Job overview
The Paediatric Audiology service in East Lancashire is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our busy team. Our work covers sites across East Lancashire in both hospital and community based clinics, and we are committed to providing the highest standard of care to babies and children in our area.
The post is open to candidates who are either qualified Clinical Scientists who have completed the CAC/STP and hold registration with the HCPC, or Healthcare Scientists with a BSc in Audiology, BAAT l & lI or HTEC/BTEC (MPPM) who are registered with the AHCS.
The post holder will lead the paediatric hearing aid service. Extensive experience in NHS paediatric hearing aid fitting in all ages, including verification and outcome measures is therefore essential. The post holder should also have experience in paediatric diagnostic testing on all ages including behavioural and electrophysiological assessments.
Main duties of the job
Your role will include:
· Undertaking diagnostic behavioural and objective audiological assessment of children from birth to school leaving age.
· Taking earmould impressions from children of all ages.
· Managing child hearing aid users of all ages, including undertaking initial hearing aid fitting, validation, verification and modification as required.
· Working under the supervision of the Departmental Lead or Complex Lead to perform diagnostic electrophysiological assessment of babies and of children, under conditions of general anaesthetic or sedation when required.
· Leading in complex behavioural assessment clinics alongside audiologists for children where age appropriate assessments are not possible or where conflicting results may have been obtained.
· Line managing the Assistant Audiology Practitioners.
· Deputising for the Departmental Lead as required.
· Providing training in audiology to BSc Audiology placement students, junior medical staff and other professional groups.
* Coordinating transition to adult audiology services for hearing aid users.
Working for our organisation
East Lancashire is a diverse area, and our staff group reflects this, each bringing different skills to the team. We are made up of Assistant Audiology Practitioners, Audiologists, Clinical Scientists and a Paediatrician, with strong multidisciplinary links including with our local Sensory Support Services and the Newborn Hearing Screening team. We are an active member of our local CHSWG.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will be working alongside the Clinical and Professional Lead for Paediatric Audiology and the rest of the team to provide a Safe, Personal and Effective service.
Your role will include:
· Undertaking diagnostic behavioural and objective audiological assessment of children from birth to school leaving age.
· Taking earmould impressions from children of all ages.
· Managing child hearing aid users of all ages, including undertaking initial hearing aid fitting, validation, verification and modification as required.
· Working under the supervision of the Clinical and Professional Lead for Paediatric Audiology or Complex Lead to provide diagnostic electrophysiological assessment of babies who refer from the newborn hearing screen or other health professionals, and of children under conditions of general anaesthetic or sedation when this is required.
· Leading in complex behavioural assessment clinics alongside audiologists for children where age appropriate assessments are not possible or where conflicting results may be obtained on testing.
· Line managing the Assistant Audiology Practitioners.
· Deputising for the Clinical and Professional Lead as required.
· Providing training in audiology to BSc Audiology placement students, audiology practitioners and assistant audiology practitioners, junior medical staff and other professional groups.
* Coordinating transition to adult audiology services for hearing aid users
Working to MCHAS and NHSP standards is essential. You must be able to prioritise your time and work schedule effectively, have excellent written and oral communication skills, good management skills, the ability to meet deadlines and be a team player, with knowledge and acceptance of diverse populations.
As this post is working with children and families, knowledge of safeguarding is important. You will also need to demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality at all times. Travel between clinic sites is essential, sometimes during the working day.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* MSc in Audiology, with CAC/STP & registered as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC OR BSC in Audiology or equivalent & registered as a Healthcare Scientist with the AHCS
* CPD portfolio up to date and maintained
Desirable criteria
* Basic management qualification
* Clinical Educator training
* Introductory counselling course/certificate
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Post registration experience working in paediatric audiology
* Fitting, verifying and evaluating NHS hearing aids to children
* Performing a range of diagnostic tests
* Experience in audit and/or research
Desirable criteria
* Experience of service development
* External paediatric training
Skills
Essential criteria
* Basic counselling
* Computer literate
* Excellent written and oral interpersonal skills
* Ability to diffuse conflict situations
* Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations
Desirable criteria
* BSL qualification
Previous Experience
Essential criteria
* 5 years post qualifying experience including in a paediatric service
* Training of junior staff and/or students
* Line management experience
Desirable criteria
* Providing training to non-audiology colleagues