Job summary
Hear for Norfolk is dedicated to improving the lives of people of all ages with all degrees of hearing loss and hearing related conditions. This is achieved by providing a range of holistic and accessible services: hearing assessments and fitting of hearing aids, hearing aids maintenance, otoscopy screening, aural care using microsuction, emotional support, information, advice, and training.
Our service users identify us as the key provider of healthcare services for people with hearing loss.
We are seeking a qualified, experienced and registered Audiologist with a passion for quality and patient-centric care to join our forward-thinking charity and help develop further our Audiology Service. If you are a caring individual, enthusiastic and motivated about providing the best care to our patients then this could be the opportunity for you! We are looking for a conscientious, hard working, professional and motivated individual.
Working hours can be arranged to suit the applicant/s. The number of hours is flexible, so we envisage that some applicants may offer to work for us one or two days per week, and retain some of their existing NHS job, for example. We are looking to recruit to a full-time equivalent position, however the 37.5 hours per week can be covered by more than one person.
Training and clinical supervision will be provided.
Main duties of the job
Please see the job description and person specification for full details of the role and responsibilities.
The postholder will be a key member of our Audiology Service
team working across both our NHS AQP Audiology pathway (age related hearing
loss) and our expanding Private Audiology service (children age 7+ and
adults of all ages) carrying out all aspects of
routine audiological procedures ranging from diagnostic testing to
rehabilitation with hearing aids and assistive listening devices, and
associated follow-ups and repairs.
The post holder will work closely
with the Operations Manager, who oversees the Hearing Support Service and has
the responsibility for the provision of the aftercare.
It is crucial that the post holder
works within their sphere of competence and knowledge in relation to hearing
pathways. The post holder will work within a range of procedures and pathways
in which they have experience to ensure a streamlined care plan is provided for
patients (service users)/carers and their families.
About us
We are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing, aiding communication, and enhancing the overall quality of life of people with hearing loss and hearing related conditions.
Our multi-disciplinary team of qualified, professional and experienced staff and dedicated volunteers are committed to our values:
Inclusivity - we believe in making our services available and accessible to anyone who needs them. We believe in staff having the ownership of the services we provide and be empowered to proactively make improvements in their areas of work.
Integrity - we believe in treating people with respect, being open, honest and trustworthy. We believe in transparency, accountability, recognising our limitations and in strict adherence to confidentiality.
Responsiveness - we believe in a safe, timely, effective, efficient and flexible modus operandi. We believe in responding promptly to the changes in need of our service users, as well as the changes required within the organisation to ensure we maintain a high-quality provision.
Resourcefulness - we believe in finding effective solutions to solve problems, in assessing the need to enable us find a way to help. We believe in planning in accordance with resources available, working as a team and in a collaborative way with other organisations.
Free car parking on site.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Principal duties:
1. To deliver Audiology Service, ensuring that all patients are assessed accurately, and by the most suitable combination of clinical assessments, to include:
- Taking of clinical histories from patients or their carers
- Clinical interview to assess hearing and communication needs
- Full otoscopy
- Audiometric testing, including measurements of pure-tone air and bone conduction thresholds including masking
- Assessment of current activity restrictions and participatory limitations - using a formal validated self-report instrument The Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile (GHABP) and Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI)
- Assessment of loudness discomfort levels
- Integration of assessment findings with service user expectations
- Development of a personalised care plan
2. To provide and fit a range of digital hearing aids, where clinically appropriate and agreed with the patient, including aural impression taking, fitting and adjustments where appropriate.
3. To provide appropriate hearing rehabilitation, for example service user information and how to access services such as hearing support.
4. To provide Information on and signposting to any relevant communication/social support services.
5. To record results on to patient management system and report writing to referring clinicians within the commissioning body set timescales.
6. To carry out follow-up appointment to assess whether needs have been met.
7. To assist with the development and delivery of the service in line with organisational business and service development plans, meeting the agreed targets and key performance indicators.
8. To support the Lead Audiologist and the Chief Executive Officer with ensuring that the service is complaint with the applicable National Standards (i.e. NICE, BAA), and is delivered in line with organisational Standard Operating Procedures, policies and protocols.
9. To support the Lead Audiologist and the Chief Executive Officer with the achievement of the Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS) Accreditation Standards.
10. To have the ability to make decisions about the most appropriate course of treatment for the patient in their care. This includes those with learning disabilities, challenging behaviour and additional disabilities or special needs.
11. To provide support with the scheduling of audiology clinic and staffing required to run the clinics.
12. To assist the Lead Audiologist and the Operations Manager with liaising with Hearing Aids suppliers and with keeping control of hearing aids stock and consumables, as and when necessary.
13. In conjunction with the Operations Manager, to provide the aftercare service for up to five years, including advice, maintenance and review at fifth year.
14. To demonstrate excellent communication skills with report writing and recording of notes on the patient management system.
15. To maintain patient safety through consistent compliance with organisational policies for hand hygiene, infection control and reporting of notifiable conditions.
16. To work closely with senior management, interdisciplinary teams and other stakeholders in order to develop, implement and evaluate services, activities and functions.
17. In conjunction with colleagues, to undertake marketing and development activities for the service.
18. To provide timely information to the Lead Audiologist and /or Chief Executive in readiness for inclusion into management reports for the Board, commissioners, stakeholders and in support of organisational income generation programme, as required.
19. To support the team with the production of publications and marketing materials for all services.
20. To ensure that all responsibilities and activities undertaken within the post are consistent with the terms and spirit of Hear for Norfolk's mission, vision, values, policies and procedures.
21. To be available to assist in other areas of the charity's work and assist other service managers as needs arise.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Principal duties:
1. To deliver Audiology Service, ensuring that all patients are assessed accurately, and by the most suitable combination of clinical assessments, to include:
- Taking of clinical histories from patients or their carers
- Clinical interview to assess hearing and communication needs
- Full otoscopy
- Audiometric testing, including measurements of pure-tone air and bone conduction thresholds including masking
- Assessment of current activity restrictions and participatory limitations - using a formal validated self-report instrument The Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile (GHABP) and Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI)
- Assessment of loudness discomfort levels
- Integration of assessment findings with service user expectations
- Development of a personalised care plan
2. To provide and fit a range of digital hearing aids, where clinically appropriate and agreed with the patient, including aural impression taking, fitting and adjustments where appropriate.
3. To provide appropriate hearing rehabilitation, for example service user information and how to access services such as hearing support.
4. To provide Information on and signposting to any relevant communication/social support services.
5. To record results on to patient management system and report writing to referring clinicians within the commissioning body set timescales.
6. To carry out follow-up appointment to assess whether needs have been met.
7. To assist with the development and delivery of the service in line with organisational business and service development plans, meeting the agreed targets and key performance indicators.
8. To support the Lead Audiologist and the Chief Executive Officer with ensuring that the service is complaint with the applicable National Standards (i.e. NICE, BAA), and is delivered in line with organisational Standard Operating Procedures, policies and protocols.
9. To support the Lead Audiologist and the Chief Executive Officer with the achievement of the Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS) Accreditation Standards.
10. To have the ability to make decisions about the most appropriate course of treatment for the patient in their care. This includes those with learning disabilities, challenging behaviour and additional disabilities or special needs.
11. To provide support with the scheduling of audiology clinic and staffing required to run the clinics.
12. To assist the Lead Audiologist and the Operations Manager with liaising with Hearing Aids suppliers and with keeping control of hearing aids stock and consumables, as and when necessary.
13. In conjunction with the Operations Manager, to provide the aftercare service for up to five years, including advice, maintenance and review at fifth year.
14. To demonstrate excellent communication skills with report writing and recording of notes on the patient management system.
15. To maintain patient safety through consistent compliance with organisational policies for hand hygiene, infection control and reporting of notifiable conditions.
16. To work closely with senior management, interdisciplinary teams and other stakeholders in order to develop, implement and evaluate services, activities and functions.
17. In conjunction with colleagues, to undertake marketing and development activities for the service.
18. To provide timely information to the Lead Audiologist and /or Chief Executive in readiness for inclusion into management reports for the Board, commissioners, stakeholders and in support of organisational income generation programme, as required.
19. To support the team with the production of publications and marketing materials for all services.
20. To ensure that all responsibilities and activities undertaken within the post are consistent with the terms and spirit of Hear for Norfolk's mission, vision, values, policies and procedures.
21. To be available to assist in other areas of the charity's work and assist other service managers as needs arise.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Audiology or the equivalent professional qualification (ONC/HNC BTEC in Medical Physics and Physiological Measurements with a Professional Qualification in Audiology (BAAT Part I and II)
- Or
- Foundation Degree (FDSc) in Hearing Aid Audiology
- Registered with the Healthand CareProfessions Council (HCPC) as a Clinical Scientist in Audiology or registered with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) voluntary register as an Audiologist.
- Must be willing to participate in any relevant training identified to develop skills required to carry out duties
Desirable
- Evidence of continuing personal development (CPD)
Knowledge, Skills & Personal attributes
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of general responsibilities related to patient information and record keeping
- Evidence of the ability to formulate treatment plans and record outcome measures for routine patients
- Evidence of professional development and knowledge
- Ability to use audiology databases, audiometric equipment & hearing aid manufacturers' software
- Ability to perform audiological assessments including: full history taking, use of questionnaires, Pure Tone Audiometry and Tympanometry. diagnosis of a range of hearing conditions.
- Ability to independently undertake routine hearing aid selection, fitting and verification of hearing aids.
- Competent IT skills e.g. word processing, email, databases
- Effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills including communicating factual information to patients / carers
- Displays care, compassion, sensitivity and responsiveness to other peoples feelings and needs
- Able to work as part of a team, co-operating to work together and in conjunction with others and willing to help and assist wherever possible and appropriate appreciating the value of diversity in the workplace
- Able to develop, establish and maintain positive relationships with others both internal and external to the organisation and with patients and their carers
- Commitment to improving clinical practice and the delivery of evidence-based patient focused care
- Able to work under pressure, dealing with peaks and troughs in workload
- A positive and flexible attitude to change and development in the service
- Able to respond to the changing needs of the patient in an appropriate and timely manner
- Highly motivated and reliable
- Demonstrates values consistent with those of the charity
- Has a high level of personal integrity; able to adhere to standards of conduct
Desirable
- Understanding of the principles of governance
- Knowledge of using standard patient management systems
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 6 months clinical experience post-qualification
- Appropriate experience in testing, assessing, prescribing, fitting digital hearing aids and providing aftercare
- Experience of organising and prioritising own workload
- Experience of working as part of a team
Desirable
- Experience of supporting patients with complex needs e.g. Learning Difficulties and Disabilities, Challenging behaviours
- Experience of implementing national quality standards
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Audiology or the equivalent professional qualification (ONC/HNC BTEC in Medical Physics and Physiological Measurements with a Professional Qualification in Audiology (BAAT Part I and II)
- Or
- Foundation Degree (FDSc) in Hearing Aid Audiology
- Registered with the Healthand CareProfessions Council (HCPC) as a Clinical Scientist in Audiology or registered with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) voluntary register as an Audiologist.
- Must be willing to participate in any relevant training identified to develop skills required to carry out duties
Desirable
- Evidence of continuing personal development (CPD)
Knowledge, Skills & Personal attributes
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of general responsibilities related to patient information and record keeping
- Evidence of the ability to formulate treatment plans and record outcome measures for routine patients
- Evidence of professional development and knowledge
- Ability to use audiology databases, audiometric equipment & hearing aid manufacturers' software
- Ability to perform audiological assessments including: full history taking, use of questionnaires, Pure Tone Audiometry and Tympanometry. diagnosis of a range of hearing conditions.
- Ability to independently undertake routine hearing aid selection, fitting and verification of hearing aids.
- Competent IT skills e.g. word processing, email, databases
- Effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills including communicating factual information to patients / carers
- Displays care, compassion, sensitivity and responsiveness to other peoples feelings and needs
- Able to work as part of a team, co-operating to work together and in conjunction with others and willing to help and assist wherever possible and appropriate appreciating the value of diversity in the workplace
- Able to develop, establish and maintain positive relationships with others both internal and external to the organisation and with patients and their carers
- Commitment to improving clinical practice and the delivery of evidence-based patient focused care
- Able to work under pressure, dealing with peaks and troughs in workload
- A positive and flexible attitude to change and development in the service
- Able to respond to the changing needs of the patient in an appropriate and timely manner
- Highly motivated and reliable
- Demonstrates values consistent with those of the charity
- Has a high level of personal integrity; able to adhere to standards of conduct
Desirable
- Understanding of the principles of governance
- Knowledge of using standard patient management systems
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 6 months clinical experience post-qualification
- Appropriate experience in testing, assessing, prescribing, fitting digital hearing aids and providing aftercare
- Experience of organising and prioritising own workload
- Experience of working as part of a team
Desirable
- Experience of supporting patients with complex needs e.g. Learning Difficulties and Disabilities, Challenging behaviours
- Experience of implementing national quality standards
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
