Advanced Audiology Practitioner

NHS; Brecon; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Powys Teaching Health Board is seeking an experienced Advanced Audiology Practitioner to work autonomously in out-patient clinics across South Powys, including Brecon, Bronllys, Ystradgynlais and Knighton Hospitals. You will assess, diagnose and manage hearing and balance disorders with extended scope of practice.

You will provide expert audiological care, lead others, support education, and contribute to service improvements while navigating training and development opportunities within the NHS

Qualifications

• MSc Audiological Science or equivalent level of knowledge.
• Post-MSc specialist training suitable for HCPC registration.
• HCPC registration as Clinical Scientist (Audiology) or AHCS as Audiologist.
• Evidence of CPD and post-registration activity via portfolio.
• Extended scope skills in Aural Care and related governance.
• Ability to request MRI scans when clinically indicated.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and management of hearing and balance disorders.
• Autonomous practitioner; manage patients on first contact basis without GP input.
• Develop and implement individualised treatment plans using advanced clinical reasoning.
• Deliver audiological interventions and refer to other services as required.
• Request diagnostic investigations (e.g., MRI) to support management.
• Provide expert advice and clinical leadership to colleagues and primary care.
• Support education and development of junior staff and supervise operations.
• Contribute to research, audits and quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Advanced audiology procedures

Communication skills

Research involvement

Teamwork

Clinical leadership

Welsh language capability

Education

MSc Audiological Science

Post-MSc specialist training (HCPC)

HCPC Clinical Scientist (Audiology) or AHCS registration

CPD and portfolio evidence

Job description

Be part of a 'Healthy Caring Powys' and help us transform the way we provide health and care, so our communities can Start Well, Live Well and Age Well.

Job overview

An exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly skilled Audiologist to work as an Advanced Audiology Practitioner within Powys Teaching Health Board. The post holder will work autonomously with an extended scope of practice to assess, diagnose and manage patients with hearing and balance disorders. Acting as an independent practitioner and first point of contact for self-referral patients in out-patient based clinics across South Powys, including Brecon, Bronllys, Ystradgynlais and Knighton Hospitals.

Main duties of the job

Provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with hearing and balance disorders.

Work as an autonomous practitioner, including managing patients on a first-contact basis without prior GP assessment.

Develop and implement individualised treatment and management plans using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.

Deliver specialist Audiological interventions and refer patients appropriately to other services when required.

Request and utilise diagnostic investigations, including MRI scans and other relevant tests, to support diagnosis and patient management.

Provide expert advice and clinical leadership to Audiology colleagues, primary care teams and other healthcare professionals.

Support the education and development of junior Audiology staff and colleagues, including some operational staff supervision.

Contribute to research, audit, service evaluation and quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and service delivery.

Support the ongoing development and transformation of Audiology services across Powys Teaching Health Board.

Working for our organisation

Being the smallest Heath Board in Wales means that you won’t get lost in the crowd. Everybody at Powys Teaching Health Board is valued for the contribution they make to our varied and diverse portfolio of community-based services. Together, we can continue to make a real difference to our patients and build on our unrivalled reputation.

As a supportive and progressive employer, we actively encourage you to carve out a career with us, through a range of development pathways. We’re also lucky enough to be situated in one of the most beautiful rural counties in Britain, let alone Wales! Achieving a healthy ’life work’ balance is essential, and something we recognise by prioritising your well-being.

To start your journey with us, and to learn more about what we can offer you please visit: https://pthb.nhs.wales/working-for-us/ . There you will find information about our benefits and values, read staff experiences and more about what our beautiful county has to offer.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers; but even if you don’t speak any Welsh, or want to develop your skills, don’t worry: the health board will support you with training.

Person specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

• MSc Audiological Science or equivalent level of knowledge
• Post-MSc professional (specialist) training qualification or equivalent (appropriate for HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist)
• HCPC registration as Clinical Scientist (Audiology) or AHCS registration as Audiologist
• Evidence of CPD and post registration activity through portfolio
• Extended scope skills in Aural Care
• Membership of appropriate special interest groups
• Competency to request MRI scans

Experience

• Extended experience working as a Clinical Specialist Audiologist
• Health and Safety risk awareness
• Understanding of professional ethics/code of conduct and their application in practice
• Knowledge of clinical governance
• Delivering clinical education in area of speciality and to wider audience
• Proven multidisciplinary working
• Audit
• Extensive specialist clinical experience and knowledge in relationship to specialism
• Evidence of recent study in relevant clinical area
• Advanced clinical reasoning skills
• Critical Appraisal Skills
• Evidence of participation in research activity/research skills
• Working in Primary Care
• Isolated working
• Evidence of teaching within post

Skills and Attributes

• Perform wide range of Audiological procedures at advanced level
• Presentation skills and ability to work effectively with individuals and groups
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to process and share highly complex information in a confidential manner
• Conduct professional affairs in a confident, assertive manner, using negotiating / influencing skills whilst maintaining excellent working relationships with all stakeholders
• Actively involved in research and contribution to evidence-based practice
• Excellent team working skills
• Self-motivated
• Flexible, adaptive and creative
• Use own initiative
• Deal with distressed clients, relatives and staff
• Organise complex information
• Use reflection to enhance practice
• Undertake Manual Handling tasks in line with Health Board policies
• Sustain moderate to high level of physical effort throughout the working day
• Cope with a busy working environment, with periods of interruption throughout the working day
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Some ability to speak, read and/or write Welsh, or an eagerness to learn

Other

• Able to work hours flexibly
• Clear vision of role/commitment to speciality and department
• Able to meet the travelling requirements of the post

As a Health Board we embrace diversity and inclusion. We offer a supportive and welcoming place to work which is free from discrimination and fair in all our working practices.

We’ll value your contribution whether you’re looking for your first job, an apprenticeship, re-entering the workforce or looking for a career change. Powys Teaching Health Board warmly welcomes all.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.