NHSJobs.com

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

KEY DUTIES 

Diagnostic Audiometry

• Provides pure tone audiometry and tympanometry, advising patients and referring clinicians on management plans based on results obtained.
• Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of clinical audiometry
• Notes result of tests and provides reports as necessary ensuring that test results are recorded in hospital and departmental records.
• Provides test results and reports to outside agencies as appropriate.
• Ensures departmental audiometry protocols and procedures are adhered to.
• Explain complex hearing test results to patients whose first language is not English and/or an interpreter is required.
• Adapt assessment procedures to manage needs of most complex patients including those with learning difficulties, dementia, deaf-blind, mental health issues eg schizophrenia, development delays or multiple combinations of these problems.
• Routine and complex assessment of patients with tinnitus.

Auditory Rehabilitation

• Assess the general auditory rehabilitative needs of hearing-impaired adults with respect to their audiological status, communication skills and social needs.
• Rehabilitation of patients with learning difficulties/dementia 
• Formulate appropriate management strategies based on this information and appropriate treatment plan. Advise patients and significant others on above implement. 
• Examination of patients’ ears and assessment of any abnormal pathology. 
• Aural impression taking and assessment of most appropriate ear mould/thin tube according to departmental protocols
• Refer patient to, and liaise with, external agencies as appropriate.
• Assessment of most appropriate hearing aid in line with MHAS and departmental protocols
• Hearing aid fitting for patients with tinnitus/hyperacusis
• Fitting of hearing aids and verification of fit using objective and subjective measures (includes questionnaires and insertion gain measurements)
• Use of specialised hearing instruments where required, e.g. non-standard hearing aids, CROS systems and ITE aids.
• Advising patients, and significant others, on communication strategies, auditory training, lip-reading and assistive listening devices.
• Provide ongoing assessment and maintenance for adult hearing-impaired adults.
• To act as a key worker for patients such as during the transition from paediatric and adult clinics
• To plan and deliver rehabilitative treatments to the most complex patients including those with learning difficulties, dementia, deaf-blind, mental health issues, development delays or multiple combinations of these problems.
• Ensure all adult auditory rehabilitation is appropriately documented. 

COMMUNICATION

• To ensure affectively inter departmental communication between all trust sites.
• To communicate effectively and courteously with medical, nursing, clerical and other health care professionals including those outside the Trust; both verbally and electronically. 
• To provide written reports regarding patient test results, outcomes and subsequent care plan to ENT consultants, other clinicians and GPs as appropriate.
• Communicate with students and their clinical educator to provide progress reports, areas for development and practical assessment results.
• Communicate relevant technical and/or condition related information with persuasion, reassurance and understanding to a hearing-impaired clientele and their carers (includes elderly, children, patients with special needs and ethical minorities).
• To counsel distressed patients and their relatives/carers on hearing loss or associated problems, including those with cognitive impairment or illnesses that may lead to anxiety, aggressive behaviour or suicidal ideation. The ability to talk sensitively about other problems the patient may have if appropriate e.g. bereavement.
• To signpost patients to appropriate support groups, benefits advice etc.
• To maintain Audiology statistics in an efficient and accurate manner 

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Maintain Professional Registration with RCCP, adhering to the Code of Conduct and CPD requirements
• To develop, update and maintain own personal knowledge within the audiological field. 
• Ability to make decisions autonomously on difficult issues, working to tight and often changing time scale
• Ensure that training plans and assessment for students accurately reflect current professional requirements and provide excellent learning experience for students. 

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Maintenance of patient records and analytical data
• Maintain calibration of audiological equipment and report discrepancies appropriately. 
• Ensure all procedures are documented and updated in patient management system.
• Maintain room facilities and general department upkeep, liaising with works department where necessary; keeping senior audiologists informed. 

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

• Liaise with Clinical Educator regarding the provision of induction training and on-going training for students and non-registered staff.
• To have supervisory responsibility of other audiologists and students 
• Supervision and training of other staff, including technical assistants, Audiology undergraduate students and medical students can be expected at this level.
• Demonstrate leadership and mentoring qualities. 

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Liaise closely with Audiology Service Manager to maintain high standards of care for hearing impaired patients, adhering to Trust and departmental values and procedures.
• Participate in supervision and training of undergraduate and postgraduate (MSc) students (after a suitable probationary period for new graduates) 
• Assess undergraduate students who are studying for BSc in audiology and to complete where appropriate the National Audiology Logbook. It is anticipated that staff should have or be working towards a mentorship qualification, which would facilitate this assessment and supervision.
• Manage workload and performance of junior staff and students.
• In the absence of senior managers, ensure staffing levels, and skill mix, are maintained to meet the demands of patient-facing service.
• Have working knowledge of Trust policies and procedures that deal with staff wellbeing and management e.g. absences, whistleblowing, anti-bullying, disciplinary and grievance policies
• Ensure Health & Safety procedures are adhered to within the team including Fire Safety and risk assessments, in line with Trust directives and professional guidance. 

RESEARCH & AUDIT

• Participate in departmental research, audit and development activities
• Collect data to enable audit of departmental procedures. 
• Review and comment on existing policies to ensure that professional developments are embedded in practice.
• Participate in the introduction of new procedures into clinical use.
• Support junior staff and students in understanding the needs and philosophies that underpin research – ethics, impact and evidence-based healthcare - and development of research methods and technologies.
• To develop, update and maintain personal knowledge within the audiological field.