Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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 for the age of the child.

·        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.

·        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. GPs, ENT, Paediatricians, CI Team etc.

·        To be responsible for the management of minimising risk of any infection both in terms of clinical and non-clinical risks. To ensure appropriate risk assessments have been conducted where appropriate.

·        In conjunction with the Clinical Service Manager to provide professional leadership and management and in particular the privacy, respect, comfort and security of patients.

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

·        To capture and monitor patient feedback and disseminate the information to the wider team.   Draw up action plans and implement any changes as agreed.

·        To develop and maintain 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 lead and or 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.

·        Lead the team in achieving IQIPS accreditation

·        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.

·        The post holder will work across Ealing

Managerial Responsibilities

·        To manage staff by conducting 1-1 meetings, annual appraisals, return to work, sickness review meetings etc.

·        To ensure 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 Clinical Service Manager as and when required.

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

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

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

·        Manage 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 Clinical Services Manager to practice and promote cost effective and efficient service delivery.

·        Leading on and participation in income generation activities: promotion and delivery.

·        To support the Clinical Services Manager to negotiate cost effective contracts with hearing aid, earmould and other relevant providers.

Training/Education Responsibilities

·        Develop and review departmental protocols and procedures

·        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 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 Clinical Service Manager.

·        Deputise for the Clinical Service Manager 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.