Senior Audiologist

Job responsibilities

Working autonomously devise, undertake, interpret, and report on basic and advanced audiological and diagnostic investigations on a variety of client groups. To achieve diagnosis and care plan development ensuring optimum patient communication and so facilitating increased social integration.

1.1.1

Patient Assessment

Working autonomously be responsible for the audiological care and management of patients referred from a variety of professional groups (i.e. ENT consultants and other consultants within and outside of the Trust, paediatric consultants primary care professionals, school nurses, health visitors, speech and language therapists, education services, social services and parents).

Using a holistic approach devise appropriate testing strategies based on the subjective and objective clinical assessment of patients from a variety of client groups, ranging from very young children to the elderly population.

Modify diagnostic assessments to be age and developmentally appropriate without compromising the rigour of the assessment.

Undertake a range of scientific and technically advanced audiological assessments on patients with complex or additional needs to achieve diagnosis and inform prognosis.

1.1.2

Clinical Reasoning

Demonstrate the ability to analyse and synthesise the clinical findings from a full range of assessments (hearing and balance) applying theory and principles to justify recommendations of outcome.

Report on diagnostic outcomes with recommended treatment options progressing to an individualised rehabilitative care plan.

1.1.3

Aural Rehabilitation

Develop and implement effective individual aural rehabilitation strategies to optimise patient communication abilities, enhancing the potential for social integration and improve well-being to a variety of client groups. These will include adults, paediatrics and neonates, of which some may have additional needs and or barriers to understanding e.g. learning disabilities and additional health needs.

Provide and receive complex and sensitive information regarding hearing and prognosis in a sympathetic yet professional manner to patients/parents/guardians and/or relatives, using appropriate motivation and communication skills to ensure an optimum outcome.

Use appropriate prescription formulae to select and fit appropriate NHS and custom hearing instruments and assistive listening devices to adults and paediatrics, working to BSA protocols and BAA quality standards.

Use a variety of software and programs to verify selected prescription formulae and hearing instruments.

Perform real ear measures on adults and paediatrics ensuring accurate placement of the fine probe tube to BSA protocol whilst maintaining patient comfort at all times using observation and reassurance.

Using good infection control techniques, take accurate aural impressions on adults, paediatrics and young children, ensuring good meatal depth by accurate and safe placement of the otostop in keeping with professional standards.

Use medical, physical, social and audiological assessments to select the appropriate ear mould configuration and material e.g. allergies, manual dexterity, hearing loss and prescription.

Electro acoustically verify instrument specification to ensure optimum performance where appropriate.

Evaluate the effectiveness of aural rehabilitation strategies adapting as necessary and progressing to an agreed care plan that ensures optimum maintenance of communication.

Refer and coordinate with other relevant professional agencies across health, education and social teams to ensure an integrated holistic approach to patient care.

1.1.4

Documentation

Keep full and accurate clinical records (electronic and manual) that is consistent with recognised professional and Trust standards.

Record evidence of clinical reasoning that justify clinical decisions and outcomes.

Make full use of the departmental electronic patient management systems where appropriate.

Share relevant information with other professionals to facilitate a coordinated multidisciplinary approach maintaining patient confidentiality.

1.1.5

Teaching/Advising

Teach and advise patients and carers to encourage and facilitate informed choice in a manner sensitive to their communication abilities including client groups with additional communication difficulties, complex/special needs, cultures and ethnic minorities.

Facilitate and encourage parents and carers to be full and active key members of the rehabilitation team allowing participation in decision making to achieve an optimum outcome.

Teach and advise colleagues, trainees, undergraduates and other disciplines aspects of Audiology as required including agencies outside the organisation e.g. education, social services and carers.

Work collaboratively with universities and other providers in clinical education for the Audiology PTP and apprenticeship training.

1.1.6

Clinical Standards

Using critical analysis keep abreast of new developments recommending changes to professional/clinical practice where appropriate.

Assess the clinical risk involved in new practices ensuring adequate safeguards for patients and practitioners.

Evaluate clinical standards to ensure safe and effective practice.

Implement professional and departmental protocols and procedures within own area of work.

Contribute to the development of and undertake clinical audit and research and development, to evaluate the effectiveness of patient care incorporating the lessons learned through the audit cycle.

1.1.7

Additional Clinical Responsibilities

Plan and provide supportive rehabilitation for newly diagnosed and existing hearing impaired children, providing audiological support to education services and contributing to multi-disciplinary meetings.

To make judgements on the specialist needs of childrens rehabilitation providing the appropriate hearing aids and other assistive technical aids.

Knowledge & Awareness

Essential

• Knowledge of all direct referral systems to Audiology Services.
• Wide knowledge of NHS referral routes, policies and structures
• Confidentiality policies and procedures

Desirable

• Range of testing techniques to identify site of lesion testing.

Experience

Essential

• Significant theoretical and practical experience as an Audiologist in a clinical setting post qualification.
• Knowledge of MHAS/MCHAS DSP fitting strategies and protocols. Experience of dealing and managing complex hearing losses and prescription of a range of hearing instruments.
• Knowledge and skills in undertaking hearing assessments and rehabilitation in adults with hearing problems, tinnitus and balance problems.
• Ability to collate test results, report writing and offer recommendations for patient management.

Desirable

• Experience in training and assessing students.
• Advanced skills in audio/vestibular assessment and rehabilitation with
• adults and paediatrics.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Counselling skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative and make complex clinical decisions comparing a range of options.
• Computer literate
• Ability to exert moderate physical effort.

Desirable

• Supervisory and mentorship skills with junior staff and students.
• Reflective practitioner.

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc in Audiology or BAA parts 1 & 2 with HNC in MPPM.
• State registered healthcare scientist/clinical scientist with the AHCS or HCPC.

Desirable

• Clinical Educators qualification.
• Study to higher level in Adult Audiology.
• CPD Portfolio.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Good time management and presentable appearance.
• Flexibility to cope with the needs of a service.

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).

UK Registration

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