A new opportunity has become available at Hearing Services in Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for you to train as an apprentice to achieve a level 6 BSc Health Care Science Audiology degree.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and caring individual who wants to embark on a new career as an Audiologist. The post holder will be based either at Gloucester Royal/ Cheltenham General Hospital which are our two main sites. The post holder will have to demonstrate commitment to the apprenticeship training study requirements and complete training activities and assessments, in the given timescales, which is 4 years.Work and liaise with the Aston University and academic team(https://www.aston.ac.uk/study/courses/healthcare-science-audiology-degree-apprenticeship-bsc/september-2024).

You will need to fully engage in clinical and academic work to enable you to achieve the full range of competences, skills and behaviours within the job description, by the end of the degree programme.

Once you have completed the apprenticeship degree, you will be able to register and practice as an Audiologist within the NHS which is a very rewarding career. You will be working with hearing impaired people as part of an enthusiastic team that diagnoses hearing impairment and offers solutions for rehabilitation including hearing aids. We also provide a complete Paediatric service, balance assessment and a tinnitus counselling service.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be able to:

- To successfully complete apprenticeship level 6 within the proposed time frame of 4 years, including both academic and practical assessments.

- To work towards performing independently all aspects of routine hearing assessment.

- To work towards performing independently all aspects of advanced diagnostic audiological testing.

- To work towards undertaking Ward visiting and out-reach clinics.

- To work towards developing, and implementing Care Packages as part of the GP referral scheme for the provision of hearing aids (including Patients with Learning Disabilities).

- To use counselling skills in order to communicate sensitive and/or distressing information to the Patient, especially when there are barriers to acceptance of the diagnosis.

- To work towards performing independently all aspects of Adult hearing aid provision, including assessment, fitting, repairing, reviewing and counselling (analogue and digital).

- To work towards performing independently all aspects of Paediatric hearing assessment.

- To participate in Audit programmes and assist in the ongoing development of new techniques and technology within the Department.

- To give talks and/or demonstrations to other members of Health Service Staff/Social Services.

- Upon successful completion of apprenticeship, to register with AHCS professional body.

About us

The Hearing Services team consist of the following:

- 1 Head of Service

- 2 Operational Leads (Paediatrics, Adult)

- 3 Professional Leads (Clinical, Delivery & CGH Team leader)

- 14 Advanced Audiologists

- 1 Advanced Hearing Therapist

- 4 Audiologists

- 3 Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO)

- 4 Audiology Apprentices

- 5 Admin & Clerical

The Department is based over 2 main sites: Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital. However, because the County is deemed as being semi-rural, we have strived to expand our services to deliver to as many local communities as possible we are currently able to offer selected Audiology and Hearing Aid Services in 6 localities, and battery provision in 43 sites across the County in collaboration with local health providers and charities

Job description

Job responsibilities

Department Key Performance Indicators

1. Year 1

a. To perform routine audiology technical procedures (e.g, otoscopy, retubing, ear mould modifications, impression etc) in adult repair appointments

b. To troubleshoot hearing aid faults during clinical appointments and postal repairs

c. To perform unmasked audiometry according to BSA and local guidelines

d. To develop counselling and decision-making techniques

e. To use the Auditbase patient management system in line with departmental processes

f. To observe and participate in adult direct referral, reassessment, hearing aid fitting, repair appointments

g. To instruct adult patients on how to use hearing aids

h. To perform adult face to face and telephone reviews

i. To perform adult basic repair appointment/clinics under indirect supervision

j. To assist in stock ordering and replenishment

k. To maintain and update your clinical practice logbook

l. To maintain fitness to practice and professional standards in the work place

m. To build a portfolio of evidence which meets the standards of proficiency to register and work as a health care practitioner

2. Year 2

a. To perform complex adult audiology technical procedures (e.g, rear ear measurements, hearing aid reprogramming, audiometry masking etc) in hearing aid fitting and direct referral appointments

b. To perform routine adult hearing aid fitting and reprogramming appointments under indirect supervision

c. To perform as a second tester for paediatric two tester clinics

d. As above, ensure logbook, professional/fitness to practice standards and portfolio of evidence is maintained

3. Year 3

a. To perform a broader range of complex adult audiology technical procedures (e.g, tympanometry, acoustic reflex thresholds, uncomfortable loudness levels etc) in direct referral and reassessment appointments

b. To perform adult routine direct referral and reassessment appointments under indirect supervision

c. As above, ensure logbook, professional/fitness to practice standards and portfolio of evidence is maintained

4. Year 4

a. To observe and assist in performing a range of specialist adult/paediatric audiology technical procedures (e.g, otoacoustic emissions, speech testing, auditory brainstem response, videonystagmography etc)

b. To work as an independent practitioner in all adult routine appointments under indirect supervision

c. To observe and assist in Paediatric, Balance, Advance Rehab clinics

d. As above, ensure logbook, professional/fitness to practice standards and portfolio of evidence is completed

Please see attached job description and person specification for full details.

The proposed interview dates for this vacancy are: 15th/16th July

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• At least Grade 4 or C GCSE English and Maths
• 3 A Levels are required and must include one science subject from Biology, Chemistry or Physics (Biology preferred). Or Equivalent

Desirable

• A typical minimum offer would be ABB at A Level

Experience

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in customer service
• Previous experience of working in health care or audiology setting

Knowledge/ Skills

Essential

• Able to prioritise own workload as appropriate
• Excellent presentational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative and prioritise workload
• Good hand-eye coordination skills

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Gloucester

GL1 3NN

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

318-24-SUR-R12497