Clinical Audiologist

We are looking to recruit a Band 5 Audiologist to join our busy and friendly Audiology department in Warwick. We are a progressive, forward thinking department that welcomes dynamic and forward thinking staff to deliver the highest quality care. The department provides a comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative service to the population of South Warwickshire delivering services 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. Applicants must hold a BSc in Audiology or equivalent qualifications. Applicants should also have, or be able to achieve RCCP registration, and membership of BAA / BSA while not essential is desirable. Due to the nature of this service a car driver with a full current driving license is essential. For disabled applicant’s suitable alternative arrangements may be agreed, if necessary. This post is suitable for newly qualified graduate audiologists. The key responsibility of the role will be to perform a wide range of audiological investigations on all patient groups and provide effective audiological and rehabilitative treatments together with an on-going hearing aid maintenance service. This position will include a requirement to travel to outreach clinics and domiciliary visits to ensure consistent practice and a high-quality service is being delivered across all sites. 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. 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, ear moulds 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. 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 ear moulds. 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 Walk in Clinic at Warwick Hospital. All other outreach sites offer booked appointments. The Walk in Clinics can be extremely busy, and 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 manage the domiciliary service waiting list. Service Development Assist in the future development within the Adult Audiology services that enable greater access to services for patients. Support delegated responsibilities for the service’s IQIPS preparation and assessments. 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. 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. Completes audit information on time and effectiveness. 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 audiologists, policies and protocols to ensure best and up to date practice is maintained. Assist in the future development within the Adult Audiology services that enable greater access to services for patients.