Audiologist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Aim of the role To provide diagnostic Audiological testing of adults and children, to be responsible for the safe use and calibration of equipment and ensuring accurate records are maintained. To provide a comprehensive hearing aid service to adults and children including determining care plans for individual patients, and involving carers and families as appropriate. To take an active role in areas of clinical audit, research and clinical governance for the Audiology service and contributing to the development of evidence based protocols. To plan and prioritise elements of own workload, within the framework of service delivery priorities as defined by the line manager, and supervise the work of trainees/students and volunteers as required

General Responsibilities: To work independently as part of a multi-disciplinary team, within professional boundaries. To be ultimately accountable to the Audiology Leads. To carry out all audiological procedures according to national, professional and local protocols. To justify and document any contraindications or necessary deviation from protocol in the case notes and/or medical notes, seeking guidance on justification if required. To maintain empathy and rapport with the patient during testing to maximise the quality of test results and minimise patient anxiety including identifying the relevant concerns of the patient, any contraindications to procedures, and explaining and carrying out procedures. To accurately record the outcome of any patient contact in the case and/or medical notes (either in writing or electronically), including devices, documentation or advice given, and any relevant information or observations relating to the patient or the test conditions. Ensure preparation of clinic rooms and equipment prior to and after clinic sessions, including calibration checks. To ensure careful use of all expensive equipment, and identification of faults in line with local procedures.

Specific responsibilities: Diagnostic Audiological assessments: To provide quality Audiological assessments of patients who present with hearing difficulties. To provide a range of Audiological tests and procedures, and specialised testing procedures in accordance with national professional standards and procedures, and local protocols. To obtain informal consent before carrying out routine, and/or specialised Audiological procedures (under supervision) according to the clinical strategy. To explain test results and concepts for routine procedures, appropriately and sensitively, using simple language or through intermediaries such as interpreters or advocates. To advise or make recommendations to the patient, as appropriate within area of own expertise and professional boundaries. Auditory (re)habilitation: To provide a comprehensive hearing aid service to adult in acute, community and domiciliary settings in accordance with the most recent national best practice guidance and protocols (e.g. NICE, MHAS). To include provision of specialist non-routine hearing aids and services to adults with complex needs e.g. learning disabilities, sensory or physical impairment. To undertake a comprehensive Audiological assessment of patients including those with diverse or complex presentations/multiple pathologies. To carry out appropriate Audiological procedures in order to provide an accurate comprehensive assessment of their condition. To assess and address the relevant problems and concerns of the patient and/or carer, in a holistic context. This includes explaining the nature of a hearing loss or other test results and offering appropriate advice and guidance, where there may be anxiety or other barriers to understanding or co-operation. To follow national and local protocols of for the taking of aural impressions, hearing aid fitting/validation using specialised computerised equipment To ensure on-going support is available to patients via follow up, re-assessment, and maintenance sessions at main centre or outreach clinics, in accordance with national and local protocols. To evaluate patients progress, reassess and revise treatment as necessary. To include the provision of guidance to clients regarding environmental

To ensure on-going support is available to patients via follow up, re-assessment, and maintenance sessions at main centre or outreach clinics, in accordance with national and local protocols. To evaluate patients progress, reassess and revise treatment as necessary. To include the provision of guidance to clients regarding environmental aids and communications. To refer clients to other professionals as required (e.g. ENT, GP, Hearing Therapy, social services, education)

Organisational To contribute to the day to day running of audiology clinics, ensuring all required resources are available to ensure the smooth running of the clinic; to include scheduling of appointments, arranging availability of suitable accommodation and/ or equipment, transfer of relevant case records, ear moulds and hearing aids. To exercise proper care in the use of all clinical, office and general stocks and supplies, including assisting in maintaining stock levels, records and stocktaking. To plan and prioritise elements of own workload, within the framework of service delivery priorities as defined by the line manager or Head of Service. To actively contribute to meetings both within the service and as a representative of the service as required within own area of expertise, which may include the taking on of formal roles such as minute taking / arranging venues etc. Education, training and professional development To demonstrate and explain elements of the job to individuals such as new or junior staff, students or other professionals, as required. To share acquired knowledge with colleagues, this may include informal presentations at team meetings. To attend mandatory Trust courses, participate in the departmental IPR scheme and seek to further own professional and personal development. To maintain professional status and competence, by engaging in and directing own continuous professional development, evidenced by an up-to-date portfolio for CPD in line with Trust, service, and/or regulatory bodies guidelines as appropriate.

Effort, skills and working conditions Physical skills Manual dexterity to enable hearing aid fitting, adjustment and cleaning. To be able to use equipment to carry out hearing assessments. To be able to use equipment to take ear mould impressions. To be able to use computer keyboards to operate equipment and write reports. To be responsible for the setting up of rooms and equipment calibration. Physical effort Getting up and down frequently when testing and fitting hearing aids. Kneeling down if testing children. Bending to look into clients ears and fit ear moulds. Sitting at computer screens during testing and report writing. Moving equipment in rooms as necessary. Mental effort Operating equipment and analysing results. Checking notes and documents. Concentration when testing and using computer screens. Emotional effort Working with hearing impaired adults and children can be very stressful. Having to deal with upset families and clients with Learning disabilities. The need to maintain rapport and support clients at all times. Working conditions Working in soundproof rooms can be isolating and hot if not air conditioned. Generally when working in clinics or hospitals may entail dealing with unpleasant odours and temperature changes. Being able to deal with all types of patients encountered when working in a clinical setting

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• The post holder will be expected to have UK professional registration with RCCP/HCPC

Experience

Essential

• The start date is flexible as this position is suitable for either existing audiologists or for new graduates who would be considered for a July start.

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

Chevin Medical Practice

Address

Tredgold Crescent

Bramhope

Leeds

LS16 9BR

Employer's website

https://www.chevinmedicalpractice.com/ (Opens in a new tab)