Senior Paediatric Audiologist

Whittington Hospital NHS Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

Whittington Health Audiology and Vestibular Medicine Service Specialist Audiologist, Paediatrics - Band 6

Full time Permanent post 37.5 hours per week

Would you like to join our friendly, supportive team as a Paediatric Audiologist?

We are seeking to employ a suitably qualified Audiologist to join our service, working primarily at St Ann's hospital and the Northern Health Centre.

You will be responsible for leading on assessments of children of all ages, as well as supporting Consultant-led Paediatric clinics.

You will have the opportunity to be involved in assisting in hearing aid clinics and part of the tertiary new-born hearing diagnostic pathway.

We welcome applicants keen to contribute to service development and improving the patient experience.

We value innovation, team working and achieving a good work life balance.

We are a Consultant led service, providing a comprehensive diagnostic and (re)habilitation service to neonates, children, and Adults in the boroughs of Haringey Camden and Islington and Barnet and Enfield.

We are also the tertiary centre for the New-born hearing screening program for babies referred from Haringey and Enfield, and so have close links with the Teachers of the Deaf. We provide training for PTP students

You should be registered with the RCCP as an Audiologist or the HCPC as a Clinical Scientist (Audiology).

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be part of the multi disciplinary team responsible for the provision of a wide range of Paediatric Audiology services across Whittington Health ICO (covering Haringey, Islington, parts of Camden, and Barnet and Enfield).

They will be responsible for the assessment and management of infants and older children referred to the community clinic at St Ann's hospital. This will involve both independent clinics, as well as providing clinical support for doctor-led clinics.

This post will be based at St Ann's hospital, but may be required to rotate to other sites within the ICO as required and work flexibly.

About us

This post will be based at St Ann's hospital, but may be required to rotate to other sites within the ICO as required and work flexibly.

Date posted

12 May 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£40,701 to £48,054 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

220-WHT-472-B

Job locations

St Ann's Hospital

St Ann's Road

Tottenham

N15 3TH

Job description

Job responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES

Clinical and Scientific.

To be responsible for performing routine Audiological test battery as part of doctor-led clinics on children. This will include Pure tone audiometry, Tympanometry, Play Audiometry, Visual Reinforcement audiometry, Distraction testing, Acoustic reflexes, Oto-acoustic emissions and speech testing.

To support medical clinics in assessing children with complex needs, including modified Distraction tests.

To undertake and lead on the assessment of children referred from a variety of sources, e.g. GPs, Health visitors, speech and language, Ears, Nose Throat (ENT) into scientist-led clinics.

To make decisions about the most appropriate test technique to employ e.g., VRA, Distraction testing, play audiometry, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, Oto-acoustic emissions, acoustic reflexes, speech testing.

To make management decisions regarding children and initiate onwards referrals as necessary. To seek advice from senior colleagues when required.

Interpretation of complex test results and communicating complex information about tests and results to parents, families, and patients. To request support from senior colleagues when required.

To be experienced and empathetic in sharing news of temporary or permanent hearing loss with families. To formulate individual management plans in conjunction with the family and Education services.

To ensure that all appropriate verbal/written information is provided to families at every stage, and to ensure that reports/information is provided to other relevant health professionals involved in the childs care.

To be accountable for the day-to-day management of pertinent work areas, ensuring that equipment is maintained correctly and daily checks/calibration are carried out, reporting any faults as appropriate to the relevant member of the team.

To analyse and interpret a broad spectrum of paediatric test results and recommend appropriate audiological intervention.

Determining the reason for erroneous clinical test results within Paediatric Audiology

To alert relevant member of the team regarding low stock.

To ensure that local/national recommended procedures/protocols/guidelines/SOPs are adhered to and a high level of competence is maintained.

Rotate at other community/hospital sites as required, as directed by line manager/service leads and/or due to service requirements.

Research and Development.

To participate in research projects as required.

To maintain up to date knowledge of scientific, technical and clinical practices to keep abreast of professional change and development in the fields of Audiology

To participate in departmental audit.

To attend meetings as required regarding Audiology Service Issues.

To present educational/research information received from formal training to other members of staff.

To attend service training and study courses as required for personal development and/ or the advancement of the service.

To provide necessary information as required for equipment procurement, quality assurance, and clinical governance to Senior Clinical Scientist/Consultant to enable best practice and service development.

To be responsible for monitoring own CPD activity to ensure registration requirements are fulfilled.

To ensure that mandatory training requirements are kept up to date

To contribute towards service development

Administrative tasks.

To provide timely and accurate reports for Paediatric assessments.

To ensure that patients records are comprehensive and kept up to date on the computerised management system following each consultation.

To ensure that data is entered onto S4H (the national NHSP database) for relevant children.

To occasionally book/cancel/change appointments for patients, after appropriate training, as directed by line manage/professional lead. To include arranging interpreters, and transport as required.

To receive and follow up queries by telephone, and to pass on any queries to relevant staff members.

Occasional database activity for research/audit purposes

To ensure that full documentation is carried out for any research work undertaken.

To ensure that all relevant leaflets, proformas, results sheets etc, are available in all rooms for clinics.

4 Other

To have a flexible approach to aid the smooth running of the department

To maintain confidentiality at all times.

To be responsible for the overall cleanliness and tidiness of the department and work with the rest of the clinical team to ensure that infection control procedures are followed.

To contribute to departmental and team meetings, and to provide data for meetings as requested by line manager service lead.

To assist in the overall smooth running of the department including health and safety.

To provide cover for temporary absence for Audiology staff.

To assist departmental colleagues in inducting/training new staff to the department (this will include locums and students).

To supervise the work of other members of the team as appropriate, including junior audiologists, trainees and students.

To be involved in providing clinical training to ATO/MSc/BSc students, and junior/new members of staff.

To perform any other ad-hoc duties that may be requested by the Consultant, line manager or Professional lead as appropriate to the grade.

To support line managers and Paediatric Team Leaders as required.

To work calmly and methodically when under pressure from a busy caseload, demonstrating good prioritisation and organisational skills.

Works in accordance with Trust policies and guidelines at all times.

Job description

Job responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES

Clinical and Scientific.

To be responsible for performing routine Audiological test battery as part of doctor-led clinics on children. This will include Pure tone audiometry, Tympanometry, Play Audiometry, Visual Reinforcement audiometry, Distraction testing, Acoustic reflexes, Oto-acoustic emissions and speech testing.

To support medical clinics in assessing children with complex needs, including modified Distraction tests.

To undertake and lead on the assessment of children referred from a variety of sources, e.g. GPs, Health visitors, speech and language, Ears, Nose Throat (ENT) into scientist-led clinics.

To make decisions about the most appropriate test technique to employ e.g., VRA, Distraction testing, play audiometry, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, Oto-acoustic emissions, acoustic reflexes, speech testing.

To make management decisions regarding children and initiate onwards referrals as necessary. To seek advice from senior colleagues when required.

Interpretation of complex test results and communicating complex information about tests and results to parents, families, and patients. To request support from senior colleagues when required.

To be experienced and empathetic in sharing news of temporary or permanent hearing loss with families. To formulate individual management plans in conjunction with the family and Education services.

To ensure that all appropriate verbal/written information is provided to families at every stage, and to ensure that reports/information is provided to other relevant health professionals involved in the childs care.

To be accountable for the day-to-day management of pertinent work areas, ensuring that equipment is maintained correctly and daily checks/calibration are carried out, reporting any faults as appropriate to the relevant member of the team.

To analyse and interpret a broad spectrum of paediatric test results and recommend appropriate audiological intervention.

Determining the reason for erroneous clinical test results within Paediatric Audiology

To alert relevant member of the team regarding low stock.

To ensure that local/national recommended procedures/protocols/guidelines/SOPs are adhered to and a high level of competence is maintained.

Rotate at other community/hospital sites as required, as directed by line manager/service leads and/or due to service requirements.

Research and Development.

To participate in research projects as required.

To maintain up to date knowledge of scientific, technical and clinical practices to keep abreast of professional change and development in the fields of Audiology

To participate in departmental audit.

To attend meetings as required regarding Audiology Service Issues.

To present educational/research information received from formal training to other members of staff.

To attend service training and study courses as required for personal development and/ or the advancement of the service.

To provide necessary information as required for equipment procurement, quality assurance, and clinical governance to Senior Clinical Scientist/Consultant to enable best practice and service development.

To be responsible for monitoring own CPD activity to ensure registration requirements are fulfilled.

To ensure that mandatory training requirements are kept up to date

To contribute towards service development

Administrative tasks.

To provide timely and accurate reports for Paediatric assessments.

To ensure that patients records are comprehensive and kept up to date on the computerised management system following each consultation.

To ensure that data is entered onto S4H (the national NHSP database) for relevant children.

To occasionally book/cancel/change appointments for patients, after appropriate training, as directed by line manage/professional lead. To include arranging interpreters, and transport as required.

To receive and follow up queries by telephone, and to pass on any queries to relevant staff members.

Occasional database activity for research/audit purposes

To ensure that full documentation is carried out for any research work undertaken.

To ensure that all relevant leaflets, proformas, results sheets etc, are available in all rooms for clinics.

4 Other

To have a flexible approach to aid the smooth running of the department

To maintain confidentiality at all times.

To be responsible for the overall cleanliness and tidiness of the department and work with the rest of the clinical team to ensure that infection control procedures are followed.

To contribute to departmental and team meetings, and to provide data for meetings as requested by line manager service lead.

To assist in the overall smooth running of the department including health and safety.

To provide cover for temporary absence for Audiology staff.

To assist departmental colleagues in inducting/training new staff to the department (this will include locums and students).

To supervise the work of other members of the team as appropriate, including junior audiologists, trainees and students.

To be involved in providing clinical training to ATO/MSc/BSc students, and junior/new members of staff.

To perform any other ad-hoc duties that may be requested by the Consultant, line manager or Professional lead as appropriate to the grade.

To support line managers and Paediatric Team Leaders as required.

To work calmly and methodically when under pressure from a busy caseload, demonstrating good prioritisation and organisational skills.

Works in accordance with Trust policies and guidelines at all times.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential

BSc in Audiology or equivalent
Professional Registration as a Clinical Scientist in Audiology/Clinical Physiologist In Audiology

Desirable

Higher training (e.g MSc in Audiological science/Diploma in Audiology/CCC, CAC or equivalent)
Evidence of CPD
Membership of BAA/BSA

Skills & Abilities

Essential

Work in a professional manner at all times
Good organisational skills and personal time management to ensure work is completed
Explanation of complex results and management strategies in a patient friendly and sensitive way
Ability to communicate with patients who have a barrier to understanding e.g. language/hearing
Ability to understand cultural needs of a patient
Ability to remain calm when working in a busy environment
Ability to use sensitive, persuasive and negotiation skills
Good written and verbal communication skills
Good general IT skills
Flexible approach to seeing patients and getting the best out of children in clinic appointments

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Post- qualification experience in Paediatric Audiology
Experience of conducting behavioural assessments of children with complex needs
Experience of sharing news of hearing loss with families, including temporary loss caused by glue ear
Knowledge of Audiological tests/equipment
Experience of conducting Oto-acoustic emissions/visual reinforcement audiometry/distraction testing/play audiometry/PTA/speech testing
Understanding of confidentiality
Understanding of issues surrounding hearing impairment and its effect on quality of life
Knowledge of Family friendly principles

Desirable

Experience of managing, supervising and training junior staff
Experience of supporting Team Leaders in the smooth running of the service

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

Ability to work under pressure
Patient and sympathetic to the needs of the hearing Impaired and sensitive to their needs
Ability to sensitively handle difficult situations including: antagonist and distraught patients
Willingness to work as part of a team in managing waiting times, service improvements and the patient experience

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential

BSc in Audiology or equivalent
Professional Registration as a Clinical Scientist in Audiology/Clinical Physiologist In Audiology

Desirable

Higher training (e.g MSc in Audiological science/Diploma in Audiology/CCC, CAC or equivalent)
Evidence of CPD
Membership of BAA/BSA

Skills & Abilities

Essential

Work in a professional manner at all times
Good organisational skills and personal time management to ensure work is completed
Explanation of complex results and management strategies in a patient friendly and sensitive way
Ability to communicate with patients who have a barrier to understanding e.g. language/hearing
Ability to understand cultural needs of a patient
Ability to remain calm when working in a busy environment
Ability to use sensitive, persuasive and negotiation skills
Good written and verbal communication skills
Good general IT skills
Flexible approach to seeing patients and getting the best out of children in clinic appointments

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Post- qualification experience in Paediatric Audiology
Experience of conducting behavioural assessments of children with complex needs
Experience of sharing news of hearing loss with families, including temporary loss caused by glue ear
Knowledge of Audiological tests/equipment
Experience of conducting Oto-acoustic emissions/visual reinforcement audiometry/distraction testing/play audiometry/PTA/speech testing
Understanding of confidentiality
Understanding of issues surrounding hearing impairment and its effect on quality of life
Knowledge of Family friendly principles

Desirable

Experience of managing, supervising and training junior staff
Experience of supporting Team Leaders in the smooth running of the service

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

Ability to work under pressure
Patient and sympathetic to the needs of the hearing Impaired and sensitive to their needs
Ability to sensitively handle difficult situations including: antagonist and distraught patients
Willingness to work as part of a team in managing waiting times, service improvements and the patient experience

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).