Job overview
The Brighton and Sussex NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme is looking for a enthusiastic person to train towards being a Diabetic Eye Screener Grader or someone who is already a qualified Screener and/ or Grader.
The training involves completion of a two year diploma including on the job support and training. You will be based at Royal Sussex County Hospital and will travel to various healthcare settings within West and East Sussex undertaking screening clinics.
The trainee position will be offered as band 3 for qualified grader band 4 position
You will be able to work both as part of a team and independently in developing and delivering the programme and must present excellent communication skills. You will be accountable in carrying out clinical duties associated with the role and are expected to work in line with National Quality Assurance Standards.
A variety of essential tasks alongside screening and grading will be required including data collection and analysis, liaising with a number of internal and external contacts and involvement in service improvement projects, therefore your enthusiasm for a career in Diabetic Eye Screening must be evident.
Post holder will be required to work some evening and weekend clinics. It is essential to have the use of a car and a full UK driver licence.
Main duties of the job
The trainee Screener is a key member of the screening team responsible for the effective delivery of a diabetic eye screening and grading service and once accredited will be involved in the diagnostic identification of patients with sight threatening diabetic retinopathy.
The Screener ensures accurate visual acuity testing of patients.
Administer dilation eye drops prior to photography according to protocol.
Awareness of the possible undesirable effects of dilating drops, and to provide patient education regarding these.
Develop technical skills in the use of fundus camera and OCT imaging, take the best quality imaging correctly aligned and using external fixator if required.
Deal with patients sympathetically and tactfully whilst maintaining confidentiality.
The successful applicant will work towards qualification in the Diploma for Health Screening.
The post involves travel to different locations daily some locations are not accessible via public transport therefore it is essential the Screener has access to own transport and a full UK drivers licence.
It is at times lone working. Screening and Grading require concentration for long periods, constantly screening patients or grading images. The work requires the Screener/Grader to work mostly in a darkened room.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Main duties and responsibilities
Communication
·To communicate with the Screening Team Leader on all aspects of screening, ensuring they are aware of concerns and can provide appropriate clinical guidance.
·Dealing with complex and sensitive information
·To use diabetic eye screening knowledge and excellent communication skills when explaining to patients the importance of Diabetic Eye Screening
·Liaising with staff and managers over a range of issues
·To adapt communication styles to deal with difficult situations, including dealing with communication barriers and dealing with verbal aggression.
·To overcome barriers to communication with patients such as learning difficulties, dementia, and language barriers and treat patients with empathy and always adopt a professional approach.
·Support effective communication with all members of the team through emailing and telephone calls/conversations
Service delivery and improvement
·To work in a variety of different clinic locations and settings within West Sussex and East Sussex programme area.
·To travel to different locations via own car and have a full UK drivers' licence.
·To assist, when requested, in service development and carry out processes in line with department policies and protocols, as required.
·To ensure compliance with all local screening and grading procedures
·To contribute to Brighton and Sussex DESP projects as they arise.
People management and development
1. The post holder will be trained and will work towards completion of the Level 3 Health Screeners Diploma.
2. To participate in the appraisal process and identify own individual development needs.
3. To be compliant with all Trust policies and procedures and attend all mandatory training.
4. To attend internal and external training and conferences as part of CPD.
5. Responsible for carrying out duties in line with the Trust’s e-rostering processes, including managing rosters, supporting staff allocation, and contributing to effective budget reconciliation and workforce planning
Patient care delivery
·To perform image capture (screening) within the screening clinics as required by the National Screening common pathway programme delivery.
·Administer eye drops to patients as directed in the Department protocol, being aware of any possible contra-indications and side effects.
·To manage timing of screening clinics for patients aged 12 and over (this will require face-to-face consultation with patients, parents and/or carers). A high level of knowledge in the assessment of disease is required, and decision-making skills are required to determine outcomes and onward referral.
·To accurately record clinical observations on electronic patient record system (OptoMize) observing data protection and use of computerised appointment systems. Continually develop comprehensive specialist knowledge and competence
·To carry out screening test under occasionally unpleasant conditions such as close examination of patients with poor hygiene and leg ulcers.
·To ensure all patients/carers and others are treated with dignity and respect.
·To work evenings and weekends.
Learning and development
·Attend mandatory training updates as required.
·Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
·Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
·Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
·Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation.
Person specification
Evidence
Essential criteria
6. Full UK drivers licence and access to vehicle for driving to various locations
Desirable criteria
7. Experience working within NHS diabetic eye screening programme
8. Experience working in person facing role such as healthcare, retail, hospitality
Qualifications
Essential criteria
9. GCSE passes (grade C and above, or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics
10. A basic understanding of Diabetic Eye Screening Basic knowledge of NDESP QA Standards and KPIs
Desirable criteria
11. City & Guilds Screening Diploma Health Care Certificate ECDL or equivalent
12. Health Care Certificate ECDL or equivalent
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
13. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
14. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications