Job Title

Job SummaryThe post holder will independently carry out age appropriate behavioural and electrophysiological hearing testing and fit paediatric hearing aids to babies, children and young people (0-18 years) and work closely with the Head of Department to coordinate/develop the Paediatric Audiology Service.The post holder will have an active role in the multi-disciplinary approach employed by the department and liaise closely with primary care, hospital colleagues, education, and families. The post holder will have a designated project and responsibilities within the department and will take the lead role, alongside the Head of Service, in the implementation of change as the department works towards IQIPS accreditation.The post holder will assist the supervision of trainee Audiology BSc and MSc students, junior members of staff, and health visitors and have an active role in the training of School nurses, medical students, etc.Main duties of the jobTo assist in the provision of a diagnostic service for the Paediatric Audiology Department, performing a full range of diagnostic audiological assessments on neonates, children, and young people up to the age of 18 years old including children with learning disabilities, challenging behaviour, and additional disabilities or special needs.To provide aural habilitation for babies, children, and young people, which includes providing counselling to distressed parents/guardians about their children's hearing loss and associated problems and making decisions about the most appropriate course of treatment for the patient in their care, seeking guidance from senior members of staff/Consultant Paediatrician where applicable.About UsNorthampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.Our Excellence ValuesCompassion Accountability Respect Integrity CourageWe want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled, and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.Job DescriptionJob responsibilitiesKey dutiesTo ensure that all patients are assessed accurately, using the most appropriate combination of clinical tests, to assist in their further clinical and medical management. To provide routine and non-routine paediatric behavioural audiological assessments in conjunction with colleagues. To provide or assist in providing specialist assessment of severely learning disabled children and those with complex additional needs. To analyse and explain the results to the parents which may include breaking bad news regarding a child's permanent hearing status. To manage babies, children, and young people with hearing loss, being sensitive to the child/parents needs, advising and helping child/parent to make decisions regarding future management and if necessary, arranging for hearing aids to be fitted. To ensure excellent communication between all the professionals involved and the child/family. To ensure complete documentation, reporting and correspondence together with any further care plan are made clear to the referrer, family, Paediatrician, HV etc. To actively monitor in conjunction with the Head of Service and the NHSP Local Coordinator of Newborn Hearing Screen referrals and targeted follow-ups and produce a monthly report on outcomes of testing. To attend the weekly departmental clinical meeting and actively participate in the discussions around the cases presented. To attend monthly Paediatric Audiology meetings and actively contribute to the discussions. To take comprehensive clinical histories from families and evaluate this with clinical observations and outcome of testing to formulate an individual action plan for each case and initiate the appropriate onward referral and effectively correspond with primary care. To perform assessments, fitting (using real ear measurements) and evaluation of complex non-routine hearing aids and amplification devices. To record and document results on paper and electronically. To take aural impressions and modify ear moulds as required of babies, children, and young people. To instruct parents/carers/patients in hearing aid handling, expectations, and care. To provide information on alternative sources of help and support (social services, education, voluntary organisations, and hearing aid dispensers). To assess babies/children on their needs for non-standard hearing aids. To maintain excellent links with other agencies and seek ways to strengthen these links according to best practice. To cover community clinics and occasional home visits as the need arises. To actively promote the principles of a family-friendly service by ensuring that parents and carers are given clear and accurate information. To assist the head of service and Consultant Paediatrician with the local implementation of national priorities in relation to NHSP and Paediatric Audiology. To refer to/liaise with other health care professionals regarding individual patients, to ensure a holistic approach to the patient. To keep up to date with developments and ensure that appropriate changes are incorporated into patient care. To maintain a CPD portfolio. To supervise trainee Audiology BSc and MSc students, junior members of staff, health visitors, and administration staff.Person SpecificationQualifications Essential Educated to BSc level or equivalent level of education, training or experience. Registered or applying for RCCP/AHCS or HCPC registration.Experience Essential Qualified practitioner with NHS clinical experience as a band 5 or 6. Good knowledge of deafness in children and the impact it has on the child/family. Good knowledge and understanding of children's Safeguarding.Desirable Recent knowledge/involvement/training in the IQIPS accreditation process.Skills Essential Experience/Knowledge of testing children's hearing using age appropriate techniques. Ability to work calmly and methodically when under pressure from a busy and varied caseload. Have a specific interest and passion for working in a Paediatric service. Be able to relate to a wide range of babies/children and demonstrate sensitivity and show empathy.Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes Essential Demonstrates the ability to interrogate hearing assessment results and formulate the best management plan for that child based on testing, history, and presentation. Able to work well within a team and independently.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. #J-18808-Ljbffr