The post holder will work autonomously reporting directly to the Lead Nurse for Ophthalmology and will be clinically based within the Ophthalmology department at Russell’s Hall Hospital. The post holder will be expected to have a close working relationship with senior Ophthalmology staff as well as Dudley DACHS Vision support services (VSS). The post holder will provide a supportive service to visually impaired patients of all ages, their carers and families, through the provision of information and emotional support, helping them to make decisions about their future needs.
Main duties of the job
To provide emotional support to patients, families and carers, ensuring that adequate information is given and providing follow up if required.
To receive direct referrals from consultant Ophthalmologists, Eye Clinic nursing staff, Orthoptists and self-referrals from patients, families and carers.
To discuss and explain registration in detail.
To support patients with their agreement throughout the registration process.
To assist consultants to complete the necessary paperwork (CVI) in accordance with the department of health guidelines and to keep a record of registrations.
To support patients following diagnosis who do not wish to be registered or who are not suitable for registration.
Assess, Plan and ensure patients receive prompt care according to their needs.
To ensure that patients who are experiencing anxiety, distress and/or practical difficulties due to their eye condition, irrespective of their registration status, are referred to the vision support services.
To liaise with the low vision clinic and ensure patients are correctly referred to them.
To maintain a specialist knowledge base of related fields/resources for visually impaired patients.
Qualifications and education
- Educated to Degree Level/Substantial equivalent.
- A Diploma in Rehabilitation Studies (Visual Impairment) or equivalent or first level registration with ophthalmology qualification or professional social worker qualification as defined by the general social care council, registered or eligible for registration on the part of the GSCC register for qualified social workers evidence of continued learning and development.
- Counselling qualification or equivalent.
- ECLO qualification (or willing to work towards)
Experience
- Recent experience of working with people with a visual impairment.
- Computer skills/ ability to produce database.
- Presentation/Teaching skills.
- Good time management.
- Knowledge of clinical audit.
- ECDL/equivalent
Communication and relationship skills
- Knowledge of current services available to people with sight loss.
- Commitment to undertake further training and develop role within DGH.
- Ability to motivate self and others of MDT.
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.
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