County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Audiology Assistant

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

This is an excellent opportunity for a team-focused individual with great keyboard skills to play a key role in the delivery of our audiology service. Full training will be offered for this role, ensuring that you have all the support you need to succeed. Based at Darlington Memorial Hospital you will also be required to travel across County Durham and Darlington to carry out repair clinics in a variety of different locations so a willingness to travel is a must. You will have the chance to be a part of a professional and dedicated team who are committed to excellent service. So, if you're interested in delivering a rewarding service alongside a fantastic team, apply today.

Main duties of the job

As an Audiology Assistant, you will provide a range of clinical support for NHS hearing aid users.

Following your training, you will deliver on the spot care and routine checks for hearing aid users.

You'll offer advice on the use and maintenance of the devices and, when necessary, refer patients to other services. Performing a variety of repairs, you'll programme replacement hearing aids, make adjustments to and fit ear moulds and offer replacement batteries. You'll be responsible for maintaining the postal battery and repair aspect of the service and ensuring ear mould stock and hearing aid stock is accurately recorded, stored and delivered.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented

We are unable to offer sponsorship for roles that do not require a professional registration, to apply you must have Right to Work in the United Kingdom. If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents

Details

Date posted

14 December 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9439-23-1054

Job locations

Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust

Hollyhurst Road

Darlington

County Durham

DL3 6HX


Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide clinical support running repair clinics for NHS hearing aid users; running the regular repair clinics from Darlington Memorial Hopsital, Richardson Hospital, Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland Hospital and occassionally at the University Hospital of North Durham.

To support the daily postal battery and repair service to NHS hearing aid users

To assist with the management of stock levels in the department and the return of recondtioned and guarantee hearing aids

Working effectively with the other members of the team to ensure a smooth and consistent service

To increase your skill in repairing and maintaining NHS hearing aids, utilising resources effectively

Helping hearing aid users to get the best out of their hearing aids and supporting them to make the most of the services and technology available to them

Modify existing ear moulds or venting

Test hearing aid function subjectively and objectively using electroacoustic test box; repair or replace faulty hearing aids; retubing and other ear mould repairs, including drilling and grinding to increase comfort or performance; otoscopic examination to check ears for wax, infection or contraindication for taking an impression; ward or home visits as required; safe use of electrical and mechanical equipment

Communication with patients:

Quickly understand patients clinical complaints or other queries; ensure patient has understood the treatment or other plan; deal sensitively with patients who may be distressed or have significant other health problems; communication to include face-to-face conversation and telephone conversation, patient groups include: hearing impaired children and adults; adults with learning difficulties; adults with dementia; carers/significant others.

Ensure that clinical rooms are prepared, according to locally agreed practice

Assisting in ensuring that digital hearing aid stock is logged on to the Audiology Patient Management System, and that repair stock is logged in and out.

Assisting in ensuring that individual patient ear moulds are ready for fitting appointments, or posted to individuals, as required.

Assisting in ensuring that patient information leaflets remain stocked throughout the department.

Adherence to protocols/guidelines

Any other duties consistent with the grade as required by the needs of the department

Demonstrate effective communication

Observe and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide clinical support running repair clinics for NHS hearing aid users; running the regular repair clinics from Darlington Memorial Hopsital, Richardson Hospital, Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland Hospital and occassionally at the University Hospital of North Durham.

To support the daily postal battery and repair service to NHS hearing aid users

To assist with the management of stock levels in the department and the return of recondtioned and guarantee hearing aids

Working effectively with the other members of the team to ensure a smooth and consistent service

To increase your skill in repairing and maintaining NHS hearing aids, utilising resources effectively

Helping hearing aid users to get the best out of their hearing aids and supporting them to make the most of the services and technology available to them

Modify existing ear moulds or venting

Test hearing aid function subjectively and objectively using electroacoustic test box; repair or replace faulty hearing aids; retubing and other ear mould repairs, including drilling and grinding to increase comfort or performance; otoscopic examination to check ears for wax, infection or contraindication for taking an impression; ward or home visits as required; safe use of electrical and mechanical equipment

Communication with patients:

Quickly understand patients clinical complaints or other queries; ensure patient has understood the treatment or other plan; deal sensitively with patients who may be distressed or have significant other health problems; communication to include face-to-face conversation and telephone conversation, patient groups include: hearing impaired children and adults; adults with learning difficulties; adults with dementia; carers/significant others.

Ensure that clinical rooms are prepared, according to locally agreed practice

Assisting in ensuring that digital hearing aid stock is logged on to the Audiology Patient Management System, and that repair stock is logged in and out.

Assisting in ensuring that individual patient ear moulds are ready for fitting appointments, or posted to individuals, as required.

Assisting in ensuring that patient information leaflets remain stocked throughout the department.

Adherence to protocols/guidelines

Any other duties consistent with the grade as required by the needs of the department

Demonstrate effective communication

Observe and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Person Specification

Special Requirements

Essential

  • Clear Speech
  • Full driving licence and access to own vehicle and ability to travel to different community venues / patient homes with equipment and

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of hearing impairment and the needs of patients with hearing loss
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work efficiently under pressure
  • Ability to maintain a professional & courteous manner in demanding situations
  • Basic IT Skills to facilitate accurate use of patient management system, electronic patient records, audiology related software, departmental networked policies, forms & documents
  • Clear understanding of patient confidentiality
  • Ability to develop new skills
  • Must be able to work as an integral member of a team
  • Flexible, motivated and committed approach to work
  • Professional, pleasant and caring attitude to patients and colleagues

Qualifications

Essential

  • Minimum 4 GCSE passes (or equivalent) including Maths & English Language.

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with the general public

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working within a health care/hospital environment
Person Specification

Special Requirements

Essential

  • Clear Speech
  • Full driving licence and access to own vehicle and ability to travel to different community venues / patient homes with equipment and

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of hearing impairment and the needs of patients with hearing loss
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work efficiently under pressure
  • Ability to maintain a professional & courteous manner in demanding situations
  • Basic IT Skills to facilitate accurate use of patient management system, electronic patient records, audiology related software, departmental networked policies, forms & documents
  • Clear understanding of patient confidentiality
  • Ability to develop new skills
  • Must be able to work as an integral member of a team
  • Flexible, motivated and committed approach to work
  • Professional, pleasant and caring attitude to patients and colleagues

Qualifications

Essential

  • Minimum 4 GCSE passes (or equivalent) including Maths & English Language.

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with the general public

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working within a health care/hospital environment

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.

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust

Hollyhurst Road

Darlington

County Durham

DL3 6HX


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust

Hollyhurst Road

Darlington

County Durham

DL3 6HX


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Audiology Services Manager

Joanne Close

Joanne.close@nhs.net

07823902565

Details

Date posted

14 December 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9439-23-1054

Job locations

Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust

Hollyhurst Road

Darlington

County Durham

DL3 6HX


Supporting documents

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