Chief Audiologist

NHS; Croydon; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health services provider is looking for a full-time Audiologist to coordinate and manage audiology services at Croydon University Hospital. Responsibilities include patient assessments, fitting hearing aids, and developing treatment plans for those with hearing and balance disorders. The ideal candidate will have a BSc in Audiology, at least 4-5 years of experience, and a strong focus on patient care and service improvement. A friendly and caring personality is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• At least 4-5 years of experience as a qualified Band 6 Audiologist.
• Knowledge of audiology and balance rehabilitation techniques.
• Experience in staff training and development.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate audiology services and patient assessments.
• Fit and evaluate hearing aids, including advanced techniques.
• Develop and implement individual treatment plans.

Skills

Ability to communicate complex information

Teamwork

Independent working

Ability to handle complex tasks

Education

BSc in Audiology or equivalent

M.Sc. in Audiology

Job description

To be responsible for the co‑ordination and management of the Audiology Services for patients of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust with the assistance of the other Chief Audiologist. To provide comprehensive direct patient care, delivering specialist rehabilitation for those with hearing and/or tinnitus and/or balance disorders as required, utilising simple and more complex rehabilitation procedures. This includes the autonomous creation and implementation of individual treatment plans. To be aware of the services and procedures used within the Audiology Department. To develop and deliver service improvements as required. Liaise with other technical, therapy, medical and nursing staff as required to ensure the best possible standard of patient care.

Interview Date - TBC

Main duties of the job

To be responsible for the co‑coordination and management of the aspects of the Audiology Service as delegated for patients of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust with the assistance of the other Chief Audiologist.

To assist in the day‑to‑day management of the Audiology Service, both from the adult and paediatric perspective, with the main focus on the adult service. To undertake simple and more complex test procedures in all cases with guidance, as appropriate. To fit and evaluate hearing aids, including digital hearing aids, by utilising the Modernisation of Hearing Aid Services procedures. To carry out assessments of tinnitus and balance together with the provision of the management of these conditions. This includes the autonomous creation and implementation of individual treatment plans. To have responsibility for specific aspects of the service, for example the management of stock or to lead on triaging. To support the Head of Audiology in the line management and other tasks allocated. Liaise with other technical, therapy, medical and nursing staff as required to ensure the best possible standard of patient care. The adult service is based at Croydon University Hospital with outreach clinics at Purley Memorial Hospital.

About us

The Audiology Department is a busy and energetic one, with an Audiological Scientist/Audiology Manager, 6.5 Audiologists and 2 Assistant Audiologists as well as a Hearing Therapists. We also fortunate to have an experience administration team to support our services. We provide an audiology service to the people of Croydon with hearing, tinnitus and/or balance problems. We additionally provide support to ENT. We provide the electrophysiological testing, which includes tests on babies referred from the newborn hearing screening programme or by the paediatricians. The team works well together across the disciplines provided and all are always willing to help each other out. Everybody comments on the warm and friendly atmosphere in the Department.

Croydon is located in South London and is currently under-going extensive re‑development. There are excellent transport links with London and the South‑East via train, tram or bus. Staff car parking is also available.

Job responsibilities

This role includes responsibilities for coordinating audiology services, patient assessment, hearing aid fitting, tinnitus and balance management, service development, and liaison with multidisciplinary teams.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• BSc in Audiology or BTEC (NC) in Medical Physics & Physiological Measurement (MPPM) BAAT parts I & II with specialist interest in rehabilitation or equivalent qualification. Evidence of continuing personal development
• M.Sc. in Audiology Counselling qualifications Balance Rehabilitation Training

Knowledge and Understanding

• Knowledge and experience in all aspects of general hearing therapy and /or audiology Highly developed specialist knowledge across the full range of rehabilitative counselling theory underpinned by clinical experience for the treatment of adult patients with balance disorders and hearing disorders or tinnitus. Previous experience of staff training and development Awareness of Child Safety/Protection Issues, Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding, Data Protection Issues and Health and Safety Issues
• Working knowledge of advance test procedures. Recent knowledge or training in electrophysiology.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive information from/to patients and/or carers who may have significant physical, emotional or mental complexities using developed interpersonal and communication skills. Communicate, using appropriate terminology, with patients in a way to enable their decisions regarding their rehabilitation. Team working Independent working
• Ability to cope with complex tasks

Experience

• At least 4‑5 years as a qualified Band 6 Audiologist Attendance at high level accredited training courses delivered by nation/international experts in the field and ability to disseminate information to colleagues. Experience in Advance Rehabilitation techniques Previous experience of staff training and development Managing or contributing to managing of a team
• Attended courses in newer techniques. Health and Safety Issues Keyboard/Computer skills

Other

• Good time keeping Working under pressure, in a diplomatic and confidential manner Reliable Caring Friendly Have initiative Well Motivated

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.

Employer name

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust

Address

Hearing Centre Croydon University Hospital

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full‑time

Reference number

199‑7612945‑FM‑MT

Job locations

Hearing Centre Croydon University Hospital