Assistant Audiologist

Job responsibilities

Key Result Areas:

Clinical

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 Trusts 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 person-centred manner, supportive atmosphere, working empathetically with the client to overcome fears and anxieties about solutions to their communication difficulties.

Adult Rehabilitation

At clinics held at Warwick, the post holder will work under indirect supervision (once trained) to provide Hearing Aid Repairs and Telephone Reviews for adult patients.

Hearing Aid Follow Ups (in the form of Telephone Reviews) 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.

Assessments of patients activity limitations and participation restrictions will be undertaken 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.

Hearing Aid Repair Service is offered at Warwick Hospital. 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 make decision regarding onward referrals or additional supportive appointments outside the scope of a hearing aid repair.

The post holder will be required to carry out postal & drop off / collection repairs.

Refer to senior colleagues where complex issues are identified.

Administration

The potholder will monitor stock levels, ordering appropriate replenishments on at least a weekly basis.

Communicate with purchasing to chase stock items and around new orders.

Ensuring stock levels are added to AuditBase.

Manage the electronic pairing of any invoices for the department.

Undertaking the annual stock take.

Managing the workload within the Audiology Department in conjunction with existing Administration & Clerical staff.

To work as part of the Audiology Services Team, contributing to providing a full administrative and organisational service. This will require working using AuditBase (Audiology Patient Management System), Lorenzo and e-Records.

Creating patient appointments for all SWFT clinics at Warwick and other external sites on the Hospital patient management system and the audiology database AuditBase.

To appoint all booked appointments adult clinics, including rescheduling and change of patient details for Warwick, Stratford and Ellen Badger clinics.

Scanning of all referral letters and answering telephone queries regarding all aspects of the service provision.

Responsible for ear mould impressions to be sent to manufacturers and receipting them in and organising.

Liaising with Porters/ambulance services ensuring Audiology patients are collected from the department.

Be able to use a full range of IT systems for example Word, Excel Office for tasks as required.

To undertake any other duties as required in accordance with the grade and nature of the post.

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 services IQIPS preparation and assessments.

Training and Professional Development

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.

The post holder will participate in training which will include Practical and Theoretical training. Practical training is completed within the department using observations, direct/indirect supervision and internal/external assessment. Theoretical training will include e-learning, case studies, journal clubs and reflective practice at the monthly staff training sessions.

The post holder will ensure that all Trust standards are maintained and monitored to improve the quality of care to all whom come into contact with services provided by South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust.

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 colleagues 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.

Maintain effective working relationships with individuals with other employees of the Trust (such as porters, booking co-ordinators, nurses and the ambulance service), patients and visitors to ensure the delivery of a professional service focusing on achieving a high level of patient satisfaction.

To ensure all telephone calls are answered in a timely manner.

To be client facing on reception and take responsibility for patients as they arrive for their appointments and signing them in on the appropriate system. Direct patients to additional service if required.

Measurable Result Areas

Ensure accurate documentation occurs within patient records.

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

Ability to prioritise workload and organise own 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.

To participate in appraisals and personal reviews and work to achieve agreed set objectives.

To participate in team, professional and personal development activities and promote commitment to continuous development and improvement.

Qualifications

Essential

• Good standard of general education (4 GCSEs or equivalent), including Maths and English language
• Educated to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Willingness to attend relevant training courses

Experience

Essential

• Experience of dealing with the public both on the telephone and in person
• Working with indirect supervision when in clinic

Desirable

• Experience as an Assistant Technical Officer
• Previous experience of working within the NHS
• Experience working within an Audiology team
• Experience of AuditBase

Skills

Essential

• Time management
• Organisational skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• IT competent
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Ability to deal with situations tactfully
• Demonstrate a good understanding of patient confidentiality

Desirable

• Working knowledge of Patient Administration System (PAS)/AuditBase

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Good communication skills especially when communicating with hard of hearing and deaf patients
• Adaptable and flexible
• Able to communicate effectively with Deaf and hearing-impaired patients
• Able to work effectively in a team
• Flexible, positive approach to work
• Willingness to assist colleagues
• Tactful and diplomatic
• Enthusiastic and motivated
• Able to implement new ideas to benefit patients and staff after discussion with line manager

Other Job Requirements

Essential

• Well presented
• Good time keeping
• Ability to concentrate with frequent interruptions

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).