Senior Optical Assistant

The Senior Optical Assistant will provide support to the DESP Management Team with training and development of the screening/grading team by actively encouraging staff development. They will be key in assisting with daily team coordination and programme performance improvements. The role will be a hybrid role between the office in Cork and home working. The post holder will ensure that they deliver their role in line with national standards, providing an excellent screening service with the ultimate aim of reducing new blindness due to diabetic retinopathy. They will regularly screen patients in line with company policy and national guidance, ensuring these skills are regularly exercised and service is provided to the highest possible standard. They should act a model retinal technician and lead by example. Oversee the induction and training of all new members of staff locally and support the process in other teams where necessary. Undertake and review skills and competency assessments for all retinal technicians ensuring all are reviewed for compliance at least twice a year. Undertake annual appraisals for members of the team and support in the appraisal process for other team members when necessary. Responsible for the upkeep and management of programme equipment to ensure technical maintenance policies are followed and undertaken to reduce poor quality images. The Senior Diabetic Retinal Technician should also coordinate with the relevant person(s) to report any areas of fault or failure immediately when identified. Maintain staff rota, assist with administration tasks, coordinate, record and submit staff leave and other monthly requirements including collation of team expenses and other tasks of this nature. The Senior Diabetic Retinal Technician is directly responsible for the management, development and organisation of a team of Diabetic Retinal Technicians and their performance within the role and team. The Senior Diabetic Retinal Technician will support Programme Manager/Team Leader ensuring the achievement of service objectives and KPI's, including training and competency of the workforce. Direct impact on organisation reputation with stakeholders including commissioners, healthcare professionals and service users.

Responsibilities

Provide support to the DESP Management Team with training and development of the screening/grading team; Assist with daily team coordination and programme performance improvements; Deliver role in line with national standards, providing an excellent screening service with the ultimate aim of reducing new blindness due to diabetic retinopathy; Regularly screen patients in line with company policy and national guidance; Act as model retinal technician and lead by example; Oversee the induction and training of all new members of staff locally; Undertake and review skills and competency assessments for all retinal technicians; Undertake annual appraisals for team members; Manage programme equipment and ensure technical maintenance policies are followed; Maintain staff rota, assist with administration tasks, coordinate and submit staff leave and monthly requirements; Manage, develop and organise the team of Diabetic Retinal Technicians; Support Programme Manager/Team Leader in achieving service objectives and KPIs

Requirements

Previous experience in Diabetic Retinopathy Screening is essential; Minimum of pass Leaving Certificate or equivalent; Must display people management skills and the ability to lead a team; Must be IT literate and have knowledge of information governance; Capability to work largely unsupervised, but with the responsibility of close supervision of other clinical staff within the programme; Must display a good level of initiative, ability to prioritise tasks and to use problem solving skills; Must be able to exercise openness through consulting with their line managers at all times; Must have excellent communication skills at all levels; Candidates must be able to demonstrate a pre-existing right to work and travel within the EU; A full, clean Irish driving licence is essential; All offers are subject to satisfactory vetting and reference checks

Nice to have

Higher certificate in Diabetic Retinal Screening or similar

Benefits

Matched Rate Pension; 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays