Senior Audiology Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Management responsibilities
• Assist in the smooth running of the hearing aid repair service and the support roles of ear mould management and stock organisation
• Assist in the training of new audiology assistants
• Involved in training of medical and audiology students, and hearing support volunteers.
• Assist in stock check management

• Clinical and Technical Responsibilities
• Assess patients test results, history and presentation on the day to:

Modify existing ear moulds or venting; take aural impressions to make new ear moulds according to the assessment; instigate emergency referral if indicated

Digital hearing aid maintenance and repair service:

Test hearing aid function subjectively and objectively using electroacoustic test box; repair or replace faulty hearing aids; retubing and other ear mould repairs, including drilling and grinding to increase comfort or performance; otoscopic examination to check ears for wax, infection or contraindication for taking an impression; ward or home visits as required; safe use of electrical and mechanical equipment

Assists with the assessment of pre-school and school age infants and children, including:

o Assess ability of infant/child to perform tasks, in conjunction with the specialist paediatric audiologist

o Perform developmental and age appropriate games and distraction methods

o Assist in the performance of objective tests

Communication with patients:

Quickly understand patients clinical complaints or other queries; ensure patient has understood the treatment or other plan; deal sensitively with patients who may be distressed or have significant other health problems; communication to include face-to-face conversation, telephone conversation, email and textphone conversation; patient groups include: children; deaf or hard of hearing adults; adults with learning difficulties; adults with dementia; carers/significant others.

Adherence to protocols/guidelines

Clinical work to be carried out according to local or national protocols or guidelines; some scope for using clinical judgement according to changes in patients circumstances, with support of registered staff as required; recognition when tasks are beyond the individuals scope of practice and onward referral to registered professional.

Research/Audit

Takes part in departmental research and audit as required.

Data collection

Records all clinical activity in the departmental clinical database. Ensure details of patients updated.

Ensure that clinical rooms are prepared, according to locally agreed practice.

For further details please see that attached JD & PS

Person Specification

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• oAble to provide an efficient open access hearing aid repair service after training
• oDealing with patient technical enquiries
• oDemonstrable customer service experience

Desirable

• oPrevious demonstrable experience working with the elderly
• oPrevious demonstrable experience working with infants and young children

Qualifications

Essential

• o5 GCSE to Grade C including Science or equivalent
• oNVQ L3 in relevant subject

Desirable

• oComputer literate (ECDL)
• oPractical knowledge through formal accredited courses such as: Assistant Audiologist Training Course Pre-School Audiology Course

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

• oGood communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels
• oEffective influencing skills: in general and with senior health care professionals

Desirable

• oGood hand to eye co-ordination
• oAbility to facilitate change within the work area

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).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Audiology, Level 7, Derriford Hospital

Derriford Rd

Plymouth,

PL6 8DH

Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)