Audiologist

Barts Health NHS Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking for a highly motivated and committed Audiologist to work in our friendly team. You will be working in centres at Whipps Cross University NHS Hospital NHS Trust in Leytonstone and a community site in the London Borough of Redbridge.

Our department provides a comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative Audiology service to an extensive population covering Waltham Forest and Redbridge London boroughs.

Qualifications required are BSc in Audiology (or equivalent).

Main duties of the job

The post is full-time and the post holder will be required to participate in the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology service mainly to adults within the districts of Waltham Forest and Redbridge

About us

Barts Health is one of the largest NHS trusts in the country, and one of Britain's leading healthcare providers.

The Barts Health group of NHS hospitals is entering an exciting new era on our improvement journey to becoming an outstanding organisation with a world-class clinical reputation. Having lifted ourselves out of special measures, we now have the impetus and breathing space to chart a fresh course in which we are continually striving to improve all our services for patients.

Our vision is to be a high-performing group of NHS hospitals, renowned for excellence and innovation, and providing safe and compassionate care to our patients in east London and beyond. That means being a provider of excellent patient safety, known for delivering consistently high standards of harm-free care and always caring for patients in the right place at the right time. It also means being an outstanding place to work, in which our WeCare values and behaviours are visible to all and guide us in how we work together.

We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment.

Date posted

23 May 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£34,089 to £41,498 a year per annum inc

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

259-5124065RLH-A

Job locations

Royal London Hospital

London

E1 1FR

Job description

Job responsibilities

Communication

To use effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills (including observation) as appropriate during encounters with patients, carers and others, where, in addition to hearing loss, there are often other barriers to communication. (e.g., visual or other disabilities, developmental age, language or cultural differences, anxiety, aggression, dementia or memory loss.)

To include communicating information verbally, in sign, by telephone, in writing or electronically as required.

To communicate effectively with colleagues both within Audiology, and across other disciplines and/or organisations as necessary. In particular, to obtain and provide guidance or advice, raise concerns about individual patients, and ensure the best possible patient care.

To maintain links and work effectively with other professional services. Maintain effective channels of communication between colleagues within audiology, Speech & Language Therapy, Social Services, ENT, GPs, Parents /Families and voluntary services as appropriate in order for resources to be utilized to support, supplement and expand audiological services.

Responsibility for Patients:

Clinical

General:

To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, within professional boundaries. To be ultimately accountable to the Head of Service, and to seek guidance from senior staff whenever necessary.

To carry out all audiological procedures according to national, professional and local protocols. 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.

To plan and prioritise elements of own workload, within the framework of service delivery priorities as defined by the line manager.

To adhere to BSA standards and departmental protocols

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:

To diagnose, with supervision where needed, the type of hearing loss presented by hearing aid assessment patients, and determine the requirement for rehabilitation or referral for further investigation.

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 participate in the provision of a routine rehabilitative service in the selection, fitting and evaluation of both analogue and digital hearing aids to adults referred to the Audiology Service, by either the Direct Referral system or through the ENT clinics, abiding by departmental protocols as set and MHAS guidelines.

To take part in Domiciliary Services within the Waltham Forest and Redbridge areas.

To provide a hearing aid repair service to patients attending Repair Clinics run from Whipps Cross and other outreach clinics as required.

To provide audiological cover for ENT clinics, consisting of basic pure tone audiometry and tympanometry.

To ensure on-going support is available to patients via follow up, re-assessment, and maintenance sessions at the main centre or at outreach clinics, in accordance with national and local protocols. To evaluate clients progress, reassess and revise treatment as necessary.

To provide advice on environmental aids and communication tactics.

To refer patients to other professionals as required (e.g. GP, Social Services)

Responsibility for Resources:

To use resources at their disposal with due regard to care, safety and appropriateness.

To ensure that audiological equipment is routinely calibrated and maintained in necessary working order.

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 and assisting with monthly statistics when required.

Responsibility for Administration:

To participate in the computerised data collection of patient activity including entering data on Practice Navigator.

To ensure that an efficient hearing aid and earmould service is provided to patients, including accurate record keeping and a quick turn-around time for ordering and repairs.

To participate in the daily administration of the Audiology Department as well as ensuring impressions are sent away for manufacture promptly and recorded upon receipt.

To ensure that departmental statistics are kept up to date and being timely and accurately recorded.

To record patient appointment/attendance on PAS for the repair and ENT clinics as required.

To update the Audiology outcome form ensuring the procedure codes are accurately filled in.

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 and assisting with monthly statistics when required.

Responsibility for Research and Development:

To participate in department surveys, audits, clinical trials as agreed and directed by the Head of Service or Trust

To seek to promote and use evidence-based practice.

To participate and actively promote clinical research and service development within the department.

Responsibility for Personal development and training:

To participate in formal and informal training of audiological procedures to other professionals and co-workers.

To share acquired knowledge with colleagues, which may include organising professional in-house training for colleagues, or writing of guidelines

To keep abreast of developments within the field of audiology, and actively pursue self-professional development.

To attend mandatory Trust courses, participate in the departmental appraisal 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 regulatory bodies guidelines as appropriate.

General Responsibilities

To safeguard the integrity, confidentiality and availability of sensitive information at all times. This includes information relating to patients in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1994, individual staff records and contract price and terms.

To take responsibility for the Health and Safety of staff and patients, within the Audiology Service, as necessary.

To implement the policies of Barts Health within the Audiology Department including policies for Infection Control and Equal Opportunities.

To liaise with other medical staff and colleagues, to emphasize the effectiveness and improvement of the department.

Other duties from time to time that may be required by the Chief Audiologist and Head of Audiology Services.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Communication

To use effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills (including observation) as appropriate during encounters with patients, carers and others, where, in addition to hearing loss, there are often other barriers to communication. (e.g., visual or other disabilities, developmental age, language or cultural differences, anxiety, aggression, dementia or memory loss.)

To include communicating information verbally, in sign, by telephone, in writing or electronically as required.

To communicate effectively with colleagues both within Audiology, and across other disciplines and/or organisations as necessary. In particular, to obtain and provide guidance or advice, raise concerns about individual patients, and ensure the best possible patient care.

To maintain links and work effectively with other professional services. Maintain effective channels of communication between colleagues within audiology, Speech & Language Therapy, Social Services, ENT, GPs, Parents /Families and voluntary services as appropriate in order for resources to be utilized to support, supplement and expand audiological services.

Responsibility for Patients:

Clinical

General:

To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, within professional boundaries. To be ultimately accountable to the Head of Service, and to seek guidance from senior staff whenever necessary.

To carry out all audiological procedures according to national, professional and local protocols. 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.

To plan and prioritise elements of own workload, within the framework of service delivery priorities as defined by the line manager.

To adhere to BSA standards and departmental protocols

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:

To diagnose, with supervision where needed, the type of hearing loss presented by hearing aid assessment patients, and determine the requirement for rehabilitation or referral for further investigation.

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 participate in the provision of a routine rehabilitative service in the selection, fitting and evaluation of both analogue and digital hearing aids to adults referred to the Audiology Service, by either the Direct Referral system or through the ENT clinics, abiding by departmental protocols as set and MHAS guidelines.

To take part in Domiciliary Services within the Waltham Forest and Redbridge areas.

To provide a hearing aid repair service to patients attending Repair Clinics run from Whipps Cross and other outreach clinics as required.

To provide audiological cover for ENT clinics, consisting of basic pure tone audiometry and tympanometry.

To ensure on-going support is available to patients via follow up, re-assessment, and maintenance sessions at the main centre or at outreach clinics, in accordance with national and local protocols. To evaluate clients progress, reassess and revise treatment as necessary.

To provide advice on environmental aids and communication tactics.

To refer patients to other professionals as required (e.g. GP, Social Services)

Responsibility for Resources:

To use resources at their disposal with due regard to care, safety and appropriateness.

To ensure that audiological equipment is routinely calibrated and maintained in necessary working order.

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 and assisting with monthly statistics when required.

Responsibility for Administration:

To participate in the computerised data collection of patient activity including entering data on Practice Navigator.

To ensure that an efficient hearing aid and earmould service is provided to patients, including accurate record keeping and a quick turn-around time for ordering and repairs.

To participate in the daily administration of the Audiology Department as well as ensuring impressions are sent away for manufacture promptly and recorded upon receipt.

To ensure that departmental statistics are kept up to date and being timely and accurately recorded.

To record patient appointment/attendance on PAS for the repair and ENT clinics as required.

To update the Audiology outcome form ensuring the procedure codes are accurately filled in.

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 and assisting with monthly statistics when required.

Responsibility for Research and Development:

To participate in department surveys, audits, clinical trials as agreed and directed by the Head of Service or Trust

To seek to promote and use evidence-based practice.

To participate and actively promote clinical research and service development within the department.

Responsibility for Personal development and training:

To participate in formal and informal training of audiological procedures to other professionals and co-workers.

To share acquired knowledge with colleagues, which may include organising professional in-house training for colleagues, or writing of guidelines

To keep abreast of developments within the field of audiology, and actively pursue self-professional development.

To attend mandatory Trust courses, participate in the departmental appraisal 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 regulatory bodies guidelines as appropriate.

General Responsibilities

To safeguard the integrity, confidentiality and availability of sensitive information at all times. This includes information relating to patients in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1994, individual staff records and contract price and terms.

To take responsibility for the Health and Safety of staff and patients, within the Audiology Service, as necessary.

To implement the policies of Barts Health within the Audiology Department including policies for Infection Control and Equal Opportunities.

To liaise with other medical staff and colleagues, to emphasize the effectiveness and improvement of the department.

Other duties from time to time that may be required by the Chief Audiologist and Head of Audiology Services.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

BSc (Hons) in Audiology or equivalent (e.g. BAAT, Parts 1 and 2, Dip HE in Audiology, B/Tech Medical Physics

Skills

Essential

Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to communicate and work with deaf/hearing impaired adults, of different age groups from all backgrounds
Ability to maintain accurate records and department statistics
Good organisational skills.
Good IT skills
Able to work on own initiative
Ability to work under pressure

Desirable

Deaf Awareness
Sign language skills
Knowledge of Practice Navigator patient management system
Holds a full UK Driving licence and owns a car

Experience

Essential

Qualified Audiologist

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

BSc (Hons) in Audiology or equivalent (e.g. BAAT, Parts 1 and 2, Dip HE in Audiology, B/Tech Medical Physics

Skills

Essential

Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to communicate and work with deaf/hearing impaired adults, of different age groups from all backgrounds
Ability to maintain accurate records and department statistics
Good organisational skills.
Good IT skills
Able to work on own initiative
Ability to work under pressure

Desirable

Deaf Awareness
Sign language skills
Knowledge of Practice Navigator patient management system
Holds a full UK Driving licence and owns a car

Experience

Essential

Qualified Audiologist

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).