Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for this training post with the Luton and Dunstable Audiology team to train to become an Assistant Audiologist.
The post holder is required to undertake a Hospital-funded Hearing Care Assistant course provided via Anglia Ruskin University. The course duration is 9 months and involves University-delivered study, self-directed study and work-based learning. Your competencies will be assessed by multiple choice examination, a portfolio, and a final practical exam. Once successfully completed, the course opens up potential for career development, including entry eligibility for the FdSc Hearing Aid Audiology course.
Main duties of the job
Provide a patient-focused Hearing Aid Maintenance and Repair Service.
Responsible for scheduling and booking Audiology appointments (mainly Paediatric bookings).
Undertake second tester role in Paediatric Audiology clinics (training provided).
Undertake not masked audiometry under indirect supervision.
Assist with monitoring stock levels, ordering stock, receiving stock and maintaining associated records. To include use of the Trust’s electronic procurement system to place orders for all items and services utilised by the department.
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To undertake hearing aid repair and maintenance clinics, including:
·Servicing/replacement/repair of all models of hearing instruments and devices supplied by the department,
·Servicing and/or replacement of parts and accessories for thin tube fittings,
·Modification/replacement of earmoulds, including taking earmould impressions,
·Advice and sign-posting to appropriate associated services and agencies.
Undertake otoscopy to ascertain if patients require ear clearance and / or identify issues that may require second opinion or onward referral.
Responsible for Audiology’s appointment booking system (mainly Paediatric Clinic bookings), taking into account priority lists and waiting time targets. To closely monitor waiting times and notify of impending target breaches and booking trends.
Check, prioritise and register referrals onto the Patient Management System.
Undertake a second tester role in Paediatric Audiology clinics.
Participate in the diagnostic Audiology service by undertaking routine not-masked audiometry for non-complex patients.
Liaise with Education teams via email, dealing with enquiries, printing and distributing reports as necessary.
Distribute clinical reports to relevant professionals.
Assist with monitoring stock levels, ordering stock, receiving stock and maintaining associated records. This will require use of the Trust’s electronic procurement system to place orders for all items and services utilised by the department. To maintain a tidy and ordered stock room.
Provide administrative and clerical support to the department, and some Reception cover during periods of annual leave and sickness, sometimes at very short notice.
Participation in the Department’s professional, clinical and statutory training, including the training of students.
Undertake any other ad hoc duties commensurate with the grade of this post.
Ad hoc organisational & support tasks:
To maintain Department records including Auditbase entries and stock control systems.
To participate in the service’s administrative and clerical support systems, including activities such as opening and dealing with post, sending and receiving earmoulds, collation and filing of letters/documents, dealing with telephone queries and the departmental answerphone system, and other ad hoc duties as the service requires.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. •Pass at Grade C or Level 4 and above in subjects at GCSE level or equivalent including Maths, English and a Science
Desirable criteria
2. •Deaf awareness training
3. •BSA accredited otoscopy and aural impressions taking course
Experience
Essential criteria
4. •Ability to communicate effectively with the hearing impaired, their families and care-givers
5. •Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable criteria
6. •Experience repairing, programming hearing aids
7. •Telephone answering skills
Knowledge
Essential criteria
8. •Strong computer skills
9. •Knowledge of confidentiality issues
Personal skills
Essential criteria
10. Good time management
11. •Good communication skills both verbally and in writing
12. •Methodical and flexible
Desirable criteria
13. •Conflict management course
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.