County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Newborn Hearing Screener
The closing date is 18 July 2025
In this role you will work as part of a team based at UHND, screening the hearing of newborn babies, on the maternity ward, in outpatient clinics and on the Special Care Unit. This will include using technical equipment and entering data onto the National Hearing screening database as well as liaising with parents and other professionals.
Further information about the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme can also be found on the NHS website (search Newborn Hearing Screening.
This position is based at Darlington Memorial Hospital, with some requirement to cover shifts across the Trust.
Main duties of the job
In this role you will work as part of a team based at DMH, screening the hearing of newborn babies, on the maternity ward, in outpatient clinics (some are community based) and on the Special Care Unit. This will include using technical equipment and entering data onto the National Hearing screening database as well as liaising with parents and other professionals. Full training and induction will be provided for the successful candidates. Some of the training will take place at Darlington, Durham and/or Bishop Auckland. The hours are worked on a rolling shift pattern, including weekends and bank holidays as we offer 7 day cover on the wards. We require all applicants to have 4 GCSEs grades A*-C (9-5) or equivalent, including Maths and English.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance onAI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances ofsuccess.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two yearsof experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to considersponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria andhave a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job responsibilities
Screening the hearing of newborn babies on wards, in clinics and on SCBU and children's wards.
Uploading the screening results to our national data base.
Processing all uploaded results.
Use of Smart4Hearing IT system.
Arranging clinic appointments and all associated admin (letters, phone calls, text reminders etc).
Ensuring national targets are met.
Working as part of a small hearing screening team.
Completing mandatory training and hearing screening e-learning as requested.
Completing External Competency Assessment.
The role will initially be 13 x 6.25 hour shifts per 4 weeks.
Person Specification
Special Requirements
* Ability to develop new skills.
* Ability to work as part of a team, but also independently.
* Excellent attention to detail.
* Ability to prioritise own workload to meet the needs of the service.
* Understanding and empathy with staff, patients and relatives needs.
* Effective listening skills Proven ability to manage priorities under pressure Friendly and caring manner demonstrate ability in dealing sympathetically and sensitively with people.
* Ability to manage own time/workload to meet specific targets.
* Ability to work extra hours on occasions.
* Able to work at other hospitals or community sites within the NHSP area as required.
Qualifications
* 4 x GCSE grade 4 (C) or above, including maths and English.
* Willingness to undertake External competency Assessment and Health Screener Diploma (L3).
* NVQ L3 in Health and Social Care or similar.
Experience
* Ability to handle newborn babies with the appropriate level of care and attention.
* Good IT skills to facilitate accurate use of patient management system, networked and/or electronic policies, forms & documents.
* Excellent communication skills to work effectively with parents who may be very tired, emotional, and / or distressed.
* Excellent organisational skills.
* Care experience within Neonatal Intensive Care or Maternity Experience of working with technical equipment.
* Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Knowledge of the English newborn hearing screening programme protocols and guidelines.
* Understanding of patient confidentiality.
* Awareness of cultural issues.
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
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
£24,625 to £25,674 a yearper annum pro rata
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