Senior Audiologist

We are looking to recruit a full time Band 6 Audiologist. The successful applicant will lead the adult service in the introduction and advancement of future technologies and assist the Adult Audiology Manager in maintaining accreditation standards. They will also have experience in the management of adults with complex needs and tinnitus to deliver the highest quality care.
The department provides a comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative service to the population of South Warwickshire delivering services currently at two sites; Warwick and Stratford Hospitals.
The successful candidate must be confident and able to work autonomously within the team. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing Audiology services for adults diagnosed with hearing loss and Tinnitus.
Please see the posted job description and person specification for further details of this post. Applicants must hold a BSc in Audiology or equivalent qualifications. Applicants should also have achieved RCCP / HCPC registration, and membership of BAA / BSA while not essential is desirable.
Due to the nature of this service access to transport is desirable. For disabled applicant's suitable alternative arrangements may be agreed, if necessary., To provide a comprehensive scientific, diagnostic and rehabilitative service to the clinical and geographical areas covered by the department with particular reference to independent clinical management. This position will lead the adult service in research, the introduction and advancement of future technologies and new initiatives within the department, ensuring accreditation standards across all areas are met., The post holder will be responsible and accountable for the audiological care of patients allocated to them. For every patient contact the post holder will comply with the Trust's Infection Control Procedures to minimise the risk of cross infection with particular reference to the handling, cleaning and disinfection of ear canal impressions, earmoulds and equipment.
To provide excellent service to clients, outlining options in a family-friendly, supportive atmosphere, working empathetically with the client to overcome fears and anxieties about solutions to their communication difficulties.
Diagnostic Audiology
ENT clinics are held at Warwick Hospital, Stratford upon Avon Hospital and Ellen Badger Hospital. The post holder will work autonomously to British Society of Audiology Standards to provide accurate assessments for patients of all ages. The post holder will be responsible for providing accurate reports to General Practitioners, ENT Consultants and other professionals and advise where appropriate onward referrals and/or further audiological investigations.
Discussing diagnostic results with patients informing them about their hearing loss in an empathetic manner to motivate them to make informed choices about rehabilitation options to assist with their communication difficulties
Recognise conditions that require medical treatment and refer to medical practitioner as necessary.
Provide instruction to clients to enable them to respond appropriately to routine hearing tests.
Undertake a full range of audiological procedures in line with national and departmental protocols and procedures but working safely outside the procedure when clinically necessary.
Ability to work under pressure choosing the most appropriate diagnostic tests to enable an accurate diagnosis to be made.
Tests on young children as part of Ear, Nose and Throat clinics
Adult Rehabilitation
At clinics held at Warwick, Stratford upon Avon and Ellen Badger Hospitals the post holder will work autonomously and where necessary alone to provide Hearing Assessments, Hearing Aid Fittings, Hearing Aid Reassessments, Follow ups and Hearing Aid Repairs for adult patients.
Hearing Assessments and Reassessments to be conducted using BSA recommended Procedures via programmable audiological testing equipment. Assessments of patient's disability and handicap will be assessed using interview and counselling techniques using a variety of questionnaires/formal outcome tools. The post holder must confidently discuss their findings and agree a care plan with the patient. If appropriate impressions of the patient's ears can be taken for earmoulds. Appropriate reports and onward referrals must be completed.
The fittings of digital hearing aid devices including RITE and CROS systems must be undertaken using appropriate prescription targets, using Real Ear Measurements. Instruction to patients on the use, acclimatisation and hearing strategies to ensure the needs of the patients and abilities are met.
Hearing Aid Follow Ups are essential to provide the patient with the opportunity to discuss challenges faced and experiences gained and identify potential changes to their hearing aids to maximise their hearing experience and should include outcome measures
Hearing Aid Repair Service is offered as a booked appointment at all sites. The post holder will be required to work efficiently and effectively under pressure. Where necessary reprogramming hearing aids, impression taking, necessary counselling and hearing aid maintenance will be undertaken. The post holder must use initiative to develop care plans and make decision regarding onward referrals or additional supportive appointments outside the scope of a hearing aid repair.
Undertake assessments/rehabilitation within patient's homes and ensure that all clinical equipment is handled with care particularly when being transported for domiciliary visits.
To support the Complex and Tinnitus teams in the Audiological rehabilitation of patients with additional special needs other than hearing loss. This will include Tinnitus, Severe and Profound Hearing Loss, Sudden Hearing loss, evidence of abnormally severe recruitment, dual sensory loss, non-organic and or non-organic overlay, learning disabilities and patients with cognitive problems i.e. dementia.
Future technologies / new initiatives management
To act as lead to the adult service in research and introduction of new technologies and advancements, under the guidance of the Adult Audiology Manager
To lead the adult service in projects that enable greater access to services for patients, including remote technology, under the guidance of the Adult Audiology Manager
To act as Equipment lead, ensuring equipment is maintained, calibrated and fit for purpose
Support delegated responsibilities for the service's IQIPS preparation and assessments across the adult service
To use a variety of sources at local through to national level, collating, critically appraising, and formally presenting information. Providing outcomes in format indicated (e.g. written report, or a formal presentation to colleagues)
To lead the adult service in projects for income generation purposes, including Private clinic and Wax Management services, under the guidance of the Adult Audiology Manager
Administration
Read new referrals, accepting those that fit departmental criteria and redirecting those that do not to appropriate alternative departments such as ENT.
To support the department in meeting its waiting list targets for adult clinics
Training, supervision, research and professional development
Provide clinical supervision for students, work experience and colleagues from other disciplines on agreed clinics
To strive to increase knowledge relevant to Audiology and administration in your role.
To participate in appropriate training and development activities as required developing and maintaining competency in your role.
Participate in the personal annual review process and work to achieve agreed set objectives.
To undertake peer reviews on Band 3 - 6 staff members, students and locums when requested
Communications and Working Relationships:
To recognise the importance of personal contribution to the team and the wider professional network.
To inform and liaise with senior colleagues on all aspects of Audiology and administration related to your role.
To establish a working rapport with other team members and to contribute to team meetings. The post holder is required to work as part of a team. Assigned workloads identify booked appointments, however it is essential to review colleague's workloads and assist when possible to maximise capacity and efficiency.
Ensure departmental and/or national policies and procedures are implemented in your area and to be pro-active in suggesting improvements for the service as a whole.
Having a good understanding of the needs of the hard of hearing and Deaf patients so that clear communication is possible in a friendly and helpful manner always.
At all times, be aware when communicating of the need for confidentiality, privacy and dignity.
Measurable Result areas:
Ensure accurate documentation occurs within patient records & produce reports on Audiometric differential diagnosis.
Ability to interpret audiological results and deliver rehabilitative options to patients and carers.
Ensure British Society of Audiology recommended procedures and protocols are adhered to.
Ability to prioritise workload and organise own/others workload ensuring efficient and effective working is maximised within the team/service.
Participate in promoting innovative practice within the department.
Review, as delegated by senior colleagues, policies and protocols to ensure best and up to date practice is maintained.
Patient feedback on the service, including completion of outcome measures, satisfaction surveys, mystery patient reports and audits
Development of the service against IQIPS standards as agreed with the Adult Audiology Services Manager
Contribute to specific service developments, investigative projects and audit tasks. To obtain, manipulate and utilise information
Provision of education and training packages for students and Audiology staff relating to new services, techniques, technologies and practices, as agreed with the Adult Audiology Services Manager., Sometimes we get a lot of applications for our roles. On those occasions we might close the job early. If you don't want to miss out we recommend submitting your application as early as possible.
The Trust use an Applicant Management System called TRAC which helps us manage the recruitment process. All communications regarding your application will come via TRAC (even if you applied via NHS Jobs).
Please check your TRAC account regularly and ensure your email is set up to accept messages so they don't go into your junk/spam folder.
We aim to shortlist all vacancies within 2 days of the vacancy closing, we will get back to all candidates ASAP.
Please ensure all sections of the application form are completed fully. Please particularly ensure that you provide full details of all referees including business email address, telephone contact details and postal address.
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Equality and Diversity and does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the grounds of any protected characteristic as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
All South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust sites are smoke free. We feel it's a great way to help our patients, visitors and staff stay healthy.
The Trust is part of a 'Foundation Group' through a strategic alliance with Wye Valley NHS Trust, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. This partnership is great for the sustainability of all four organisations and allows us to share learning and maximise opportunities to ensure the delivery of high quality health and care services for our local populations.

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is one of the top performing organisations within the NHS. Our staff think this is a great place to work and we hope you will agree. We have recently been rated as 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following our most recent inspection.
We provide services across Warwickshire and beyond ranging from Hospitals in Warwick, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa and Shipston-on Stour to Community Services across the whole county. This includes our Community Teams in North Warwickshire.
We are a progressive, expanding organisation with great ambition around improving quality, integrating pathways and delivering high levels of productivity. Over 6000 people work for the Trust and many of them have been here a long time. People find they don't need to go elsewhere to find a fulfilling career in healthcare.
The first thing you will notice about us is how we take our values seriously. We believe that our values underpin everything we do. If you are interested in a role with us you need to make sure our values match your own.
Our values can be summed up in one sentence. We are 'Trusted to provide inclusive, safe, effective and compassionate care'. Throughout the recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you demonstrate these values and how they impact on your work. It doesn't matter what role you do, whether it is patient facing or not, we are all working in the same way with our values at the core.
Probationary Period
All new staff to the Trust will be subject to a standard 6 month probationary period, the details of which will duly follow in your contract of employment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating and sustaining a positive and inclusive working environment for all our employees. Our aim is to ensure that employees are equally valued and respected and that our organisation is representative of all members of society. We define diversity as valuing everyone as an individual - we value our employees, job applicants, students, patients and visitors as people. This is reflected within our values of being Inclusive, Safe, Effective, Compassionate and Trusted.
Agile and Flexible Working
All our staff will have a work base. However the Trust operates as an Agile Working Team therefore staff may be working from home on a regular basis as required by the service. However, occasionally travel around Warwickshire and into your base will be required so access to your own transport would be helpful.
The Trust also welcome staff to work flexibly and we would welcome the conversation at interview regarding flexible working.
Staff Benefits
The Trust offer a wide range of additional benefits to staff. Anyone who joins us on a substantive basis can assess things such as the Lease Car Scheme, Electronics Scheme, Discounted Leisure and Travel, Cycle to work scheme amongst many others available.
Car Parking
The Trust have recently completed the construction of a multi-storey car park at our Warwick Hospital site which has allowed us to reduce waiting times for car parking passes.
To keep up to date on our latest recruitment activity follow us on twitter @swftrecruit or look us up on Facebook (Recruitment - South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust).

Come and join a Trust rated Outstanding by the CQC. South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust have been rated as outstanding following our latest inspection by the CQC and we are recruiting new staff to come and help us improve even further.
We provide services across Warwickshire and beyond ranging from Hospitals in Warwick, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa and Shipston-on Stour to Community Services across the county. We are a progressive, expanding organisation with great ambition around improving quality, integrating pathways and delivering high levels of productivity.
Our values can be summed up in one sentence. We are 'Trusted to provide safe, effective and compassionate care'. Throughout the recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you demonstrate these values and how they impact on your work. It doesn't matter what role you do, whether it is patient facing or not, we are all working in the same way with our values at the core.