Team Leader – Paediatric Audiology

The Methodist Church in Britain; Guildford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health programme

Career development opportunities

Group Model development opportunities

Flexible working patterns

Job summary

The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a senior paediatric audiology lead for a 12-month fixed-term post. The role heads paediatric audiology, working alongside adult, vestibular and tinnitus teams within a multidisciplinary framework.

You will lead staff training and service development, contribute to research and audits, and help manage day-to-day operations while maintaining high professional standards and meeting national waiting time targets.

Qualifications

• MSc in Audiology, or equivalent senior specialist experience.
• Certificate of Audiological Competence or equivalent HTS modules.
• Membership of AHCS (Healthcare Scientist) or HCPC (Clinical Scientist).
• Membership of the British Academy of Audiology or another professional organisation.
• Senior-level experience of audiological assessment and/or habilitation of children 0–18.
• Advanced current practical and theoretical knowledge of paediatric diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology.
• Experience in vestibular testing, physiological measurements or central auditory testing.
• Experience as independent practitioner and supervisor across a wide range of assessment and rehabilitation techniques.
• Evidence of post-qualifying CPD and continuing professional development.
• Experience of service redesign with healthcare partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide paediatric audiology assessments, hearing aid fitting and review, and newborn screening electrophysiology.
• Lead modernisation and development of the paediatric service, with innovative, patient-focused models of care.
• Manage and train junior staff and students, and take responsibility for their development with the Head of Department.
• Deputise for the Paediatric Service Lead and Deputy Head of Department when necessary.
• Take professional responsibility for test results and reports written by junior staff, especially in the Paediatric Service Lead's absence.
• Explain new diagnoses to families and work with them and other professionals using a Team around the Child approach.
• Give specialist advice to patients, parents and professionals on paediatric audiology.
• Make clinical decisions on which diagnostic tests to carry out and refer patients to other professionals where appropriate.
• Attend multidisciplinary meetings and liaise with Sensory Support Teachers.
• Help manage day-to-day operations, meet national waiting time targets, and maintain high professional standards.
• Manage stock control and ordering, and calibrate and maintain equipment.
• Take part in research and clinical audit, and keep up to date with developments in audiology.

Skills

Prioritisation

Autonomous decisions

Modernised thinking

Microsoft Office

Auditbase

Equality of opportunity

Education

MSc in Audiology

Certificate of Audiological Competence

HCPC/AHCS membership

BAA membership or equivalent

Tools

Auditbase

Microsoft Office

Job description

This 12-month fixed-term team leader post heads paediatric audiology at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, working alongside adult, vestibular and tinnitus teams. The core work is paediatric assessment, hearing aid fitting and review, and newborn screening electrophysiology, with the post-holder also leading staff training and service development. Distinct features are a 7-day rota, outreach clinics and home visits, with core hours of 9am to 5pm. Senior paediatric experience with children aged 0 to 18 decides fit.

What the job involves

• Provide paediatric audiology assessments, hearing aid fitting and review, and newborn screening electrophysiology
• Lead modernisation and development of the paediatric service, with innovative, patient-focused models of care
• Manage and train junior staff and students, and take responsibility for their individual development with the Head of Department
• Deputise for the Paediatric Service Lead and Deputy Head of Department when necessary
• Take professional responsibility for test results and reports written by junior staff, especially in the Paediatric Service Lead's absence
• Explain new diagnoses to families and work with them and other professionals using a Team around the Child approach
• Give specialist advice to patients, parents and professionals on paediatric audiology
• Make clinical decisions on which diagnostic tests to carry out and refer patients to other professionals where appropriate
• Attend multidisciplinary meetings and liaise with Sensory Support Teachers
• Help manage day-to-day operations, meet national waiting time targets, and maintain high professional standards
• Manage stock control and ordering, and calibrate and maintain equipment
• Take part in research and clinical audit, and keep up to date with developments in audiology

What’s required

Qualifications

• MSc in Audiology, or equivalent senior specialist experience
• Certificate of Audiological Competence or equivalent HTS modules
• Membership of AHCS (Healthcare Scientist) or HCPC (Clinical Scientist)
• Membership of the British Academy of Audiology or another professional organisation

Experience

• Senior-level experience of audiological assessment and/or habilitation of children and young people aged 0 to 18
• Advanced current practical and theoretical knowledge of paediatric diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology
• Experience in specialised areas such as vestibular testing, physiological measurements or central auditory testing
• Experience working as an independent practitioner and as a supervisor across a wide range of assessment and rehabilitation techniques
• Evidence of post-qualifying and continuing professional development
• Experience of service redesign with a range of healthcare partners

Skills & knowledge

• Ability to prioritise own work and direct the activities of others
• Ability to make autonomous decisions on difficult issues to tight and often changing timescales
• Modernised thinking
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, intermediate keyboard skills, and Auditbase or an equivalent audiology PAS
• Thorough understanding of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Nice to have

• Current knowledge of healthcare policy, national guidance, CQC requirements and the organisation's operational working
• Senior-level management experience in audiology, with knowledge of HR issues in managing staff
• Experience in service development
• Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing individual performance
• Experience of communicating on difficult and controversial issues, including performance and change

What’s offered

• Comprehensive health and wellbeing programme
• Strong commitment to career development
• Development opportunities through the Group Model with Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Workforce flexibility through the Group Model
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed at interview