Overview
Main area Audiology Grade Band 5 Contract Permanent Hours
* Full time
* Part time
* Job share
28.5 hours per week (Longer days considered e.g. 8am – 6pm, for both full-time or part-time applicants). Job ref 388-7458649-PC&S
Employer: Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Site: Audiology Department, Torbay Hospital
Town: Torquay
Salary: £31,049 - £37,796 per annum, Yearly
Closing: 31/10/2025 23:59
Audiologist
Band 5
Job overview
As an autonomous clinical practitioner, an audiologist will undertake diagnostic hearing tests on adult and some paediatric patients, including routine and complex cases. They will provide a counselling and rehabilitative service to hearing aid users as well as prescribing and fitting suitable hearing aids. They will also help deliver a micro-suction service for the Ear, Nose and Throat Department.
Requirements: a BSc (or equivalent) in Audiology (or expecting to be qualified soon). Demonstrate active engagement in ear care (micro-suction). Registration or in the process of registering with the AHCS or HCPC. Please specify which professional body you are registered with in your supporting information.
Main duties of the job
* A Band 5 Audiologist will work autonomously to perform a broad range of clinical activities such as hearing assessments and hearing aid fittings on adults, set realistic outcomes with patients, and support all aspects of hearing aid care (repairs, advice and guidance on assistive technologies, telecare). They will also conduct diagnostic testing on older children and on patients attending the ENT Department. They will also deliver a micro-suction service for the ENT Department.
* A newly qualified member of staff will receive a period of preceptorship training/supervision. There will also be opportunities to work with specialist staff to broaden knowledge in specialist areas and procedures.
Working for our organisation
Torbay and South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust catchment area covers 300 square miles from South Dartmoor to the length of coastline from the mouth of the River Exe (Dawlish), past the Teign and Dart estuaries (beyond Dartmouth). Torbay Hospital serves a resident population of around 300,000 people, plus about 100,000 visitors at peak summer. The Audiology Service serves the population of Torbay and South Devon with throughput of approximately 30,000 patients per annum. Patients are at the heart of everything we do, reflected in the Audiology Department’s ethos.
We are based at Torbay Hospital and run audiology clinics across 8 localities in the South Devon area. We offer domiciliary visits for patients who cannot attend the hospital. We were awarded UKAS IQIPS accreditation in 2014 and have maintained this year on year.
The Department has around 30 staff across grades, roles and specialisms, including direct access hearing assessment clinic for adults, neonates and paediatrics, direct access tinnitus clinics, specialist adult rehabilitation services including hearing therapy, bone-anchored devices, vestibular assessments and a learning disability service.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Detailed job description and responsibilities
Communication and working relationships
Forms of communication may include:
* Discussions
* Formal oral presentations
* Written reports (clinical, technical or management)
* Ability to work with interpreters including sign language interpreters
Internal:
* To Consultant specialists and other members of the medical staff
* Senior Managers
* All grades and professions across the trust
External:
* Members of the public
* GP practices
* Other NHS healthcare trusts in and out of the region
* Other professionals associated with the service for hearing impaired people (e.g., social services, Advisory teachers for Hearing impaired Children, Learning Disability Network and Charities)
* CCGs
* All grades and professions across the health community
Communication with patients/carers who may have varying degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound.
Analytical and judgement
Will triage referrals from other disciplines including GP, Audiology, ENT and Physiotherapy and communicate to the booking teams what appointment is needed.
Will analyse and interpret information gathered from patient history/interviewing and testing, making clinical judgments about when to refer for further testing including MRI and developing an individual management plan with the patient.
Planning and organisation
Plan equipment requirements for own peripheral clinics and ensure that all equipment/stock required for clinic list is transported to location in good time.
Develop with the patient an individual management plan.
Ensure good timekeeping during the clinical day and use time effectively to prioritise tasks.
Actively contribute to meetings within the service and as a representative of the service as required within own area of expertise, which may include taking on formal roles such as minute taking or arranging venues.
Physical skills
Good manual dexterity for handling small components in hearing aids; coordination and sensory skills for precise fitting and adjustment of high-tech digital hearing aids; insertion of probe tubes into a patient’s ear; taking aural impressions.
Ability to listen and retain complex information often presented non-ordered by patients.
Patient and client care
* Calibrate audiological equipment daily and report faults to management or directly to medical electronics department or manufacturer.
* Ensure that all patient details are confirmed prior to any treatment
* Perform otoscopy and recognise conditions affecting patient care, referring on appropriately
* Undertake patient questioning to gain history
* Undertake hearing assessment using pure-tone audiometry and tympanometry when appropriate
* Debrief and inform patient of findings and future management, including referral to ENT or other health professionals
* Plan rehabilitation for each hearing aid patient and advise on living with hearing loss and technology
* Take impressions of patient’s ears and decide on ear mould type
* Fit and instruct patients on use of hearing aids with tailored communication strategies
* Attend domiciliary visits when patients are housebound
* Inspect hearing aid function, replace tubing, repair and maintain devices, reprogram if needed
* Attend wards to fit ear moulds and repair hearing aids
* Undertake earmold modification and fitting
* Keep patient records/IMP’s comprehensive and up to date in the patient management system
* Handle postal hearing aid repairs
Policy and service development
* All staff ensure service needs are met in a timely and efficient manner
* Adhere to Trust and Department polices, guidance and SOPs
* Encourage and welcome feedback for continual improvement
* Ensure policies and SOPs are accessible for reference
Finance, equipment and other resources
* Ensure equipment is in good working order and checks/calibration are undertaken
* Use resources efficiently and effectively
* Prescribe appropriate hearing aids considering cost
* Identify low stock items and update ordering spreadsheet
People management and training
* Deliver training to other Audiological staff and other specialties within TSDFT (including ENT)
Observes and supervises trainees within the department, providing feedback
Information technology and administrative duties
* Book follow-up appointments
* Ensure patient records are up to date in the computerized management system
* Handle queries by telephone or letter from staff or GPs regarding testing or appointments
Research and development
* Occasionally undertake research and development activities and seek opportunities for involvement in national projects
* Undertake and assist in clinical audit, report outcomes and recommend changes
* Participate in departmental audit and development with reference to UKAS and national recommendations
Freedom to act
* Work autonomously to develop individual management plans with patients
* Act with integrity and professionalism in line with Trust values
* Be accountable for actions and share experiences to promote learning
* Ensure patient is at the centre of the service and treated with dignity and respect
* Undertake activities as required by Head of Audiology/Deputy Head
* Report findings and actions back to referrers promptly
* Maintain own registration and CPD activity and accurate records
Assist in the day-to-day running of the Department
Person specification
Qualifications
* Full BSc in Audiology or equivalent, or due to qualify
* Registered with AHCS or HCPC (or in process)
* Member of BAA/BSA
* Evidence of CPD activity
Knowledge and Experience
* IT literate with experience of managing several patient management systems
* Experience using various hearing aid software packages
* Experience working with the general public
* Knowledge of test techniques and rehab skills in Audiology
* Experience working in an NHS setting
Personal requirements
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to travel to locality clinics (driver with full licence)
You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are improving safe, high-quality health and social care. We offer a positive and vibrant working atmosphere and invest in staff development and well-being.
If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer with flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme.
Important information
* We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Apply promptly.
* Tailor your application to reflect the requirements of the role.
* Armed Forces applicants will be guaranteed an interview if minimum criteria are met.
* Correspondence will be sent via Trac, text, and email. Check email/Trac regularly.
* Applicants with no NHS experience will normally be appointed to the minimum of the band.
* If you have not received an interview invitation within 28 days of closing date, assume not successful.
* Ensure timely receipt of appropriate references.
The Trust is committed to equality and diversity. No person will receive less favourable treatment on protected characteristics. Equality considerations are guided by the Equality Act 2010.
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 requires Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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