Download job and person specification

Southern Adelaide Health Service
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
(NON-MANAGERIAL)
TITLE OF POSITION:
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT:
Orthoptist
Southern Adelaide Health Service
Classification: PO2
Health Unit: Flinders Medical Centre
Position No:
Division: Executive Services
Classification Reviewed:
Department / Section: Ophthalmology
Position Created: 10/01/2009
Job and Person Specification Approval
_________________________________________
CEO or Delegate
_____/_____/_____
Date
JOB SPECIFICATION
1. PREAMBLE
The Southern Adelaide Health Service (Southern Health) was established in 2004. It brought
together Flinders Medical Centre, Noarlunga Health Services and Drug and Alcohol Services
Council. It includes Population & Primary Health Care, Southern Mental Health and Southern
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, and works closely with other health providers in the
southern area. Repatriation General Hospital, a public teaching hospital, formally joined
Southern Health in July 2008, further consolidating the working relationship formed over the past
four years.
With an annual budget in excess of $500M, Southern Health provides care for around 330,000
people living in the southern metropolitan area of Adelaide as well as providing a number of statewide services, and services to those in the regional areas.
More than 7,000 skilled staff provide high quality patient care, education, research and health
promoting services.
2. SUMMARY OF THE BROAD PURPOSE OF THE POSITION and its responsibilities/duties
The Department of Ophthalmology is a clinical teaching department within the Executive
Services division. The Department provides a range of services including patient care, research,
community service and teaching.
Ophthalmology’s patients are seen in the Flinders Eye Centre which is located on the 2nd Floor of
Flinders Private Hospital.
The Orthoptist is responsible for the provision of an effective and efficient Orthoptic service within
the Flinders Eye Centre. The main duties associated with the position will involve the
coordination of the outpatient clinic to ensure patient flow throughout the clinic is well organised
and timely. This will be achieved by encouraging and supporting team work and coordination
amongst staff for optimal clinical service outcomes and contributes to a strategic approach to the
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planning and evaluation of Orthoptic services. The incumbent will also be expected to train other
clinical staff in the correct use of all Ophthalmic clinical apparatus used throughout the clinic.
Other Responsibilities include identifying training opportunities personally and for other staff, as
well as improving patient care quality outcomes by keeping abreast of new technologies and
advanced techniques.
In addition, the Orthoptist will provide discrete professional and consultancy services by
conducting independent clinics for externally referred patients.
The Orthoptist also conducts vision screening of children on referral from Child and Youth Health,
medical officers, teachers and schools, physios and occupational therapists.
3. REPORTING/WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
(to whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is
responsible, and other significant connections and working relationships within the organisation)
Supervisor Reports to:
Head of Ophthalmology
Supervisor’s Position:
Senior Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist
Subject Position:
Orthoptist
Positions supervised:
None
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4. SPECIAL CONDITIONS (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime, etc)
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Job and Person Specifications are reviewed regularly as part of the ongoing Performance
Development process.
May be required to work within other locations of the Southern Adelaide Health Service.
Some out of hours work may be required.
Support values consistent with the aims of the Region, including honesty, respect and
integrity.
Will be required to undertake a health assessment prior to commencement.
Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Offender History Check.
Comply with the Principles of the Code of Fair Information Practice, adopted by the
Department of Health, which regulate the collection, use, disclosure, storage and transfer of
all personal patient/client information within the Department and throughout its funded service
providers.
5. STATEMENT OF KEY OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES
(group in to major areas
of responsibility / activity and list in descending order of importance).
Contribute to the effective clinical management of FMC patients by:
Developing and ascertaining patient information relating to family history, past ocular and medical
history and signs and symptoms by:
 Interviewing of Patient/Parents
 Reviewing of Case notes and referral letters
 Conducting problem definition, clinical assessments, analysis, planning, and execution of
treatment management plans for varied visual disabilities.
 Assisting with the patient triaging process by identifying levels of urgency in relation to
outpatient appointments, as well as theatre day surgery cases.
 Assisting the overall flow of the clinic by ensuring the right test is performed on the right
patient at the right time.
 Exploring whether patient flow through the clinic could be improved by using ‘Lean Thinking’
principles and practices.
Assessing patient’s Ocular and Ophthalmological conditions by:
 Conducting visual acuity tests including pre-literate and non-verbal tests (ability to
discriminate detail).
 Conducting eye movement tests, including convergence, tracking, pursuits and saccades.
 Evaluation of focus strength and range.
 Ascertaining aspects of binocular function including fusion and stereopsis.
 Colour perception.
 Visual fields including automated perimetry.
 Conducting various methods of tonometry.
 Conduction various ocular imaging methods such as OCT, HRT and Pentacam.
Developing and implementing treatment plans for the provision of Orthoptic care by:
 Selecting, planning and supervision of occlusion therapy for amblyopia
 Putting in place exercises for convergency insufficiency and muscle imbalances
 Providing information for surgical, optical or medical treatment
Conducting, selecting and interpreting Orthoptic testing procedures to ascertain levels of Optic
function by:
 Visual acuity tests (Snellen, Sheridan Gardiner,,Keiler Elliott, Logmar, forced preferential
viewing and low vision testing techniques)
 Cover test, Prism tests and Prism bar cover tests
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Synoptophore
Ocular Movements and Hess Screen
Steretopsis tests – TNO and Titmus
Maddox Wing, Maddox Rod and Worth Lights
Vertometry and Keratometry
Visuscopic examination
Manual and Automated perimetry
Contrast Sensitivity tests
Colour tests such as Ishihara and Farnsworth-Munsell
Ensuring a comprehensive, effective and efficient Orthoptist service by developing models of
communication that will develop rapport by:
 Presenting understandable explanation of tests and treatments
 Providing information and advice to parents, care providers and children, where appropriate
Liaising with other Health Professionals and Community Advocates to ensure maximum benefit
and ensure improved visual function is achieved by:
 Communication to other Therapists
 Communication to educators and teachers in identifying the special requirements of a child in
their school and home settings
Initiating and conducting clinical and pure research programmes related to the discipline which
will involve research undertaken by the Department of Ophthalmology.
Participate in and provide focus for education of Ophthalmology staff:
 Orthoptic students from La Trobe and Sydney University
 Ophthalmic Registrars
 Clinical Nursing Staff
 Other Allied Health Personnel
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Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment, free from discrimination and harassment
by working in accordance with legislative requirements, the Code of Conduct and
departmental human resource policies, including the OHS&W requirements.
Acknowledged by Occupant:______________________________ Date:_____/_____/_____
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
1.
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (those characteristics considered absolutely necessary)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
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A Degree in Orthoptic and Ophthalmic Science or an equivalent qualification approved by the
Commissioner of Public Employment.
Membership to the Australian Orthoptic Board
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
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Effective interpersonal skills
Effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to work and relate with children and
their families, as well as other patients
Ability to communicate with staff at all levels
Ability to prioritise work and adapt to the current and changing clinical situation and/or conditions
Flexible work regime
Self-motivated and ability to work under limited professional supervision
Proven commitment to the principles and practise of:
- EEO, Ethical Conduct, diversity and OHS&W;
- Quality management and client oriented service;
- Risk management.
Experience
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Previous experience in working with children within a hospital situation
Practical experience in using the set procedures
Knowledge
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Understanding of Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare principles and procedures
Understanding of Quality Management principles and procedures
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2. DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (to distinguish between applicants who meet all essential requirements)
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
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Resourceful and prepared to research and present findings
Prepared to contribute to professional development of peers
Experience
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Good general grounding in all Orthoptic and Ophthalmic procedures
Proven experience in basic computing skills, including email and word processing
Knowledge
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Ability to access resource information
Educational/Vocational Qualifications (considered useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position)
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Further studies in eye related and paediatric areas
Other details
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INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for considering applying for a position with the Southern Adelaide Health Service
(Southern Health). Recruitment and Selection processes at Southern Health reflect best practice and
a commitment to a selection based on merit. This means treating all applications in a fair and
equitable manner that aims to choose the best person for the position.
The following information is provided to assist you when applying for a position with Southern Health.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST IMPRESSION
A well presented, easy to read application will allow the panel to assess the information they need
from your application. To give yourself the best opportunity to reach interview, the application should
clearly and concisely demonstrate to the selection panel that you are suitably equipped to perform
the role, and that you possess all of the stated minimum essential skills, abilities, knowledge,
experience and educational qualifications (where required).
We suggest the following format:
 A covering letter of up to 2 pages introducing yourself to the selection panel and describing
your skills, abilities, knowledge, qualifications and experience in relation to the position. The
covering letter should clearly state the job vacancy number, position title, your name and your
contact details;
 A curriculum vitae that includes your personal details, relevant employment history,
education, training courses, qualifications and professional memberships. Your CV should
also include your nominated referees, their position and their contact details.
THE JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Selection for interview will be based on an assessment of your application against the requirements
of the position as outlined in the Job Specification, and against the criterion detailed in the
accompanying Person Specification. It is recommended that you carefully read the Job and Person
Specification to understand what the position entails before proceeding to apply for the position, and
ensure that your written application reflects your suitability for the position.
Note for Nursing/Midwifery applicants: Applicants applying for positions at the Clinical Nurse (level 2)
classification are required to demonstrate by way of example/evidence that each of the criteria contained in the
statement of key outcomes and activities of the Job Specification are met in their application.
Please ensure that your written application includes sufficient information for the panel to make an
informed determination.
REFEREES
It is recommended that you advise your referees of the position you are applying for as the panel
may seek their opinion of your capability to perform the requirements of the position. At least one
referee should be your immediate supervisor/manager in your current position, able to provide
current feedback about you to the selection panel.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
It is generally preferable that applications are not bound or in folders, and that the requested number
of applications be provided when posting. Please ensure that applications are addressed as
indicated in the job advertisement, and that you allow sufficient time for your application to reach us
by the closing date/time specified. Late applications may not be considered.
We take this opportunity to wish you success with your application!
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