Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an audiologist to join the Audiology department at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust to provide both adult rehabilitation and ENT support. We offer a service for adults with complex needs (patients meeting AQP criteria are supported by alternative providers) and are the regional centre for bone conduction and middle ear implants. Our work with ENT might typically involve support of specialist otology clinics and paediatric clinics. This role will be supported by a large team of colleagues and a clear management and training structure.
Main duties of the job
1. To provide sensitive advice to patients regarding their auditory status having been referred for consultation by other health professionals including primary care workers, medical consultants, community practitioners and Audiology staff. Such advice is delivered within an emotive atmosphere. To develop and advise on interventions and (re)habilitation programmes based upon autonomous clinical opinion, which may involve referral onwards to relevant intervention programmes.
2. To provide theoretical and clinical knowledge to a range of practitioners. To present summary data to the department at clinical audit meetings.
3. Responsible for working within the adult team to deliver the clinical direction to the service, within the boundaries set by the service leads. Some of this clinical work to include lone working at off sites.
4. To be aware of the referral-to-treatment position of the adult service and ensure that the leads of the service are appraised of threats to breaching.
5. Contribute to the efficiencies of device utilisation and patient benefit outcomes, as well as awareness of DNA rates for the adult service.
6. Conduct daily stage A calibration checks on all equipment to be included within clinical tasks for the day. To report immediately to head of service, and the calibration lead, any calibration failures and to make safe the affected equipment to ensure that it is not used with patients until remedial action has been successfully implemented.
About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To provide sensitive advice to patients regarding their auditory status having been referred for consultation by other health professionals including primary care workers, medical consultants, community practitioners and Audiology staff. Such advice is delivered within an emotive atmosphere. To develop and advise on interventions and (re)habilitation programmes based upon autonomous clinical opinion, which may involve referral onwards to relevant intervention programmes.
7. To provide theoretical and clinical knowledge to a range of practitioners. To present summary data to the department at clinical audit meetings.
8. Responsible for working within the adult team to deliver the clinical direction to the service, within the boundaries set by the service leads. Some of this clinical work to include lone working at off sites.
9. To be aware of the referral-to-treatment position of the adult service and ensure that the leads of the service are appraised of threats to breaching.
10. Contribute to the efficiencies of device utilisation and patient benefit outcomes, as well as awareness of DNA rates for the adult service.
11. Opportunity to contribute to research and development programmes in Audiology for UHS. Maintenance of own audit activity as requirement for continued registration with regulatory bodies.
12. Conduct daily stage A calibration checks on all equipment to be included within clinical tasks for the day. To report immediately to head of service, and the calibration lead, any calibration failures and to make safe the affected equipment to ensure that it is not used with patients until remedial action has been successfully implemented
13. Independent practitioner, holds responsibility for patient care and patient management plan.
14. Providing and receiving routine information which requires tact or persuasive skills or where there are barriers to understanding.
15. Anticipates barriers to communication and takes action to improve communication.
16. Is proactive in seeking out different styles and methods of communication to assist longer term needs and aims of the patient.
17. Communicates effectively and calmly in difficult situations and with challenging people.
18. Has to communicate complex explanations regarding causation of hearing loss and treatment options.
19. Allows the patient to form their own opinions and choices regarding their rehabilitation options whilst guiding them towards successful choices through empowerment based upon knowledge of their condition and the potential benefit of rehabilitation options.
20. Develops partnership with the patient toward a shared goal
21. Implements policies and proposes changes to working practices or procedures for own work area.
22. Works with team leads to evaluate the impact of changes on the service and feeds this information into ongoing improvements.
23. Calibrates and maintains highly specialist or highly complex equipment.
24. Holds responsibility for implementing individual management plans without medical oversight.
25. Provides specialised advice which contributes to the diagnosis, care or education of patients
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
26. BSc in science subject or MSc training in Audiology
Desirable
27. CACDP stage 2 BSL
Experience
Essential
28. Theoretical and practical knowledge of adult Audiological assessment and (re)habilitation
Desirable
29. Minimum 1 years' experience in Adult Rehabilitation
Skills
Essential
30. Ability to select optimal hearing aid and programming algorithm for the clinical condition
31. Ability to use complex software inherent to hearing aid programming and patient data collection
Desirable
32. Knowledge of Auditbase
33. Knowledge of MedRX software
34. Knowledge of Affinity software
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential
35. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
36. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).