, and supervision. You’ll contribute to consistently high-quality, patient-centred care that reflects Trust values, and be encouraged to participate in service improvement initiatives and continuous professional development. Ideal candidates brings experience as a Band 3 Ophthalmic Technician, strong communication and teamwork skills, and a commitment to maintaining exceptional standards of patient care.

Working for our organisation

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification

• Advanced Clinical Skills: Performs a wider range of specialised diagnostic tests and advanced imaging, demonstrating high-level technical competence and accuracy.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Supports, supervises, and mentors less experienced colleagues, including new starters, fostering skill development and best practice within the team.
• Autonomous Working: Exercises greater autonomy in managing patient pathways, escalating complex issues appropriately.
• Service Improvement: Actively contributes to service development, audit, and quality improvement initiatives, implementing best practice and innovations in ophthalmic care.
• Enhanced Patient Care: Applies advanced knowledge to support patient-centred care, adapting approach for complex needs and ensuring consistency of high-quality care across the service.
• Governance and Professional Responsibility: Demonstrates leadership in governance, safety, and compliance, including maintaining equipment standards, contributing to clinical audits, and ensuring adherence to Trust policies.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• General education: GCSE or equivalent including English and Maths
• NVQ Level 3 in Health or equivalent experience
• Ophthalmic/Healthcare-related qualification (e.g., Care Certificate, Diploma)

Desirable criteria

• Advanced ophthalmic qualification or training relevant to diagnostic imaging

Knowledge & Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience in advanced ophthalmic imaging and diagnostics (OCT, fundus photography, visual fields)
• Experience supporting new starters or mentoring colleagues
• Significant experience working in ophthalmology or diagnostic clinical setting

Skills

Essential criteria

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-professional team

IMPORTANT

• Check your email account regularly as this is how we will communicate with you
• If you delete the job from any of your accounts, you may be prevented from accessing further communications
• To enquire about your application or inform us of any changes in your circumstances, please contact the named person on this advert
• Please provide email addresses for referees where possible
• Please review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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