Detailed job description and main responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Provision of a range of comprehensive audiological services to a paediatric population including children with special needs.

·       Effective and supportive communication with parents and professionals.

·       Supervising work of junior staff and support staff.

·       To provide expert knowledge and communication in all aspects of paediatric hearing assessment and onward referral.

·       To take an active role in areas of clinical audit; research and clinical governance for the audiology service, which may include designing and completing audits within own fields, participating in data collection for larger projects and contributing to the development of evidence-based protocols.

·       To assist in gathering departmental performance data, clinical pathways and efficient working of patient management systems.

·       To be responsible for efficient transition of patients from paediatric to adult services.

·       To maintain up to date advanced level of theoretical knowledge and therapeutic evidence-based practice regarding specialist area.

·       To provide specialist opinion and advice for audiologists and other professionals as required.

·       To provide reports and communication of an excellent standard for users, families and associated professionals and to adapt the contents to the communication styles and diversity of the recipients.

·       To overcome barriers to understanding or motivation, this may include English as a second language and/or learning or language disability or mental health difficulties in the parents/carers, for effective treatment to take place.

·       To develop effective, proactive, collaborative partnerships with medical and education professionals and other relevant agencies in order to meet the needs of the client and family (this could also involve Child Protection or safeguarding cases).

·       To work in conjunction with the Clinical Team Lead, ensuring appropriate governance and awareness is in place amongst junior staff.

·       To ensure that training is given on the emergence of new clinical practice.

·       Lead in ensuring quality assurance of test results

·       Any other duties commensurate with the grade

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

·       To perform specialist diagnostic audiological procedures and provide a comprehensive, suitable, individual management plan for children and babies.

·       To be proficient in objective and behavioural audiological procedures, including the use of a comprehensive range of specialised advanced tests and procedures appropriate to the age of the child. Specifically, visual reinforcement audiometry, play audiometry, pure tone audiology, speech testing, diagnostic otoacoustic emissions.

·       To be a clinical representative at audiology meetings and others both internally and externally for the trust; including being an active member of the CHSWG in absence of team leaders.

·       To use effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills as appropriate during encounters with patients and carers where in addition to hearing loss there are other barriers to communication e.g. physical disabilities, developmental problems or language/cultural differences.

·       To be responsible for calibration, maintenance and safety of all the audiology equipment and procurement of new equipment and supplies for the department.

·       To be responsible for the referral process onwards from the department to other agencies i.e. Tier 3 audiology services, GPs, ENT, Paediatricians etc.

·       To supervise junior members of staff; support in their training and development.

·       To provide governance and facilitate the obtaining of informed consent on younger patients in an appropriate manner.

·       To assist in capturing and monitoring patient feedback and disseminating the information to the wider team.  

·       To assist in developing and maintaining department protocols and guidelines for diagnostic testing in line with national protocols and best practice as part of an evidence-based approach.

Service Delivery Responsibilities

·       To support the Team Lead and Clinical Service Manager in achieving IQIPS accreditation.

·       To participate in audit programmes, on-going development of new techniques and technology within the department.

·       To ensure that a family friendly approach permeates all contact between audiology services and Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families.

·       To assist in promoting the service, providing refresher training, talks and demonstrations to other members of the health service such as Deaf Awareness, local Health Fairs etc.

·       To deal with all equipment faults including arranging repair in line with departmental and manufacturers guidelines.

·       To assist in maintaining stock levels, records and stock taking.

·       The post holder will work across Ealing, and closely with the Hounslow Tier 3 services

Managerial Responsibilities

·       To help in ensuring resources are available to warrant the smooth running of the clinics; to include scheduling of appointments/sessions arranging availability of appropriate accommodation and/or equipment.

·       To deputise for the Team lead as and when required.

·       To support the Team Lead in recruitment and staff management.

·       To assist in developing a risk averse approach and risk assessment culture in all staff.

·       To contribute to trust requirements for data collection and sharing of information, e.g. System One.

·       Supervising work of junior staff and support staff (including school screeners).

·       Assist in supporting the school screening service when required.

·       To contribute to the development and monitoring of an effective clinical governance programme in conjunction with other team members and to promote best practice through participation.

Financial Responsibilities

·       To support the Team Lead to practice and promote cost effective and efficient service delivery

·       To assist and participate in income generation activities: promotion and delivery

Training/Education Responsibilities

·       To train junior members of staff in department protocols and procedures and be responsible for departmental inductions.

·       Lead on clinical supervision and arranging for training of staff (internal and external)

·       To be responsible for own continuous professional development and registration.

·       Participate in peer support and supervision routinely.

·       To supervise, educate and assess the performance of students.

Research and Development

·       Participate and/or lead on clinical service development and research in paediatric audiology.

·       Organise and undertake various audits relevant to the service. 

Any other General Duties 

·       To undertake other tasks and responsibilities as appropriate to banding level,as delegated by the Team Lead.

·       Deputise for the Team Leader as and when required.

·       To present a professional persona at all times, and demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills and competencies, which reflect positively on the organisation.

·       Maintain professional registration, and a commitment to own continuing professional development, and also to actively engage in own supervision and appraisal.

·       To contribute and deliver on Service Business Continuity Plans and to ensure emergency planning and winter planning requirements are met within the service.

General

·       The post holder may be required to work at any of the Trust’s sites in line with the service needs. All staff has a responsibility to participate in the Trust’s Performance Appraisal Scheme and to contribute to their own development and the development of any staff that they are responsible for appraising.