Senior Audiologist (Paediatrics)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Participate in clinical sessions, be responsible for the routine operation of clinical sessions and support the financial management of the Audiology Service at RSCH, and in outreach clinics; working in compliance with the policies, protocols and procedures of the Audiology Service to ensure professional standards are maintained.

Work according to the policies, protocols and procedures of the services as the designated lead audiologist at an outreach clinic and will apply for advice and guidance from Head of Paediatric Services and the Head of Audiology services as necessary.

Participate in the supervision and training of students and junior staff and contribute to service development.

Work as part of a team with younger children and school age children. Perform, interpret and report on a comprehensive range of tests that assess disorders of hearing system.

Support the development and maintenance of a family-friendly and user-friendly paediatric service.

Undertake a comprehensive range of technical activities associated with the fitting and fine tuning of hearing aids. Update knowledge and awareness of recent developments in hearing aid technology on a regular basis; and have the skill to apply this information to the use and application of appropriate hearing aids.

Be responsible for the careful and accurate recording of patient sessions on Audit base and other patient information systems. Be involved in archiving paper based data onto computer systems and writing in patient notes in compliance with Trust policies.

Have the judgemental skills needed to select and perform audiology tests required to support ENT clinics.

Undertake advanced audiological techniques to assist consultant staff with the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric patients.

Use clinical and non-clinical resources efficiently and effectively. Be responsible for the care, use and daily calibration of equipment, reporting on any faults and acting on faults reported by junior staff so that repair and maintenance of equipment can be maintained at a high standard.

Be required to communicate complex information to patients and families with skill and sensitivity. Be able to explain audiological test results (including complex technical information), and reassure parents and families. The post holder should be able adapt their communication style to ensure that the patient/family are able to understand them; and be prepared to break bad news to families who have considerable hearing difficulties and use alternative modes of communication.

Offer counselling and support in sensitive situations. Deal with patients and families sympathetically whilst handling the expectations, questions, frustrations and distress of parents of hearing impaired babies and children.

Liaise with the Sensory Support Teachers and other support services within Surrey and Hampshire.

Be able to deal with aggressive or confrontational patients/parents by calming the situation.

Provide specialist advice counselling and support to patients, parents and children to help minimise disability due to hearing loss, tinnitus and balance problems. Be able to persuade reluctant hearing aid users of the potential benefits of using amplification.

Advise on assistive listening devices and other services for those with hearing balance and tinnitus problems referring to other agencies, specialised staff and volunteers as appropriate.

Work closely with clinicians and other professionals to provide specialist advice on technical issues and audiological support.

Implement good working practices in compliance with the Trusts Human Resources policies.

Take responsibility for handling complaints and any concerns arising for patients in outreach clinics or RSCH in collaboration with the Head of Paediatric services and Head of Audiology Services.

Have computer keyboard skills and the knowledge to be able to use the departmental IT systems including the patient management system.

Participate in research and development, clinical audit and monitoring performance as necessary, in order to assure the quality of services and strive for continued improvement in service delivery.

Implement new procedures and make recommendations proposing changes to working practice in own area of work in liaison with Head of Paediatric Service with the aim of improving the patients experience and the service.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• A BSc or PTP in Audiology Or BTEC National Certificate in MPPM BAATS Part 1 & 2
• Certificate in Audiological competence
• Member of British Academy of Audiologists
• Registered as a Healthcare Scientist with the Health Professionals (RCCP/HCP)

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of clinical Audiology and hearing aid technology oAuditbase patient management system oNoah software oHearing aid software - Oticon and Phonak software
• Experience of working as an independent practitioner for a range of Audiological assessment and rehabilitative techniques and outcomes including paediatrics and adults. oDiagnostic Audiometry oTympanometry oSpeech Audiometry oReal Ear Measurement oImpression Taking oEarmould modifications oFitting & Rehabilitation
• Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development

Desirable

• Possess a thorough and current knowledge of NHS policy, the present general management agenda for change, and the generic and specific operational working of the organisation
• Must have an understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy/national guidance/CQC/ and appreciate the implications of this on engagement

Skills and Capabilities

Essential

• Leadership and team building skills
• Able to work as part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, prioritise workloads and delegate appropriately
• Experience of managing and motivating a team
• Strategic thinking with the ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise
• Ability to make decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues, working to tight and often changing timescales
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skills OR/AND any other relevant IT systems applicable to the applicant
• Equality and Diversity Needs to have a thorough understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
• Have extensive experience in paediatric audiology
• Have an advanced, theoretical and practical knowledge of clinical audiology and hearing aid technology.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Surrey

Egerton Road

Guildford

GU2 7XX

Employer's website

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