Job summary
This role is for an Audiology Assistant to work as a member of the UHS-East Audiology department to provide both clinical and administrative duties, namely hearing aid repairs and maintenance, and procurement support.
The ideal candidate needs to be enthusiastic, hardworking, flexible and adaptive.
This role will be supported by a large team of colleagues and a clear management structure.
Main duties of the job
The main duties of the job are:
- To carry out hearing aid maintenance and repairs;
- To take ear mould impressions;
- To assist in the effective procurement organisation of the service;
- To assist in maintaining clinical stock across all clinical sites;
- To participate in maintaining a safe working environment.
About us
Join us at UHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better never stops
At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of theUK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Improving lives:We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put ourPatient First. Our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourwellbeing programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
Build a career with us:As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Analysis of hearing aid performance to identify and troubleshoot any faults. Able to service hearing aids and ear moulds, providing solutions, alternatives and/or replacements.
- Obtain aural impressions by syringing a silicone compound into the external ear canal safely and with accuracy. As this is an invasive procedure with risk of damage to the patient, effective communication with the patient and manual dexterity are vital.
- To have an involved role in the procurement team as led by the procurement officer.
- To assist in monitoring and maintaining stock levels and help with the ordering, packaging and receipting of earmoulds, hearing devices and consumables.
- To ensure clinical rooms have adequate stock levels of consumables.
- Conduct daily stage A calibration checks on all equipment to be included within clinical tasks for the day. To report any calibration failures immediately to Head of Audiology and the calibration lead and to make safe the affected equipment to ensure that it is not used with patients until remedial action has been successfully implemented.
- Perform examination of the external ear and ear canal to assess the condition of the external ear canal and tympanic membrane. Recognise contraindications to further treatment (e.g., perforations, ear discharge, blood and/or wax in ear canal) and refer to the appropriate professional, when necessary (e.g., Specialist Audiologist, ENT, GP, Nurse Practitioners).
- Able to select the appropriate ear mould for the patient, reflecting ear conditions and hearing aid prescription.
- Physically modify patients ear moulds to facilitate a comfortable fitting and/or modify acoustic parameters by safe use of drill, buffer and grinding equipment.
- To conduct telephone reviews for newly fitted hearing aid users.
- Assist with home visits to housebound patients to provide a full range of Audiological services where access to patients in a domestic setting may be restricted.
- To provide theoretical and clinical knowledge to support training of Audiology students and trainees on placement. To present summary data to the department at clinical audit meetings.
- To provide sensitive advice to patients regarding their auditory status having been referred for consultation by other health professionals including primary care workers, medical consultants, community practitioners and Audiology staff. Such advice is delivered within an emotive atmosphere. To advise on interventions and (re)habilitation programmes based upon autonomous clinical opinion, which may involve referral onwards to relevant intervention programmes.
- Responsible for working within the adult team to help deliver the clinical direction to the service, within the boundaries set by the service leads. Some of this clinical work to include lone working at off sites.
- Be aware of efficiencies of device utilisation and patient benefit outcomes, as well as awareness of DNA rates for the adult service.
- Opportunity to contribute to research and development programmes in Audiology for UHS. Maintenance of own audit activity as requirement for continued registration with regulatory bodies.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Analysis of hearing aid performance to identify and troubleshoot any faults. Able to service hearing aids and ear moulds, providing solutions, alternatives and/or replacements.
- Obtain aural impressions by syringing a silicone compound into the external ear canal safely and with accuracy. As this is an invasive procedure with risk of damage to the patient, effective communication with the patient and manual dexterity are vital.
- To have an involved role in the procurement team as led by the procurement officer.
- To assist in monitoring and maintaining stock levels and help with the ordering, packaging and receipting of earmoulds, hearing devices and consumables.
- To ensure clinical rooms have adequate stock levels of consumables.
- Conduct daily stage A calibration checks on all equipment to be included within clinical tasks for the day. To report any calibration failures immediately to Head of Audiology and the calibration lead and to make safe the affected equipment to ensure that it is not used with patients until remedial action has been successfully implemented.
- Perform examination of the external ear and ear canal to assess the condition of the external ear canal and tympanic membrane. Recognise contraindications to further treatment (e.g., perforations, ear discharge, blood and/or wax in ear canal) and refer to the appropriate professional, when necessary (e.g., Specialist Audiologist, ENT, GP, Nurse Practitioners).
- Able to select the appropriate ear mould for the patient, reflecting ear conditions and hearing aid prescription.
- Physically modify patients ear moulds to facilitate a comfortable fitting and/or modify acoustic parameters by safe use of drill, buffer and grinding equipment.
- To conduct telephone reviews for newly fitted hearing aid users.
- Assist with home visits to housebound patients to provide a full range of Audiological services where access to patients in a domestic setting may be restricted.
- To provide theoretical and clinical knowledge to support training of Audiology students and trainees on placement. To present summary data to the department at clinical audit meetings.
- To provide sensitive advice to patients regarding their auditory status having been referred for consultation by other health professionals including primary care workers, medical consultants, community practitioners and Audiology staff. Such advice is delivered within an emotive atmosphere. To advise on interventions and (re)habilitation programmes based upon autonomous clinical opinion, which may involve referral onwards to relevant intervention programmes.
- Responsible for working within the adult team to help deliver the clinical direction to the service, within the boundaries set by the service leads. Some of this clinical work to include lone working at off sites.
- Be aware of efficiencies of device utilisation and patient benefit outcomes, as well as awareness of DNA rates for the adult service.
- Opportunity to contribute to research and development programmes in Audiology for UHS. Maintenance of own audit activity as requirement for continued registration with regulatory bodies.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GSCE grade C or above (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy.
Desirable
- BSA / BAA accredited otoscopy and aural impression taking qualification.
- BAA certified ATO course.
Experience
Essential
- Appropriate years' experience as an ATO (or equivalent).
- Ability to communicate effectively D/deaf individuals, their families and care givers.
Desirable
- Proven competencies in hearing aid repairs.
- Proven competencies in reviewing hearing aid patients (by phone or in person).
- Previous experience working in procurement setting.
Skills
Essential
- Proficient Keyboard skills with IT experience of Microsoft Office and other software packages.
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GSCE grade C or above (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy.
Desirable
- BSA / BAA accredited otoscopy and aural impression taking qualification.
- BAA certified ATO course.
Experience
Essential
- Appropriate years' experience as an ATO (or equivalent).
- Ability to communicate effectively D/deaf individuals, their families and care givers.
Desirable
- Proven competencies in hearing aid repairs.
- Proven competencies in reviewing hearing aid patients (by phone or in person).
- Previous experience working in procurement setting.
Skills
Essential
- Proficient Keyboard skills with IT experience of Microsoft Office and other software packages.
Desirable
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.
