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Job summary

Main area
Audiology
Grade
Band 5
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
203-EL801
Employer
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Audiology Department D23916
Town
Warwick
Salary
£29,970 - £36,483 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
30/09/2024 23:59
Interview date
22/10/2024

Employer heading

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust logo

Clinical Audiologist

Band 5

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is one of the top performing organisations within the NHS. Our staff think this is a great place to work and we hope you will agree. We have recently been rated as 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following our most recent inspection.

We provide services across Warwickshire and beyond ranging from Hospitals in Warwick, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa and Shipston-on Stour to Community Services across the whole county. This includes our Community Teams in North Warwickshire.

We are a progressive, expanding organisation with great ambition around improving quality, integrating pathways and delivering high levels of productivity. Over 6000 people work for the Trust and many of them have been here a long time. People find they don’t need to go elsewhere to find a fulfilling career in healthcare. 

The first thing you will notice about us is how we take our values seriously. We believe that our values underpin everything we do. If you are interested in a role with us you need to make sure our values match your own.

Our values can be summed up in one sentence. We are ‘Trusted to provide inclusive, safe, effective and compassionate care’. Throughout the recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you demonstrate these values and how they impact on your work. It doesn’t matter what role you do, whether it is patient facing or not, we are all working in the same way with our values at the core.

Probationary Period

All new staff to the Trust will be subject to a standard 6 month probationary period, the details of which will duly follow in your contract of employment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating and sustaining a positive and inclusive working environment for all our employees. Our aim is to ensure that employees are equally valued and respected and that our organisation is representative of all members of society. We define diversity as valuing everyone as an individual – we value our employees, job applicants, students, patients and visitors as people. This is reflected within our values of being Inclusive, Safe, Effective, Compassionate and Trusted.

Agile and Flexible Working

All our staff will have a work base. However the Trust operates as an Agile Working Team therefore staff may be working from home on a regular basis as required by the service. However, occasionally travel around Warwickshire and into your base will be required so access to your own transport would be helpful.

The Trust also welcome staff to work flexibly and we would welcome the conversation at interview regarding flexible working.

Staff Benefits

The Trust offer a wide range of additional benefits to staff. Anyone who joins us on a substantive basis can assess things such as the Lease Car Scheme, Electronics Scheme, Discounted Leisure and Travel, Cycle to work scheme amongst many others available. 

Car Parking

The Trust have recently completed the construction of a multi-storey car park at our Warwick Hospital site which has allowed us to reduce waiting times for car parking passes. 

To keep up to date on our latest recruitment activity follow us on twitter @swftrecruit or look us up on Facebook (Recruitment - South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust).


Job overview

We are looking to recruit a Band 5 Audiologist to join our busy and friendly Audiology department in Warwick. We are a progressive, forward thinking department that welcomes dynamic and forward thinking staff to deliver the highest quality care. 

The department provides a comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative service to the population of South Warwickshire delivering services at two sites; Warwick and Stratford Hospitals. 

The successful candidate must be confident and able to work autonomously within the team. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing Audiology services for adults diagnosed with hearing loss. 

Applicants must hold a BSc in Audiology or equivalent qualifications. Applicants should also have, or be able to achieve RCCP registration, and membership of BAA / BSA while not essential is desirable.

Due to the nature of this service a car driver with a full current driving license is essential. For disabled applicant’s suitable alternative arrangements may be agreed, if necessary.

This post is suitable for newly qualified graduate audiologists.

This post will require Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure.

Main duties of the job

The key responsibility of the role will be to perform a wide range of audiological investigations on all patient groups and provide effective audiological and rehabilitative treatments together with an on-going hearing aid maintenance service.

This position will include a requirement to travel to outreach clinics and domiciliary visits to ensure consistent practice and a high-quality service is being delivered across all sites.

Working for our organisation

Come and join a Trust rated Outstanding by the CQC. South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust have been rated as outstanding following our latest inspection by the CQC and we are recruiting new staff to come and help us improve even further.

We provide services across Warwickshire and beyond ranging from Hospitals in Warwick, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa and Shipston-on Stour to Community Services across the county. We are a progressive, expanding organisation with great ambition around improving quality, integrating pathways and delivering high levels of productivity.

Our values can be summed up in one sentence. We are ‘Trusted to provide safe, effective and compassionate care’. Throughout the recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you demonstrate these values and how they impact on your work. It doesn’t matter what role you do, whether it is patient facing or not, we are all working in the same way with our values at the core.

 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

General

The post holder will be responsible and accountable for the audiological care of patients allocated to them. For every patient contact the post holder will comply with the Trust’s Infection Control Procedures to minimise the risk of cross infection with particular reference to the handling, cleaning and disinfection of ear canal impressions, ear moulds and equipment.

To provide excellent service to clients, outlining options in a family-friendly, supportive atmosphere, working empathetically with the client to overcome fears and anxieties about solutions to their communication difficulties.

 

Diagnostic Audiology

ENT clinics are held at Warwick Hospital, Stratford upon Avon Hospital and Ellen Badger Hospital. The post holder will work autonomously to British Society of Audiology Standards to provide accurate assessments for patients of all ages. 

The post holder will be responsible for providing accurate reports to General Practitioners, ENT Consultants and other professionals and advise where appropriate onward referrals and/or further audiological investigations.

Discussing diagnostic results with patients informing them about their hearing loss in an empathetic manner to motivate them to make informed choices about rehabilitation options to assist with their communication difficulties.

Recognise conditions that require medical treatment and refer to medical practitioner as necessary.

Provide instruction to clients to enable them to respond appropriately to routine hearing tests.

 

Adult Rehabilitation

At clinics held at Warwick, Stratford upon Avon and Ellen Badger Hospitals the post holder will work autonomously and where necessary alone to provide Hearing Assessments, Hearing Aid Fittings, Hearing Aid Reassessments, Follow ups and Hearing Aid Repairs for adult patients.

Hearing Assessments and Reassessments to be conducted using BSA recommended Procedures via programmable audiological testing equipment. Assessments of patient’s disability and handicap will be assessed using interview and counselling techniques using a variety of questionnaires/formal outcome tools.  The post holder must confidently discuss their findings and agree a care plan with the patient.  If appropriate impressions of the patient’s ears can be taken for ear moulds.  Appropriate reports and onward referrals must be completed.

The fittings of digital hearing aid devices including RITE and CROS systems must be undertaken using appropriate prescription targets, using Real Ear Measurements. Instruction to patients on the use, acclimatisation and hearing strategies to ensure the needs of the patients and abilities are met.

Hearing Aid Follow Ups are essential to provide the patient with the opportunity to discuss challenges faced and experiences gained and identify potential changes to their hearing aids to maximise their hearing experience and should include outcome measures.

Hearing Aid Repair Service is offered as a Walk in Clinic at Warwick Hospital. All other outreach sites offer booked appointments.  The Walk in Clinics can be extremely busy, and the post holder will be required to work efficiently and effectively under pressure.  Where necessary reprogramming hearing aids, impression taking, necessary counselling and hearing aid maintenance will be undertaken.  The post holder must use initiative to develop care plans and make decision regarding onward referrals or additional supportive appointments outside the scope of a hearing aid repair.

Undertake assessments/rehabilitation within patient’s homes and manage the domiciliary service waiting list.

 

Service Development

Assist in the future development within the Adult Audiology services that enable greater access to services for patients.

Support delegated responsibilities for the service’s IQIPS preparation and assessments.

 

Training, Supervision, Research and Professional Development

Provide clinical supervision for students, work experience and colleagues from other disciplines on agreed clinics

To strive to increase knowledge relevant to Audiology and administration in your role.

To participate in appropriate training and development activities as required developing and maintaining competency in your role.

Participate in the personal annual review process and work to achieve agreed set objectives.

 

Communications and Working Relationships

To recognise the importance of personal contribution to the team and the wider professional network.

To inform and liaise with senior colleagues on all aspects of Audiology and administration related to your role.

To establish a working rapport with other team members and to contribute to team meetings. The post holder is required to work as part of a team.  Assigned workloads identify booked appointments, however it is essential to review colleague’s workloads and assist when possible to maximise capacity and efficiency.

Ensure departmental and/or national policies and procedures are implemented in your area and to be pro-active in suggesting improvements for the service as a whole.

Having a good understanding of the needs of the hard of hearing and Deaf patients so that clear communication is possible in a friendly and helpful manner always.

At all times, be aware when communicating of the need for confidentiality, privacy and dignity.

 

Measurable Result Areas

Ensure accurate documentation occurs within patient records.

Completes audit information on time and effectiveness.

Produce reports on Audiometric differential diagnosis.

Ability to interpret audiological results and deliver rehabilitative options to patients and carers.

Ensure British Society of Audiology recommended procedures and protocols are adhered to.

Ability to prioritise workload and organise own/others workload ensuring efficient and effective working is maximised within the team/service.

Participate in promoting innovative practice within the department.

Review, as delegated by senior audiologists, policies and protocols to ensure best and up to date practice is maintained.

Assist in the future development within the Adult Audiology services that enable greater access to services for patients.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • BSc Audiology / MPPM and BAAT I and II / CAC or CCC (or equivalent)
Desirable criteria
  • Training supervisory qualification (clinical educators etc)
  • Voluntary Registration in preparation for State Registration
  • Membership of BAA / BSA

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience in hearing assessments, fitting and follow ups
  • Relevant and up to date post registration experience
  • Working autonomously
Desirable criteria
  • Supervisory experience of junior staff
  • Experience of AuditBase

Skills

Essential criteria
  • Knowledge of standards and advance testing procedures
  • Adult rehabilitation expertise
  • Knowledge of quality standards and relevant NICE guidelines
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Proficient IT skills
  • Ability to maintain accurate records
  • Knowledge of evidence-based practice
  • Experience of multi-disciplinary/professional collaborative working
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written, especially in relation to communication difficulties
  • Evidence of continuing professional development
  • Report writing skills
Desirable criteria
  • Knowledge of various hearing aid technologies
  • Have a wide knowledge of networks and referral routes
  • Knowledge of audit methods and appreciation of the value of audit to practice improvement

Personal Qualities

Essential criteria
  • Able to positively motivate others and work effectively in a team
  • Able to communicate to all levels of staff in a diplomatic / confident manner
  • Diplomatic and assertive with clinical / administrative problem solving
  • Can establish areas for concern and refer these assertively to relevant personnel, ensuring patients receive effective care
  • Able to manage own time effectively
  • Able to manage and resolve conflict
  • Effective planning & organisational skills
  • Flexible, positive approach to work
  • Willingness to assist colleagues
  • Resilient and able to work in an environment that can be emotionally challenging

Other Job Requirements

Essential criteria
  • Well presented
  • Full driving licence and use of car

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleAge positiveDisability confident leaderInvestors in People: GoldImproving working livesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Care quality commission - OutstandingStonewall equality policy. Equality and justice for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people.Step into healthArmed Forces Covenant

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Joanne Davis
Job title
Adult Audiology Services Manager
Email address
[email protected]
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