Audiology Assistant

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Please note this advert will close when sufficient applications have been received.

This is an excellent opportunity for a team-focused individual with good keyboard skills to play a key role in the delivery of our audiology support service. This is a very busy patient facing role and is suited to someone who can relate to patients of all ages. Full training will be offered for this role, ensuring that you have all the support you need to succeed. Based at University Hospital of North Durham you will also be required to travel across our sites in County Durham to carry out repair clinics in a variety of different locations so a willingness and ability 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. This is a very busy and rewarding role and is suited to someone with good organisational skills and someone who is used to working under pressure. This is a 13.5 hour post. The hours will be worked on Thursday and Friday.

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 sponsor roles that do not meet the minimum salary requirements. please check the UK immigration skilled worker rules for information

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents

Date posted

17 December 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£23,615 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9439-24-1264

Job locations

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW


Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide clinical support running repair clinics for NHS hearing aid users; running the regular repair clinics from University Hopsital of North Durham, Chester le Street Hospital, Shotley Bridge Hopsital and occassionally at Darlington Memorial Hospital or Bishop Auckland Hospital.

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 University Hopsital of North Durham, Chester le Street Hospital, Shotley Bridge Hopsital and occassionally at Darlington Memorial Hospital or Bishop Auckland Hospital.

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 Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of hearing impairment and the needs of patients with hearing loss
  • Good verbal and written command of
  • English
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work under some 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

Desirable

  • Basic IT qualifications

Special Requirements

Essential

  • Ability to meet the travel requirements of this post

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE equivalent in Maths & English Language.
  • Good basic level of education

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working with the general public

Desirable

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

Special Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of hearing impairment and the needs of patients with hearing loss
  • Good verbal and written command of
  • English
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work under some 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

Desirable

  • Basic IT qualifications

Special Requirements

Essential

  • Ability to meet the travel requirements of this post

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE equivalent in Maths & English Language.
  • Good basic level of education

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

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW


Employer's website

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


For questions about the job, contact:

Joanne Close

joanne.close@nhs.net

01913332305

Date posted

17 December 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£23,615 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9439-24-1264

Job locations

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)