Overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and conscientious Diabetic Eye Screener/Patient Liaison Officer to join the Cheshire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. We invite all our eligible population for screening to ensure the early detection and appropriate monitoring/ treatment of diabetic retinopathy in a bid to reduce sight loss.
The post holder will need to be confident, friendly and have an excellent rapport with service users. The role requires you to work independently within a community based environment, however you will be part of a supportive team. You will be someone who enjoys patient contact and who can make visits to our clinics a positive experience for service users.
Hours per week: 37.5 – 08:30am-16:30pm with a half hour lunch break.
PLEASE NOTE THE ADVERT MAY CLOSE EARLY DUE TO HIGH APPLICATIONS
Main duties
* Around four days a week will be spent running screening clinics in the community as part of a rota. Applicants should be flexible and happy to travel across Cheshire as required by the service. We pay travel expenses and account for travel time to each of our venues.
* Around once a week, the post holder will work from home contacting patients who are overdue a screening appointment and encouraging them to attend, therefore a good telephone manner is paramount.
* Travel to screening locations and arrive punctually to start clinics.
* Establish a rapport with patients and explain the diabetic eye screening process.
* Complete a basic visual acuity test.
* Administer eye drops.
* Operate a retinal camera to take retinal images and/or an OCT machine to take an OCT scan.
* Recognise signs of Diabetic Retinopathy to triage images into the correct grading queue.
* Problem solve should any issues arise.
* Support service users with additional needs/communication requirements.
* Call patients to encourage attendance.
Location options: the successful applicant can be based at Alsager Health Centre (head office) or The Fountains in Chester, depending on home address to optimise expenses.
Qualifications and experience
Essential:
* Good general level of education including GCSE English and Maths.
* City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Diabetic Retinopathy Screening or Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners (Screening).
* Previous administration experience and previous experience of a public facing role.
* Qualified experience as a Diabetic Retinopathy Screener (if applicable).
* Fully competent screener with the ability to take high quality retinal images; knowledge of fundus cameras and basic troubleshooting; ability to operate a fundus camera and recognise eye disease to triage retinal images; understanding of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the eye and of diabetes and its complications.
* Computer literacy with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and ability to adapt to in-house systems; ability to accurately measure visual acuities.
* Excellent communication skills both written and verbal; good telephone manner; ability to prioritise and organise own workload; problem solving skills.
Desirable:
* Knowledge of the UK National Screening Committee, Public Health England and NHS England; knowledge of diabetic eye screening objectives and requirements; knowledge of the Optomize system.
Other requirements
* Flexible; able to work autonomously; reliable and punctual; high attention to detail; conscientious and friendly.
* Visual Display Unit (VDU) use for considerable periods; frequent requirement for concentration; ability to meet travel requirements.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required. Overseas candidates may require sponsorship; see below for guidance.
Employer and application information
Employer: East Cheshire NHS Trust
Locations: Alsager Health Centre, 12 Sandbach Road South, Alsager, ST7 2LT
Salary: Band 2 (unqualified) / Band 3 (qualified) subject to criteria; pay scheme Agenda for Change.
Contract: Permanent; Working pattern: Full-time.
Application notes: Please refer to the attached Applicant Pack and the job description/person specification for full details. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader; applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria. We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a large number of applications. Overseas sponsorship guidance can be found on GOV.UK.
Further information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust is available on the Trust’s Careers page.
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