Job overview
The Specialist Audiologist works in a range of settings with patients suffering from hearing difficulties, their families & carers.
The Specialist Audiologist undertakes a range of specialist and routine diagnostic investigations, recording test results into computerised systems, of hearing from both adults and children (including paediatric clinics for Paediatric Audiology) where highly accurate results are vital, working within established policies & codes of practice and leading a specialist area.
The Specialist Audiologist works with patients using skills to interpret test results and patients’ conditions and then formulating individualised treatment plans to provide ongoing care, advice and support to adults with all types of hearing difficulties. This includes adults with learning disabilities, additional disabilities or special needs. The individual will communicate test procedure & related information to patients, relatives etc.
The Specialist Audiologist will ensure that a consistently high quality, complex and sophisticated clinical service is provided, meeting the highest national and international standards. This includes maintaining continuous professional development, clinical supervision and training of junior members and staff, working autonomously, managing own caseload of specialist work, planning and prioritising own duties, clinics and organising specialist service provision, whilst demonstrating own initiative.
Main duties of the job
Communicate effectively at all times with patients, relatives and carers to give and receive complex or sensitive information and instructions. This involves use of persuasive, motivational and empathic skills whilst being sensitive to an individual’s complex barriers to communication.
Perform examination of the external ear canal to assess the condition of the canal and ear drum. Recognise contraindications to further treatment and refer to the appropriate professional when necessary.
Assess the hearing of adults using a range of specialist diagnostic tests.
To undertake assessment of children of all ages (on behalf of Paediatric Audiology) using advanced clinical reasoning.
Analyse and interpret diagnostic test results to formulate an individualised treatment plan.
Communicate results of diagnostic hearing tests, the impact and prognosis of hearing loss to patient, relatives and carers for those with hearing impairment.
Select appropriate hearing aids, by analysis of diagnostic test results, hearing aid specifications, quantitative and qualitative outcome measures and individual patient needs.
Verify accurate selection and fitting of hearing aids by undertaking quantitative Real Ear Measurements.
Utilise validated outcome measures to obtain qualitative assessment of hearing disability and handicap e.g. Individual management plans and COSI questionnaires.
Update knowledge and skills to maintain individual continuing professional development (CPD).
Working for our organisation
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides a full range of hospital and community services for people across East Cheshire (population K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population K). The Trust provides high quality planned and emergency care, cardiac, critical care, child health, maternity services and intermediate care at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.
The Trust provides over beds and employs over 5, members of staff. A comprehensive range of community services is provided across medical centres and schools through our Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership.
We have played, and continue to play, a proactive role in the development of Integrated Care plans across Cheshire & Merseyside and our local Cheshire East and Cheshire West Place-based systems. We believe, and it is the cornerstone of our five-year Trust Strategy, there is the opportunity to progress innovative, responsive and effective care in the best setting for the patient, be it in the hospital or out in the community.
At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.
We welcome all applicants and assess all job applications based on knowledge, skills and experience needed for the post.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Specialist Audiologist
LOCATION:
Leighton Hospital
REPORTS TO:
Head of Audiology
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential criteria
1. BSc Healthcare Science or equivalent
2. Minimum 2 years post qualification experience.
Leadership
Essential criteria
3. Evidence of service development
Desirable criteria
4. Evidence of leadership
Skills
Essential criteria
5. Evidence of continuous professional development
Desirable criteria
6. Evidence performing more advanced audiological techniques
Key Messages
·Please let us know if you require an adjustment to our recruitment process.
7. We are a flexible working employer, so please talk to us about any flexible working requirements.
·All correspondence will be sent to the email address you have registered as your TRAC account.
·Selection is based on the Trust's values, and the criteria outlined in the Job Description for the role.
·Secondments will be considered for fixed term positions when both parties agree. Candidates should seek approval from their current line manager before application.
·Appointments are subject to a 6-month probationary period. LED Doctors are subject to a 3-month probationary period.
·You will be required to pay for your DBS disclosure (where the post requires one). This will be done via 3 monthly instalments from your pay. We encourage applicants to join and remain registered with the DBS update service.
·We do not reimburse travel to interview expenses.
· Some posts may have implications on existing NHS Pension Scheme arrangements. For further information please visit the NHS Pensions Agency website:
·Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that their employees have a “right to work” in the UK. If you intend to seek permission to work in the UK via a Skilled Worker visa, please be aware that the UK Government set eligibility requirements e.g. minimum salary requirement and skill levels. Not all NHS roles are eligible for sponsorship. We recommend that you use the information on the to check if this role will be eligible.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 4 (Exceptions) Order 5 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 0 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
NameAlison EdwardsJob titleHead of AudiologyEmail addressalison.edwards@mcht.nhs.ukTelephone numberAdditional information
Donna Palin
If you have problems applying, contact
Address Recruitment Team
Leighton Hospital
Middlewich Road
Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 4QJ
Telephone