Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a 12 month fixed term appointment for a Head of Audiology who will be responsible for providing operational and clinical leadership to our growing department.
This is a senior role providing operational and clinical leadership to the audiology department across all Trust sites. The post holder is accountable for all resources and services provided by Audiology, to include all Adult and Paediatric service provision and operational management of scientific, rehabilitative and support services in line with Divisional, Organisational and National policy. This postholder will work closely with the Divisional Operations Manager to ensure appropriate waiting list management, achievement of national performance targets including screening targets are met, and conduct demand and capacity analysis to ensure adequate provision is in place to deliver a comprehensive audiology service.
Main duties of the job
Clinical - General
As a senior audiologist you will take accountability for the clinical and scientific leadership and decisions within the Audiology Service supported by both the Divisional Operations Manager and Divisional Director of Surgery They will undertake, as required, the full range of advanced adult and paediatric audiological assessments, including advanced audio-vestibular testing. The post holder will take overall responsibility for the Audiology clinical caseload and provide professional, scientific and technical advice on service development and delivery to the division and other agencies as required.
Specific Clinical Duties (NB: the exact clinical duties will depend on the professional area and expertise of the post holder)
To oversee the full and accurate interpretation of results of all assessments and ensure an efficient reporting service.
Liaise with a large, specialist multidisciplinary team of professionals within the department and wider service structure to ensure that each patient receives a high quality and well-co-ordinated service
To maintain a caseload of Adult/Paediatric patients for diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology including hearing aid provision and any other procedures as required.
*Please see job description for a comprehensive list of duties.
About us
We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our workforce and warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on encouraging those from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as candidates from our local area.
As part of our commitment to supporting our employees we offer a range of benefits including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days and increasing to 29 days after five years of service and 33 days after 10 years of service, in addition to the national Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part time staff);
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme:
- Flexible working opportunities;
- Enhanced hourly rates for unsociable hours e.g. night shifts, weekends, bank holidays;
- Opportunities for career development and training to help you progress in your role;
- Wellbeing support and activities to promote a healthy work environment;
- Access to our in-house physiotherapy service;
- On-site canteens offering subsidised meals;
- Subsidised staff parking (currently free);
- Free Stagecoach Bus Travel to and from work within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical General
As a senior audiologist you will take accountability for the clinical and scientific leadership and decisions within the Audiology Service supported by both the Divisional Operations Manager and Divisional Director of Surgery They will undertake, as required, the full range of advanced adult and paediatric audiological assessments, including advanced audio-vestibular testing. The post holder will take overall responsibility for the Audiology clinical caseload and provide professional, scientific and technical advice on service development and delivery to the division and other agencies as required.
Specific Clinical Duties (NB: the exact clinical duties will depend on the professional area and expertise of the post holder)
To oversee the full and accurate interpretation of results of all assessments and ensure an efficient reporting service.
Liaise with a large, specialist multidisciplinary team of professionals within the department and wider service structure to ensure that each patient receives a high quality and well-co-ordinated service.
To maintain a caseload of Adult/Paediatric patients for diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology including hearing aid provision and any other procedures as required.
Analyse test results and other assessment data to determine differential diagnosis, the need for medical opinion and/or to decide on treatment options, to include complex and non-routine cases.
To independently select and perform appropriate hearing investigations and provide advice, diagnosis and treatment options to patients and GPs, offering referral to other specialities where appropriate. To counsel patients with regard to their hearing difficulties.
To perform hearing aid assessments involving; evaluating patients suitability and motivation for hearing aid rehabilitation, identifying possible difficulties and advising patients on best rehabilitative options; using clinical judgement to produce individual and specialist treatment plans; counselling patients with regards to their difficulties and negotiating specialist treatment packages which may include liaison with other professions e.g. Hearing therapy, Education and social services, and reporting back to referrers as appropriate.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical General
As a senior audiologist you will take accountability for the clinical and scientific leadership and decisions within the Audiology Service supported by both the Divisional Operations Manager and Divisional Director of Surgery They will undertake, as required, the full range of advanced adult and paediatric audiological assessments, including advanced audio-vestibular testing. The post holder will take overall responsibility for the Audiology clinical caseload and provide professional, scientific and technical advice on service development and delivery to the division and other agencies as required.
Specific Clinical Duties (NB: the exact clinical duties will depend on the professional area and expertise of the post holder)
To oversee the full and accurate interpretation of results of all assessments and ensure an efficient reporting service.
Liaise with a large, specialist multidisciplinary team of professionals within the department and wider service structure to ensure that each patient receives a high quality and well-co-ordinated service.
To maintain a caseload of Adult/Paediatric patients for diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology including hearing aid provision and any other procedures as required.
Analyse test results and other assessment data to determine differential diagnosis, the need for medical opinion and/or to decide on treatment options, to include complex and non-routine cases.
To independently select and perform appropriate hearing investigations and provide advice, diagnosis and treatment options to patients and GPs, offering referral to other specialities where appropriate. To counsel patients with regard to their hearing difficulties.
To perform hearing aid assessments involving; evaluating patients suitability and motivation for hearing aid rehabilitation, identifying possible difficulties and advising patients on best rehabilitative options; using clinical judgement to produce individual and specialist treatment plans; counselling patients with regards to their difficulties and negotiating specialist treatment packages which may include liaison with other professions e.g. Hearing therapy, Education and social services, and reporting back to referrers as appropriate.
Person Specification
Education/Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
- Basic qualification of BSc or Equivalent in Audiology
- MSc in Audiology or Equivalent
Desirable
- RCCP or HCPC(Clinical Scientist) Registration
- BAA accredited certificate to practice
- PhD or Equivalent
- Senior Leadership Qualification
- British Sign Language qualification
Experience, Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in Audiology
- Advanced knowledge of specialist areas within Clinical Audiology Practice
- Significant experience of operational management and development in a large clinical department
- Significant experience in supervising and training
- Evidenced active involvement within the profession of Audiology and within Healthcare Science
- Demonstrable evidence of managing service performance
- The post holder is expected to deal with foul body fluids on a regular basis, such as ear discharge and cerumen, and follow the necessary infection control procedures when exposed
- Excellent manual dexterity and co-ordination to accurately manipulate equipment and small devices to include hearing aids and accessories and insert probe tubes accurately into ear canals
- Able to cope with frequent periods of moderate physical effort whilst working with balance patients and children such as undertaking positional test, rehabilitative manoeuvres and sitting on the floor whilst testing and quickly responding to reactions
Desirable
- Significant leadership experience evidencing specific service development and change
- Experience of managing budgets and financial resources
- Experience in leading research and audit
- Significant experience of presenting at complex scientific data at national level
- Significant experience at a professional level, working for a professional body, national committee or similar
Communication
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to include ability to communicate with the hearing impaired and carers in emotional states
- Ability to cope with occasional exposure to distressing and emotional circumstances within specialist area. For example, dealing with emotional patients
- Ability to cope with decision making under pressure
- Ability to present complex information to all audiences
- Self-motivated, driven with ability to lead and influence others
- Proven time management & organisational skills
- Excellent written communications skills
- Excellent presentation skills
- To demonstrate excellent negotiation skills across
Desirable
- Evidence of exposure to media communication
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Ability to cope and concentrate on work when the work pattern is unpredictable, such as dealing with interruptions for clinical advice, managerial problems or HR issues
- Able to deliver a broad range of specialised, complex and nonroutine scientific work
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, prioritise workloads
- Ongoing sustained mental effort to ensure the postholder is able to deal with sensitive issues, complex assessments and challenging situations on a regular basis
- Excellent presentation skills
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Able to cope with frequent and unpredictable interruption from a range of staff to include medics, audiologists, nursing and administrative staff
- Ability to respond to urgent demands, prioritising and delegating as appropriate
- Ability to work calmly and methodically when under pressure from a busy and varied caseload
- Ability to respond to urgent demands, prioritising and delegating as appropriate
- Highly developed leadership skills, to include motivation, delegation and change management
Person Specification
Education/Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
- Basic qualification of BSc or Equivalent in Audiology
- MSc in Audiology or Equivalent
Desirable
- RCCP or HCPC(Clinical Scientist) Registration
- BAA accredited certificate to practice
- PhD or Equivalent
- Senior Leadership Qualification
- British Sign Language qualification
Experience, Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in Audiology
- Advanced knowledge of specialist areas within Clinical Audiology Practice
- Significant experience of operational management and development in a large clinical department
- Significant experience in supervising and training
- Evidenced active involvement within the profession of Audiology and within Healthcare Science
- Demonstrable evidence of managing service performance
- The post holder is expected to deal with foul body fluids on a regular basis, such as ear discharge and cerumen, and follow the necessary infection control procedures when exposed
- Excellent manual dexterity and co-ordination to accurately manipulate equipment and small devices to include hearing aids and accessories and insert probe tubes accurately into ear canals
- Able to cope with frequent periods of moderate physical effort whilst working with balance patients and children such as undertaking positional test, rehabilitative manoeuvres and sitting on the floor whilst testing and quickly responding to reactions
Desirable
- Significant leadership experience evidencing specific service development and change
- Experience of managing budgets and financial resources
- Experience in leading research and audit
- Significant experience of presenting at complex scientific data at national level
- Significant experience at a professional level, working for a professional body, national committee or similar
Communication
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to include ability to communicate with the hearing impaired and carers in emotional states
- Ability to cope with occasional exposure to distressing and emotional circumstances within specialist area. For example, dealing with emotional patients
- Ability to cope with decision making under pressure
- Ability to present complex information to all audiences
- Self-motivated, driven with ability to lead and influence others
- Proven time management & organisational skills
- Excellent written communications skills
- Excellent presentation skills
- To demonstrate excellent negotiation skills across
Desirable
- Evidence of exposure to media communication
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Ability to cope and concentrate on work when the work pattern is unpredictable, such as dealing with interruptions for clinical advice, managerial problems or HR issues
- Able to deliver a broad range of specialised, complex and nonroutine scientific work
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, prioritise workloads
- Ongoing sustained mental effort to ensure the postholder is able to deal with sensitive issues, complex assessments and challenging situations on a regular basis
- Excellent presentation skills
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Able to cope with frequent and unpredictable interruption from a range of staff to include medics, audiologists, nursing and administrative staff
- Ability to respond to urgent demands, prioritising and delegating as appropriate
- Ability to work calmly and methodically when under pressure from a busy and varied caseload
- Ability to respond to urgent demands, prioritising and delegating as appropriate
- Highly developed leadership skills, to include motivation, delegation and change management
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
