Department Optometry
Bloemfontein Campus
Professional Dispensing Optician (post level 9)(20 hours per week)(Contract appointment: 2 years)
Job ID: 6588

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:
• Support theoretical and practical training of students through lecturing, supervision and assessment of practical dispensing training.
• Provide dispensing supervision and perform dispensing assessments of students during clinical Optometry training.
• Assist with the cutting and fitting of assistive devices in various settings, including in community-based settings.
• Provide support to dispensing skills development for students within Optometry.
• Assist in the coordination of clinical training of students in various settings, including in community-based settings.
• Contribute to relevant teaching development within the domain of Optometry clinical training.
• Perform general administration and dispensing quality assurance related to clinical training.
• Attend and contribute to relevant committees and meetings.
• Perform general administration in the department.

Inherent requirements:
• A relevant National Diploma in Optical Dispensing or Opticianry at NQF Level 6 (attach a copy).
• A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant professional experience.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the supervision, training and/or assessment of Optometry students.
• A good academic record (attach a copy).
• Active registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Dispensing Optician (attach a copy).
• A valid driver's licence (attach a copy).

Recommendations:
• Postgraduate qualification on NQF Level 7 or higher, or willingness to enrol for a postgraduate degree in a health-related field at the first available opportunity, if not yet attained by the time of appointment.
• Delivery of a poster or oral presentation at a conference.

Required competencies:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.

Closing date:
17 September 2026

Salary:
The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2876 or email SeitlhekoLP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.az.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659 / 9813 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.