Senior Audiology Assistant

Integrated Care System; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is offering a role for Senior Audiology Assistants at Derriford Hospital. The position involves supporting hearing aid maintenance, patient care, and assisting in paediatric services. Ideal candidates will have 5 GCSEs including Science, with a commitment to empathy and customer care.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs including Science or equivalent.
• NVQ Level 3 in a relevant subject.
• Demonstrable customer service experience.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine hearing aid repairs and aftercare.
• Assist Senior audiologists with assessments.
• Manage stock and assist in training new audiology assistants.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication

Empathy

Technical Skills

Education

5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including Science

NVQ Level 3 in relevant subject

Job description

We have a vacancy for 2 Senior Audiology Assistants to work in the Audiology Service based primarily at Derriford Hospital. The post-holder will carry out a number of support tasks to ensure the smooth running of the technical and scientific aspects of the service, and will be trained to carry out hearing aid maintenance and aftercare duties, which are both directly patient-facing and also remote. There is also the opportunity to work in the paediatric service, supporting the diagnostic testing of young children. It is essential applicants have 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Science, or are able to demonstrate equivalent learning, and are able to empathise with and support deaf and hard of hearing people. Keyboard skills and demonstrable experience of databases and spreadsheets is highly desirable. This post may involve an element of physical exertion. Demonstrable experience in handling difficult situations and a mature outlook on life is desirable. Job share and flexible hours working are all welcome.

For an informal discussion, please contact Adam Beckman, Head of Audiology Services via:

01752 438056

Email: [e-mail]

or Rob Brunton, Team Leader Adult Rehabilitation via:

01752 431254

Email: [e-mail]

Main duties of the job

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

• To carry out routine hearing aid repairs and aftercare with associated clinical tasks
• To carry out clerical and administrative duties within the Audiology department
• To assist Senior/Specialist audiologists with pre-school and school age hearing assessments

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job responsibilities

• Management responsibilities
• Assist in the smooth running of the hearing aid repair service and the support roles of ear mould management and stock organisation
• Assist in the training of new audiology assistants
• Involved in training of medical and audiology students, and hearing support volunteers.
• Assist in stock check management
• Clinical and Technical Responsibilities
• Assess patients test results, history and presentation on the day to:

Modify existing ear moulds or venting; take aural impressions to make new ear moulds according to the assessment; instigate emergency referral if indicated

Digital hearing aid maintenance and repair service:

Test hearing aid function subjectively and objectively using electroacoustic test box; repair or replace faulty hearing aids; retubing and other ear mould repairs, including drilling and grinding to increase comfort or performance; otoscopic examination to check ears for wax, infection or contraindication for taking an impression; ward or home visits as required; safe use of electrical and mechanical equipment

Assists with the assessment of pre-school and school age infants and children, including:

o Assess ability of infant/child to perform tasks, in conjunction with the specialist paediatric audiologist

o Perform developmental and age appropriate games and distraction methods

o Assist in the performance of objective tests

Communication with patients:

Quickly understand patients clinical complaints or other queries; ensure patient has understood the treatment or other plan; deal sensitively with patients who may be distressed or have significant other health problems; communication to include face-to-face conversation, telephone conversation, email and textphone conversation; patient groups include: children; deaf or hard of hearing adults; adults with learning difficulties; adults with dementia; carers/significant others.

Adherence to protocols/guidelines

Clinical work to be carried out according to local or national protocols or guidelines; some scope for using clinical judgement according to changes in patients circumstances, with support of registered staff as required; recognition when tasks are beyond the individuals scope of practice and onward referral to registered professional.

Research/Audit

Takes part in departmental research and audit as required.

Records all clinical activity in the departmental clinical database. Ensure details of patients updated.

Ensure that clinical rooms are prepared, according to locally agreed practice.

For further details please see that attached JD & PS

Person Specification

Knowledge & Experience

• oAble to provide an efficient open access hearing aid repair service after training
• oDealing with patient technical enquiries
• oDemonstrable customer service experience
• oPrevious demonstrable experience working with the elderly
• oPrevious demonstrable experience working with infants and young children

Qualifications

• o5 GCSE to Grade C including Science or equivalent
• oNVQ L3 in relevant subject
• oPractical knowledge through formal accredited courses such as: Assistant Audiologist Training Course Pre-School Audiology Course
• oGood communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels
• oEffective influencing skills: in general and with senior health care professionals
• oGood hand to eye co-ordination
• oAbility to facilitate change within the work area

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.