For more information and to apply, please download an application pack from our website at http://www.kab.org.uk/working-with-us/current-vacancies.html or call 01622 691357 for a postal pack. We will not accept CVs in application for this post without a completed application pack.

Kent Association for the Blind currently have a vacancy for a full-time Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) to be based across Orpington and Sidcup hospitals and covering Bromley and Bexley’s area of service.

The main purpose of the role is to provide support, information and advice that will help people cope with the emotional, psychological, social & economic difficulties that can arise following diagnosis of an eye condition and by doing this, to help people maximise their independence and wellbeing. The role will also involve raisingawareness of the needs of people with sight loss, acting as a bridge between health services, Bromley and Bexley Social Services and KAB, and supporting the aims set out in the UK Vision Strategy.

Our ideal candidate will have high professional standards, an empathetic approach and excellent communication skills. An understanding of health and social care structures and sight impairment issues would be valuable. Applicants must be administratively self-supporting, with sound IT skills.

Closing date for applications:9am on Monday 9th December 2019

Interview Date:Tuesday 17th December 2019

Hours of work:35 per week Monday to Friday.

Based at:Princess Royal University Orpington, Queen Mary Hospital Sidcup, Bromley Sight Centre, 18 Blyth Road, Bromley, BR1 3RX and covering the area of service.

Salary: £21,853 – £28,495 per annum.

Job Description

Main Tasks:

- Develop close working relationships with staff in the hospital eye clinics in order to raise their awareness of the availability and benefits of community based services, and of registration as Sight Impaired (SI) or Severely Sight Impaired (SSI).
- In particular, to work closely with stroke wards, diabetes and falls teams, paediatric services and low vision clinics to identify gaps in provision or understanding, and improve patient pathways.
- Maximise the number of patients being registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired by ensuring consultants understand the benefits of registration. Support consultants and clinic staff to complete CVIs, and ensure their prompt submission.
- Provide emotional support to patients.
- Provide comprehensive advice and information to patients and their family and carers, to support with emotional, social, economic and any other difficulties that may arise following diagnosis of their eye condition.
- Promote the importance of good eye health and the need to continue to have regular eye tests.
- Refer patients on to a range of other services as required, and/or signpost to them if appropriate. This will involve maintaining a good overview of relevant agencies and the ability to research information if needed.
- Give talks and presentations and run awareness raising sessions for hospital staff and other professionals.
- Liaise with relevant community based services - statutory, voluntary and private - in order that appropriate referral pathways are known and developed.
- Maintain detailed and accurate monitoring data and contribute to evaluation of the service.
- Be part of the national ECLO network and actively contribute to KAB’s ECLO service development, including attending training and meetings as required.
- To be administratively self sufficient, keep detailed records in the formats required by local services, and to produce reports, case studies, information and statistics as required for KAB Management.
- To organise, promote, facilitate and evaluate group sessions for patients e.g. Glaucoma support groups.
- To promote the service and represent KAB by wearing a uniform.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

- An understanding of the issues surrounding sight loss, and its impact on people’s daily lives.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and patience. The ability to communicate effectively with, and influence, individuals and groups from many different backgrounds, and to listen and empathise while remaining objective.
- Good written communication skills, the ability to produce accurate written reports and materials as appropriate for different media and diverse audiences.
- Sound ICT and administrative skills: the ability to develop and maintain office systems and to use MS Word, Outlook and Excel effectively, and to be administratively self-sufficient.
- A proven ability to meet deadlines and make decisions independently.
- An understanding of equality and diversity issues and a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.
- A good pass at O Level/GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent.

Desirable Criteria

- A knowledge of the structures and operation of hospital, community health and social care services.
- A knowledge of the services available to people with sight loss and the aims of the UK Vision strategy.
- An understanding of or experience of working within ophthalmology services.
- Knowledge of databases and/or health or social care IT and recording systems.

KAB is an equal opportunities employer.

For more information and to apply, please download an application pack from our website at http://www.kab.org.uk/working-with-us/current-vacancies.html or call 01622 691357 for a postal pack. We will not accept CVs in application for this post without a completed application pack.