Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Newborn Hearing Screener(XR03)

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive person to join our team of newborn hearing screeners. The newborn hearing screen is part of the antenatal and newborn screening programme which is part of the Womens CSU. Newborn hearing screening is one of the governments 11 population screening programmes.

This position is based at Leeds General Infirmary and St James Hospital.

You will be joining a friendly, supportive, welcoming, well established team. There are team members who have been here since the screen began in 2004 and also more recent additions to the team, so there is always someone to offer advice if needed.

Main duties of the job

You will be working in a small team of hearing screeners, offering screening to all newborns on the post natal wards, delivery suite, neonatal unit, childrens hospital wards and outpatient departments. You will need excellent communication skills as you will be required to communicate with a range of people, and gain informed consent from service users. Your role will involve explaining the screen, possible outcomes and next steps. You will be carrying out the screen and explaining the results. There is some administrative work involving the use of various sytems including Patient Centre, K2, PPM+, Badgernet and S4H (hearing screening system).

In addition to carrying out the screen you will be expected to book outpatient appointments, contact parents on the telephone to negotiate convenient appointment times. You will calibrate your equipment daily and record this. You will be expected to complete a level 3 diploma in health screening.

About us

The service is provided over 7 days per week so you will be required to cover weekends and bank holidays when necessary.

The service operates within the Leeds Way Values which are to be accountable, fair, patient centred, collaborative and empowered.

The department consists of hearing screeners, senior hearing screeners and a team leader.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Details

Date posted

10 August 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£22,816 to £24,336 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-WOM-074

Job locations

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Job description

Job responsibilities

The primary purpose of this role is to undertake the hearing screening of newborn babies as part of the National Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP). The post holder will ensure they carry out the newborn hearing screen to a high standard and in accordance with the national standard protocols and procedures.

The post holder will explain the screen, taking into account any barriers to understanding. The post holder will ensure that clients fully understand the aims, techniques and possible outcomes of screening and the implications of these.

3. JOB DIMENSIONS

The post holder will work as a hearing screener, carrying out hearing screening techniques within standard operating procedures. The post holder will work independently and make decisions about the right time and the right test following national protocols, and within their sphere of experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations but the post holder generally works on his or her own initiative without reference to the line manager. The service operates over 7 days per week and all staff work on a rota basis to ensure that all days are covered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

A good standard of education including a pass level at GCSE English or equivalent.

NVQ 3 in relevant subject (desirable)

Newborn Hearing Screeners are required to undertake the Level 3 Diploma in Health Screening (NHSP) unless they qualified as a hearing screener before this qualification was vavailable.

Trainees take 3 - 6 months to qualify as a hearing screener through a combination of face to face classroom based training, e-learning and clinical skills training.

They will be required to undergo annual practical assessment locally and repeat the e-learning modules annually.

Experience of working with the general public

Experience of organising and prioritising own workload

Experience of working as part of a team

Experience of working in health or social care settings without direct supervision

Experience of relevant clinical area e.g. older people, children

Experience of participating in clinical supervision

Demonstrates an understanding of role applied for within the clinical context e.g. older adults, children, neurology, mental health

Knowledge and understanding of general responsibilities related to patient information and record keeping

Awareness of general clinical conditions which may be encountered in area of work

Demonstrates awareness of limits to knowledge base

Demonstrates an understanding of accountability

Awareness of responsibilities regarding health and safety particularly if working without direct supervision

Understanding of professional roles relevant to clinical area e.g. nurse, therapists, pharmacists

Knowledge and understanding of reflective practice and continuing professional development

Competent IT skills e.g. word processing, email

Effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills including communicating factual information to service users / carers

Basic risk assessment skills

Basic clinical skills

6. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:

Displays care, compassion, sensitivity and responsiveness to other peoples feelings and needs

Able to work as part of a team, co-operating to work together and in conjunction with others and willing to help and assist wherever possible and appropriate appreciating the value of diversity in the workplace.

Able to develop, establish and maintain positive relationships with others both internal and external to the organisation and with patients and their carers

Able to work under pressure, dealing with peaks and troughs in workload.

Positive and flexible attitude to dealing with change; able to respond to the changing needs of the patient in an appropriate and timely manner;

willing to change and accept change and to explore new ways of doing things and approaches

Highly motivated and reliable

Has a strong degree of personal integrity; able to adhere to standards of conduct based on a culture of equality and fairness

7. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

Fully participate in the Trusts appraisal system review and personal development planning process on an annual basis.

Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with line manager as part of the personal development planning process.

Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.

Contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the teams in which he/ she works.

Ability to be flexible in working patterns to cover the service requirements.

8. CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Work within the Trusts Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions and Clinical Governance arrangements.

Understanding of accurate information recording in order to allow effective information analysis.

Understanding of Trust Policy and Procedure, e.g. HR/ Risk Management/ Clinical Governance.

9. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

To carry out the screen in hospital whenever possible, on the post natal wards, delivery suit, neonatal units and transitional care.

To identify newborn babies requiring a hearing screen via the national database (SM4RT) and K2 (Maternity IT system).

To monitor and track babies in the Neonatal Units (including Cardiac, Neuro and other wards) using Patient Centre and decide with the Nursing staff when it is appropriate to screen.

To carry out the screen in hospital whenever possible, on the post natal wards, delivery suite, neonatal units and transitional care. Also other paediatric wards within the Trust.

To liaise effectively with parents and carers to promote the newborn hearing screen and provide unbiased information relating to the Hearing Screening Programme, and to negotiate with parents and ward staff to carry out the screen.

To prioritise own caseload to ensure high screening coverage, eg early discharges, readmissions, presence of interpreters, movement in and out of regional Neonatal Units.

To analyse the newborns state of arousal before and during test, and assess whether it is an appropriate time to screen.

To work independently using own initiative based on training in order to screen babies hearing without supervision, using the correct screen at the correct time, within the maternity units including Neonatal Intensive Care, Transitional Care and also in outpatient clinics as per the National and Local Protocols.

To counsel parents with regard to screening outcomes and options for further management/ assessment.

To ensure that parent carer is fully informed of clinical procedures, data protection procedure and possible reasons for No Clear Response.

To obtain informed consent/ decline and follow procedures accordingly.

To identify babies needing targeted on-going surveillance as per national protocols.

To negotiate mutually acceptable appointments for babies requiring hearing screening in clinics and to book appointments on the appointment system and send out letters. Telephoning patients when possible in order to arrange screening in a timely manner in order to meet KPI (NH1).

To negotiate mutually acceptable appointments for babies requiring diagnostic assessment at the Hearing & Balance Centre and to book appointments on the appointment system (Patient Centre). Telephoning patients when possible in order to arrange assessment in a timely manner in order to meet KPI (NH2).

To collate and accurately record clinical and test data using the National Database, maintaining security and confidentiality of patient information.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

i) PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Frequent moderate effort for short periods during a shift; manoeuvring patients, equipment, carrying out care tasks.

Ability to stand and walk for extended period.

Good hand and eye coordination.

Willingness to travel between units and to work in outpatient clinics.

ii) MENTAL EFFORT:

Frequent concentration; work pattern predictable, workload unpredictable.

Excellent concentration and powers of perception required to carry out care tasks, observe patients, operate equipment. Multi tasking.

Ability to take frequent interruptions and change jobs mid stream.

iii) EMOTIONAL EFFORT:

Occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances

Frequent indirect exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances.

Care of terminally ill, challenging behaviour,

Regularly dealing with potential upset/ anxious parents and relatives.

iv) WORKING CONDITIONS:

Frequent unpleasant conditions; occasional highly unpleasant conditions

Dust, smell, dirt, body odour, body fluids, noise, heat.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The primary purpose of this role is to undertake the hearing screening of newborn babies as part of the National Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP). The post holder will ensure they carry out the newborn hearing screen to a high standard and in accordance with the national standard protocols and procedures.

The post holder will explain the screen, taking into account any barriers to understanding. The post holder will ensure that clients fully understand the aims, techniques and possible outcomes of screening and the implications of these.

3. JOB DIMENSIONS

The post holder will work as a hearing screener, carrying out hearing screening techniques within standard operating procedures. The post holder will work independently and make decisions about the right time and the right test following national protocols, and within their sphere of experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations but the post holder generally works on his or her own initiative without reference to the line manager. The service operates over 7 days per week and all staff work on a rota basis to ensure that all days are covered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

A good standard of education including a pass level at GCSE English or equivalent.

NVQ 3 in relevant subject (desirable)

Newborn Hearing Screeners are required to undertake the Level 3 Diploma in Health Screening (NHSP) unless they qualified as a hearing screener before this qualification was vavailable.

Trainees take 3 - 6 months to qualify as a hearing screener through a combination of face to face classroom based training, e-learning and clinical skills training.

They will be required to undergo annual practical assessment locally and repeat the e-learning modules annually.

Experience of working with the general public

Experience of organising and prioritising own workload

Experience of working as part of a team

Experience of working in health or social care settings without direct supervision

Experience of relevant clinical area e.g. older people, children

Experience of participating in clinical supervision

Demonstrates an understanding of role applied for within the clinical context e.g. older adults, children, neurology, mental health

Knowledge and understanding of general responsibilities related to patient information and record keeping

Awareness of general clinical conditions which may be encountered in area of work

Demonstrates awareness of limits to knowledge base

Demonstrates an understanding of accountability

Awareness of responsibilities regarding health and safety particularly if working without direct supervision

Understanding of professional roles relevant to clinical area e.g. nurse, therapists, pharmacists

Knowledge and understanding of reflective practice and continuing professional development

Competent IT skills e.g. word processing, email

Effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills including communicating factual information to service users / carers

Basic risk assessment skills

Basic clinical skills

6. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:

Displays care, compassion, sensitivity and responsiveness to other peoples feelings and needs

Able to work as part of a team, co-operating to work together and in conjunction with others and willing to help and assist wherever possible and appropriate appreciating the value of diversity in the workplace.

Able to develop, establish and maintain positive relationships with others both internal and external to the organisation and with patients and their carers

Able to work under pressure, dealing with peaks and troughs in workload.

Positive and flexible attitude to dealing with change; able to respond to the changing needs of the patient in an appropriate and timely manner;

willing to change and accept change and to explore new ways of doing things and approaches

Highly motivated and reliable

Has a strong degree of personal integrity; able to adhere to standards of conduct based on a culture of equality and fairness

7. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

Fully participate in the Trusts appraisal system review and personal development planning process on an annual basis.

Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with line manager as part of the personal development planning process.

Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.

Contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the teams in which he/ she works.

Ability to be flexible in working patterns to cover the service requirements.

8. CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Work within the Trusts Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions and Clinical Governance arrangements.

Understanding of accurate information recording in order to allow effective information analysis.

Understanding of Trust Policy and Procedure, e.g. HR/ Risk Management/ Clinical Governance.

9. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

To carry out the screen in hospital whenever possible, on the post natal wards, delivery suit, neonatal units and transitional care.

To identify newborn babies requiring a hearing screen via the national database (SM4RT) and K2 (Maternity IT system).

To monitor and track babies in the Neonatal Units (including Cardiac, Neuro and other wards) using Patient Centre and decide with the Nursing staff when it is appropriate to screen.

To carry out the screen in hospital whenever possible, on the post natal wards, delivery suite, neonatal units and transitional care. Also other paediatric wards within the Trust.

To liaise effectively with parents and carers to promote the newborn hearing screen and provide unbiased information relating to the Hearing Screening Programme, and to negotiate with parents and ward staff to carry out the screen.

To prioritise own caseload to ensure high screening coverage, eg early discharges, readmissions, presence of interpreters, movement in and out of regional Neonatal Units.

To analyse the newborns state of arousal before and during test, and assess whether it is an appropriate time to screen.

To work independently using own initiative based on training in order to screen babies hearing without supervision, using the correct screen at the correct time, within the maternity units including Neonatal Intensive Care, Transitional Care and also in outpatient clinics as per the National and Local Protocols.

To counsel parents with regard to screening outcomes and options for further management/ assessment.

To ensure that parent carer is fully informed of clinical procedures, data protection procedure and possible reasons for No Clear Response.

To obtain informed consent/ decline and follow procedures accordingly.

To identify babies needing targeted on-going surveillance as per national protocols.

To negotiate mutually acceptable appointments for babies requiring hearing screening in clinics and to book appointments on the appointment system and send out letters. Telephoning patients when possible in order to arrange screening in a timely manner in order to meet KPI (NH1).

To negotiate mutually acceptable appointments for babies requiring diagnostic assessment at the Hearing & Balance Centre and to book appointments on the appointment system (Patient Centre). Telephoning patients when possible in order to arrange assessment in a timely manner in order to meet KPI (NH2).

To collate and accurately record clinical and test data using the National Database, maintaining security and confidentiality of patient information.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

i) PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Frequent moderate effort for short periods during a shift; manoeuvring patients, equipment, carrying out care tasks.

Ability to stand and walk for extended period.

Good hand and eye coordination.

Willingness to travel between units and to work in outpatient clinics.

ii) MENTAL EFFORT:

Frequent concentration; work pattern predictable, workload unpredictable.

Excellent concentration and powers of perception required to carry out care tasks, observe patients, operate equipment. Multi tasking.

Ability to take frequent interruptions and change jobs mid stream.

iii) EMOTIONAL EFFORT:

Occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances

Frequent indirect exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances.

Care of terminally ill, challenging behaviour,

Regularly dealing with potential upset/ anxious parents and relatives.

iv) WORKING CONDITIONS:

Frequent unpleasant conditions; occasional highly unpleasant conditions

Dust, smell, dirt, body odour, body fluids, noise, heat.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Must be willing to participate in any relevant training/qualification identified to develop skills required to carry out duties e.g. Support Worker Competency Framework
  • Qualification to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
  • GCSE English or equivalent

Desirable

  • Evidence of previous learning related to clinical area

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with the general public
  • Experience of organising and prioritising own workload
  • Experience of working as part of a team
  • Demonstrates and understanding of role applied for within the clinical context e.g. older adults, children, neurology, mental health
  • Knowledge and understanding of general responsibilities related to patient information and record keeping
  • Awareness of general clinical conditions which may be encountered in area of work
  • Demonstrates awareness of limits to knowledge base
  • Demonstrates an understanding of accountability
  • Awareness of responsibilities regarding health and safety particularly if working without direct supervision

Desirable

  • Experience of working in health or social care settings without direct supervision
  • Experience of relevant clinical area e.g. older people, children
  • Experience of participating in clinical supervision
  • Understanding of professional roles relevant to clinical area e.g. nurse, therapists, pharmacists
  • Knowledge and understanding of reflective practice and continuing professional development

Skills and behaviour

Essential

  • Displays care, compassion, sensitivity and responsiveness to other peoples feelings and needs
  • Able to work under pressure, dealing with peaks and troughs in workload.
  • Positive and flexible attitude to dealing with change; able to respond to the changing needs of the patient in an appropriate and timely manner;
  • willing to change and accept change and to explore new ways of doing things and approaches
  • Highly motivated and reliable
  • Has a strong degree of personal integrity; able to adhere to standards of conduct based on a culture of equality and fairness
  • Competent IT skills e.g. word processing, email
  • Effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills including communicating factual information to service users / carers

Desirable

  • Basic clinical skills
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Must be willing to participate in any relevant training/qualification identified to develop skills required to carry out duties e.g. Support Worker Competency Framework
  • Qualification to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
  • GCSE English or equivalent

Desirable

  • Evidence of previous learning related to clinical area

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with the general public
  • Experience of organising and prioritising own workload
  • Experience of working as part of a team
  • Demonstrates and understanding of role applied for within the clinical context e.g. older adults, children, neurology, mental health
  • Knowledge and understanding of general responsibilities related to patient information and record keeping
  • Awareness of general clinical conditions which may be encountered in area of work
  • Demonstrates awareness of limits to knowledge base
  • Demonstrates an understanding of accountability
  • Awareness of responsibilities regarding health and safety particularly if working without direct supervision

Desirable

  • Experience of working in health or social care settings without direct supervision
  • Experience of relevant clinical area e.g. older people, children
  • Experience of participating in clinical supervision
  • Understanding of professional roles relevant to clinical area e.g. nurse, therapists, pharmacists
  • Knowledge and understanding of reflective practice and continuing professional development

Skills and behaviour

Essential

  • Displays care, compassion, sensitivity and responsiveness to other peoples feelings and needs
  • Able to work under pressure, dealing with peaks and troughs in workload.
  • Positive and flexible attitude to dealing with change; able to respond to the changing needs of the patient in an appropriate and timely manner;
  • willing to change and accept change and to explore new ways of doing things and approaches
  • Highly motivated and reliable
  • Has a strong degree of personal integrity; able to adhere to standards of conduct based on a culture of equality and fairness
  • Competent IT skills e.g. word processing, email
  • Effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills including communicating factual information to service users / carers

Desirable

  • Basic clinical skills

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Newborn Hearing Screen Local Programme Manager

Sandra Breakwell

sandra.breakwell@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

10 August 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£22,816 to £24,336 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-WOM-074

Job locations

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Supporting documents

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