Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Audiology Service at UHNM. We are looking for an enthusiastic, committed Audiologist with specialist skills in balance assessment who can provide excellent outcomes for our patients. You will use your expertise to perform all aspects of balance assessment utilising the specialist equipment and making recommendations towards improvement and IQIPs accreditation. Your leadership skills will also be used to help manage the day to day running of the department, line managing Audiologists and supporting BSc and STP students. Main duties of the job To independently oversee, assess, develop, and execute a comprehensive and complex caseload of Vestibular clinics Take a full detailed patient history and formulating appropriate management plans to maximise patient experience Perform audiology and vestibular assessment, including VNG, Calorics, VHIT, Vemp, (as appropriate)to a wide range of patients, including those who may have additional disabilities or challenging behaviour. Assess and interpret diagnostic test results from vestibular assessment and initiate rehabilitation interventions actions as appropriate Use coaching skills to support audiologists, students and trainees throughout their training plan To be responsible alongside the Head of Audiology for the everyday running and organisation of the Vestibular service whilst implementing change to support attainment of IQIPs accreditation To maintain managerial and clinical responsibility over Audiologists and Senior audiologists, students and trainee About us University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and we're highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales. All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role here at UHNM and we are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential. UHNM create and encourage a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. In return we ask all of our employees to make a commitment to the values, co-created by or staff, patients and carers, and that unite us as a Trust. At University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust we know that investing in, supporting and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population that we serve. Date posted 17 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 205-6954984 Job locations Royal Stoke Royal stoke Hospital Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG Job description Job responsibilities Communication & Relationships Skills To possess highly developed communication skills and demonstrate adaptability to individuals with varying communication needs as well as being especially knowledgeable in Deaf Awareness. To communicate complex, sensitive, or contentious information to patients and carers who may have additional disabilities and/or challenging behaviour. To communicate information to patients who may not use English as a first language and/or use BSL as a first language and therefore require an interpreter. To communicate effectively and meaningfully with linestaff and the wider team, demonstrating and adhering to trust values To use presentation skills at case reviews, meetings, and conferences. To demonstrate good negotiation skills in a multi-disciplinary or multi-agency environment. To engage patients by using motivational and negotiation skills. Knowledge, Training & Experience Registered with Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) or AHCS or equivalent. MSc in Audiology or equivalent with previous experience in the NHS In depth knowledge of BSA guidelines, national protocols and referral criteria. Experience of performing Vestibular tests including VNG, calorics, Vemps, and vHIT Experience in taking a full detailed patient history and formulating appropriate management plans to maximise patient exprience Perform audiology and vestibular assessment to a wide range of patients, including those who may have additional disabilities or challenging behaviour. Posses in depth knowledge and experience of assessment and rehabilitation techniques of adults with vestibular compromise, to support excellent patient outcomes. Posses coaching skills to support audiologists, students and trainees throughout their training plan Analytical & Judgemental Skills To assess the needs of the patient in conjunction with the analysis of tests and diagnostic results and clinical reports from Audiology, ENT, Neurology, Psychiatry, and other professionals. To possess the skills for assessing and interpreting diagnostic test results from vestibular assessment and initiate rehabilitation interventions actions as appropriate. In conjunction with the Head of Audiology, be aware of and raise any risks within the service and investigate any incidents reported within the vestibular service In conjunction with the Head of Audiology, create audit plans for the improvement and assurance of the vestibular service Planning & Organisational Skills To independently oversee, assess, develop, and execute a comprehensive and complex caseload of Vestibular clinics. To be responsible alongside the Head of Audiology for the everyday running and organisation of the Vestibular service whilst implementing change to support attainment of IQIPs accreditation. To maintain managerial and clinical responsibility over Audiologists and Senior audiologists, students and trainees. To plan and oversee the appropriate triage of referrals into the Vestibular Clinic, investigating and auditing any areas of trend where necessary. To plan and organise the calibration and maintenance of the vestibular equipment Physical Skills To have good dexterity as accuracy required for relevant tasks including wax removal, aural impressions To possess good computer skills, standard keyboard skills, and be able to use presentation software and e-learning resources. The post requires a combination of physical effort including providing positional testing and rehabilitation manouvres, sitting, standing, walking, and aiding a patient to standing. Responsibility for Patient/Client Care To apply a high level of clinical skills to perform all aspects of routine Audiology including hearing assessment and rehabilitation in a hospital environment or in the community while working independently or as part of a team. Motivated to deliver safe, effective care to patients with vestibular compromise to support excellent clinical outcomes To create rehabilitation plans for vestibular clinic patients to reduce the impact of hearing and balance conditions while carefully considering the patients lifestyle requirements. To ensure that all patient records and service practices are in accordance with British Society of Audiology (BS) British Academy of Audiology (BAA), Trust and departmental protocol. Responsibility for Policy/Service Development To be responsible for the vestibular team peer review process, including organisation and execution of reviews and management of outcomes. To aid the education of others such as Audiologists with special interest in vestibular disorders, Assistant Technical Officers, degree students from Aston University and STP students. To successfully evaluate and negotiate care plans for students and trainee colleagues to implement for appropriate patients. To provide expert advice and training to multi-disciplinary agencies both internally and externally. To contribute to audit of both specialist service and the wider audiology service. To participate in clinical management meetings staff meetings. To deputise for the Head of Audiology as requested. Responsibility for Financial and Physical Resources Demonstrate safe working practices in the use of equipment in the clinical areas. Responsibility for Human Resources Working with the Head of Audiology, provide leadership to the clinical team and identify innovation in clinical practice To effectively manage the Department on a shift by shift basis. Contribute to the formal induction of all new staff. Participate in the preceptorship of newly appointed staff and the education of learners and clinical support workers Responsibility for Information Resources To maintain adequate and accurate records of all educational sessions. To collect statistical information and reports as requested for the Trust. Updates and maintains patient records/reports Develops/updates policies and procedures as well as contribute to creating protocols.. Responsibility for Research and Development To engage in research of associated and specialist fields. To support wider service research projects. To set aims and objectives, plan, delegate, and report on projects as required by Head of Audiology. To adopt an evidence-based approach to healthcare and use research in the delivery of clinical practice. Working in conjunction with the critical care research team the post holder will be required to use, and disseminate current research findings to professional colleagues through the education process. To collaborate with other members of the service to develop clinical audit to measure outcomes related to service delivery Freedom to Act Accountable for own professional actions; not directly supervised. Physical Effort The post requires a combination of physical effort including sitting, standing, walking and occasionally assisting a patient to standing position. Mental Effort This post requires high levels of concentration and significant barriers to communication; at times within an unpredictable work environment Emotional Effort Significant barriers to communication, acceptance of diagnosis and prognosis may exist and therefore, intense cemotional effort is sometimes required. The post may involve exposure to descriptions of distressing events. Personal/Professional Development To participate in periodic peer review and individual personal supervision. Maintain registration through the conduct and documentation of continued professional development activities and to participate in mandatory training. To have access to a road-worthy car during working hours and be able to produce a valid drivers license on a yearly basis. To take every reasonable opportunity to maintain and improve your professional knowledge and competence To participate in personal objective setting and review, including the creation of a personal development plan and the Trusts appraisal process. Health and Safety To take reasonable care for your own Health and Safety and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work. To co-operate with University Hospitals of North Midlands (NHS) Trust in ensuring that statutory regulations, codes of practice, local policies and departmental health and safety rules are adhered to. To comply and adhere to individual and role specific responsibilities as stated in the Trust Health and Safety Policy (HS01) and all other Health and Safety related Job description Job responsibilities Communication & Relationships Skills To possess highly developed communication skills and demonstrate adaptability to individuals with varying communication needs as well as being especially knowledgeable in Deaf Awareness. To communicate complex, sensitive, or contentious information to patients and carers who may have additional disabilities and/or challenging behaviour. To communicate information to patients who may not use English as a first language and/or use BSL as a first language and therefore require an interpreter. To communicate effectively and meaningfully with linestaff and the wider team, demonstrating and adhering to trust values To use presentation skills at case reviews, meetings, and conferences. To demonstrate good negotiation skills in a multi-disciplinary or multi-agency environment. To engage patients by using motivational and negotiation skills. Knowledge, Training & Experience Registered with Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) or AHCS or equivalent. MSc in Audiology or equivalent with previous experience in the NHS In depth knowledge of BSA guidelines, national protocols and referral criteria. Experience of performing Vestibular tests including VNG, calorics, Vemps, and vHIT Experience in taking a full detailed patient history and formulating appropriate management plans to maximise patient exprience Perform audiology and vestibular assessment to a wide range of patients, including those who may have additional disabilities or challenging behaviour. Posses in depth knowledge and experience of assessment and rehabilitation techniques of adults with vestibular compromise, to support excellent patient outcomes. Posses coaching skills to support audiologists, students and trainees throughout their training plan Analytical & Judgemental Skills To assess the needs of the patient in conjunction with the analysis of tests and diagnostic results and clinical reports from Audiology, ENT, Neurology, Psychiatry, and other professionals. To possess the skills for assessing and interpreting diagnostic test results from vestibular assessment and initiate rehabilitation interventions actions as appropriate. In conjunction with the Head of Audiology, be aware of and raise any risks within the service and investigate any incidents reported within the vestibular service In conjunction with the Head of Audiology, create audit plans for the improvement and assurance of the vestibular service Planning & Organisational Skills To independently oversee, assess, develop, and execute a comprehensive and complex caseload of Vestibular clinics. To be responsible alongside the Head of Audiology for the everyday running and organisation of the Vestibular service whilst implementing change to support attainment of IQIPs accreditation. To maintain managerial and clinical responsibility over Audiologists and Senior audiologists, students and trainees. To plan and oversee the appropriate triage of referrals into the Vestibular Clinic, investigating and auditing any areas of trend where necessary. To plan and organise the calibration and maintenance of the vestibular equipment Physical Skills To have good dexterity as accuracy required for relevant tasks including wax removal, aural impressions To possess good computer skills, standard keyboard skills, and be able to use presentation software and e-learning resources. The post requires a combination of physical effort including providing positional testing and rehabilitation manouvres, sitting, standing, walking, and aiding a patient to standing. Responsibility for Patient/Client Care To apply a high level of clinical skills to perform all aspects of routine Audiology including hearing assessment and rehabilitation in a hospital environment or in the community while working independently or as part of a team. Motivated to deliver safe, effective care to patients with vestibular compromise to support excellent clinical outcomes To create rehabilitation plans for vestibular clinic patients to reduce the impact of hearing and balance conditions while carefully considering the patients lifestyle requirements. To ensure that all patient records and service practices are in accordance with British Society of Audiology (BS) British Academy of Audiology (BAA), Trust and departmental protocol. Responsibility for Policy/Service Development To be responsible for the vestibular team peer review process, including organisation and execution of reviews and management of outcomes. To aid the education of others such as Audiologists with special interest in vestibular disorders, Assistant Technical Officers, degree students from Aston University and STP students. To successfully evaluate and negotiate care plans for students and trainee colleagues to implement for appropriate patients. To provide expert advice and training to multi-disciplinary agencies both internally and externally. To contribute to audit of both specialist service and the wider audiology service. To participate in clinical management meetings staff meetings. To deputise for the Head of Audiology as requested. Responsibility for Financial and Physical Resources Demonstrate safe working practices in the use of equipment in the clinical areas. Responsibility for Human Resources Working with the Head of Audiology, provide leadership to the clinical team and identify innovation in clinical practice To effectively manage the Department on a shift by shift basis. Contribute to the formal induction of all new staff. Participate in the preceptorship of newly appointed staff and the education of learners and clinical support workers Responsibility for Information Resources To maintain adequate and accurate records of all educational sessions. To collect statistical information and reports as requested for the Trust. Updates and maintains patient records/reports Develops/updates policies and procedures as well as contribute to creating protocols.. Responsibility for Research and Development To engage in research of associated and specialist fields. To support wider service research projects. To set aims and objectives, plan, delegate, and report on projects as required by Head of Audiology. To adopt an evidence-based approach to healthcare and use research in the delivery of clinical practice. Working in conjunction with the critical care research team the post holder will be required to use, and disseminate current research findings to professional colleagues through the education process. To collaborate with other members of the service to develop clinical audit to measure outcomes related to service delivery Freedom to Act Accountable for own professional actions; not directly supervised. Physical Effort The post requires a combination of physical effort including sitting, standing, walking and occasionally assisting a patient to standing position. Mental Effort This post requires high levels of concentration and significant barriers to communication; at times within an unpredictable work environment Emotional Effort Significant barriers to communication, acceptance of diagnosis and prognosis may exist and therefore, intense cemotional effort is sometimes required. The post may involve exposure to descriptions of distressing events. Personal/Professional Development To participate in periodic peer review and individual personal supervision. Maintain registration through the conduct and documentation of continued professional development activities and to participate in mandatory training. To have access to a road-worthy car during working hours and be able to produce a valid drivers license on a yearly basis. To take every reasonable opportunity to maintain and improve your professional knowledge and competence To participate in personal objective setting and review, including the creation of a personal development plan and the Trusts appraisal process. Health and Safety To take reasonable care for your own Health and Safety and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work. To co-operate with University Hospitals of North Midlands (NHS) Trust in ensuring that statutory regulations, codes of practice, local policies and departmental health and safety rules are adhered to. To comply and adhere to individual and role specific responsibilities as stated in the Trust Health and Safety Policy (HS01) and all other Health and Safety related Person Specification Qualifications Essential BSc in Audiology or equivalent AHCS/HCPC Registered Desirable MSc in Audiology HTS in Balance Assessment Knowledge, Experience and Skills Essential At least 2 years experience of assessing managing and evaluating patients with balance disorders At least 2 years experience of working in an NHS trust setting Desirable Experience of providing complex adult audiology assessment and rehabilitation Person Specification Qualifications Essential BSc in Audiology or equivalent AHCS/HCPC Registered Desirable MSc in Audiology HTS in Balance Assessment Knowledge, Experience and Skills Essential At least 2 years experience of assessing managing and evaluating patients with balance disorders At least 2 years experience of working in an NHS trust setting Desirable Experience of providing complex adult audiology assessment and rehabilitation 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust Address Royal Stoke Royal stoke Hospital Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG Employer's website https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)