Job Description

We have a vacancy for 2 Senior Audiology Assistants to work in the Audiology Service based primarily at Derriford Hospital. The post-holder will carry out a number of support tasks to ensure the smooth running of the technical and scientific aspects of the service, and will be trained to carry out hearing aid maintenance and aftercare duties, which are both directly patient-facing and also remote. There is also the opportunity to work in the paediatric service, supporting the diagnostic testing of young children. It is essential applicants have 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Science, or are able to demonstrate equivalent learning, and are able to empathise with and support deaf and hard of hearing people. Keyboard skills and demonstrable experience of databases and spreadsheets is highly desirable. This post may involve an element of physical exertion. Demonstrable experience in handling difficult situations and a mature outlook on life is desirable. Job share and flexible hours working are all welcome.



For an informal discussion, please contact Adam Beckman, Head of Audiology Services via:



01752 438056

Email:

adam.beckman@nhs.net

or Rob Brunton, Team Leader Adult Rehabilitation via:

01752 431254

Email:

rob.brunton@nhs.net



Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.



To carry out routine hearing aid repairs and aftercare with associated clinical tasks



To carry out clerical and administrative duties within the Audiology department



To assist Senior/Specialist audiologists with pre-school and school age hearing assessments



We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.



Management responsibilities

Assist in the smooth running of the hearing aid repair service and the support roles of ear mould management and stock organisation

Assist in the training of new audiology assistants

Involved in training of medical and audiology students, and hearing support volunteers.

Assist in stock check management



Clinical and Technical Responsibilities

Assess patients' test results, history and presentation on the day to:



Modify existing ear moulds or venting; take aural impressions to make new ear moulds according to the assessment; instigate emergency referral if indicated



Digital hearing aid maintenance and repair service:

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



Assists with the assessment of pre-school and school age infants and children, including:

o Assess ability of infant/child to perform tasks, in conjunction with the specialist paediatric audiologist



o Perform developmental and age appropriate games and distraction methods



o Assist in the performance of objective tests



Communication with patients:

Quickly understand patient's 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, telephone conversation, email and textphone conversation; patient groups include: children; deaf or hard of hearing adults; adults with learning difficulties; adults with dementia; carers/significant others.



Adherence to protocols/guidelines

Clinical work to be carried out according to local or national protocols or guidelines; some scope for using clinical judgement according to changes in patients' circumstances, with support of registered staff as required; recognition when tasks are beyond the individual's scope of practice and onward referral to registered professional.



Research/Audit

Takes part in departmental research and audit as required.



Data collection

Records all clinical activity in the departmental clinical database. Ensure details of patients updated.



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

For further details please see that attached JD & PS