Job overview

This is a chance to join an exciting and growing department of 28 imagers and to use some of the most up to date imaging equipment in the country. 
Candidates should have some previous experience of imaging, ideally Ophthalmic, be enthusiastic and be prepared to work in a busy environment with a flexible approach to working hours as some evening and weekend work will be included. Some working in our cross site locations including Lymington Hospital may be required to cover for sickness or leave

Main duties of the job

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting. 

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached. 

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Some previous Ophthalmic imaging would be desirable, but full training will be given with the opportunity to progress to using more advance
imaging techniques and instrumentation once competencies have been achieved.

The successful candidate will have had experience of working in a healthcare setting or working with people. 
An interest or experience in photography or imaging would be helpful, but full training will be given. 
You will need to be a good communicator as you will be dealing with mainly older patients, some with visual impairment. 
The successful applicant will be asked to work independently with minimal supervision as well as part of a busy team.
They will be expected to carry out visual field assessments, OCTs using various different imaging instruments and platforms, as well as other imaging techniques as requested by coordinating senior imagers on the day, depending on experience. 
There will be some teaching and supervision of more junior/less experienced imagers expected.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential criteria

• Science A Level or equivalent experience
• Experience of working within Ophthalmic imaging or relevant field to Level 4 Diploma equivalent
• A detailed understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the eye and a sound knowledge of ophthalmic conditions
• Detailed knowledge of the Visual pathway and how it relates to visual fields defects in different pathologies
• Competent in the use of Humphrey visual field analyser
• Should be proficient, certificated and confident in the imaging of patient’s Retina, Optic Discs, Corneas using a variety of equipment including, Fundus camera and software programmes for retinal photography.
• Good, clear communication in order to explain tests to patients who may be hard of hearing or where there are barriers to understanding
• Methodical approach to tasks as intense concentration for long periods of time is required
• Excellent hand/eye dexterity to be able to make fine adjustments to imaging equipment / apparatus
• Work under pressure to achieve defined goals/targets
• Able to assist patients in wheelchairs in confined spaces
• Ability to perform various imagery in dimly lit and dark environments
• Good level of corrected vision to enable the determination of whether an image is clear and sharply focussed

Desirable criteria

• Competent to use Octopus Perimeter.
• Management Experience
• The ability to build and maintain good working relationships with hospital staff at all levels.
• Teaching experience
• Experience of using image manipulation and graphics software

Skills and competencies

Essential criteria

• Communication
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills
• Change management
• Coordination
• Data entry
• Interpersonal skills
• General IT skills
• Organisational skills
• People management
• Working under pressure
• Motivational

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large numbers of applications are received.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date of this post, please presume that you have not been selected for interview.

Applicants from University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust whose posts are considered to be ‘At Risk’ will be given prior consideration for this post

Our Trust runs the return to practice course each year for nurses who have been out of the profession and wish to return. To find out more please visit our website:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/WorkingHere/Typesofjob/Nurses/Returntonursing.aspx

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/   Information on Southampton as a place to live and enjoy

https://www.uhs-vle.co.uk/   See what fantastic training and development we have on offer at UHS

http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthamptonHospitals learn about the Trust through visiting our YouTube channel 

Getting to Work

Application can be made for parking on site at UHS or through one of the park and ride schemes. This will be based on specific criteria to determine eligibility for site parking as this can be very limited.  UHS encourages staff to utilise other green methods of getting to work such as cycling or walking where possible. UHS is well connected through bus services to the city centre and other areas.

Please note that we will not accept any applications or queries via agencies, under any circumstances.

Our staff are positive about working at UHS and rate us above average compared to other NHS Trusts in the Staff Attitude Survey. We are rated strongly on a number of areas including teamwork, communication and engagement.

Equality remains at the centre of all Trust policy making, service delivery and employment practice with all employees being given equality of opportunity to develop, apply for promotion and have working arrangements that enable them to achieve a manageable work-life balance.

The Trust actively promotes a work environment free from harassment and discrimination and provides training for managers and staff to ensure this happens. The Trust also closely monitors recruitment activity, training and development and employment practices to ensure equality of practice with regard to race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status and age.

As a service provider the Trust ensures equality of access and delivery of our services through the provision of interpreter services, facilities for the disabled and sensitivity for patients ethnic and religious differences and needs.

Relocating to Southampton

If you are thinking of moving to the Hampshire area, please find below a link to our website which offers guidance on finding accommodation:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/relocating-to-southampton

The Trust is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on this form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.