Senior Advanced Audiologist (Training Lead)

The post holder will participate in the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative Audiology service, working at an advanced senior level. The post holder will serve as the Training Lead for BedsFT Audiology services, responsible for coordinating, developing and overseeing all training and competency development. The post holder will act as supervisor and lead clinical educator for Audiology trainees.

Job description

Training Lead Responsibilities Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of the internal Audiology training programme. Develop and maintain structured training frameworks including induction, competency pathways and advanced practice development. Oversee training and supervision of students, apprentices, assistant audiologists and newly recruited staff. Ensure training activities meet regulatory, professional and Trust standards, including documentation and competency signoff. Coordinate clinical placements with higher education institutions. Identify departmental training needs and support service development through up skilling initiatives. Maintain accurate training records and contribute to workforce reporting. Act as the key point of contact for all training-related matters within the service.Clinical Responsibilities Participate in the adult hearing aid and aural rehabilitation service, including direct GP referrals. Manage routine and complex clinical cases with comprehensive assessment and history taking. Develop individualised rehabilitation plans and make referrals where appropriate. Select, programme and verify hearing aids using REM and evaluate fittings using outcome measures. Assess the need for additional rehabilitative technologies. Apply advanced counselling skills to patients with complex needs. Support paediatric follow ups, hearing aid maintenance and paediatric-to-adult transition. Participate in learning disability services, domiciliary visits and ward work as required.Diagnostic Responsibilities

Perform specialist and advanced diagnostic procedures. Participate in the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic service including ENT Direct Referral and Direct Access. Analyse, interpret and report on a wide range of routine and complex diagnostic tests. Undertake wax removal where clinically required. Communication Use advanced communication skills to support patients with barriers to understanding or complex emotional needs. Communicate results sensitively and provide clear rehabilitation guidance. Liaise effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external organisations. Contribute to reporting and departmental data collation as required. Quality & Governance Contribute to policy review and service improvement initiatives. Maintain departmental records including PMS entries, stock control and calibration records. Participate in research, audit and service evaluation. Produce high quality written reports. Uphold high standards of hygiene, infection control, time management and organisation.Professional Development Participate in professional, clinical and statutory training. Undertake training for ENT and other related disciplines where appropriate. Maintain CPD records in line with regulatory requirements. Remain proactive in adopting new audiology practices and technologies.Values & Behaviours Demonstrate emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience. Maintain professionalism in challenging situations. Be patient centred and compassionate. Work collaboratively as a supportive and adaptable team member. Contribute proactively to departmental operations and development.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• MSc Audiology or
• STP (Audiology) or

BSc/PTP + Paediatric-relevant HTS modules

Desirable

• Registration with HCPC as a Clinical Scientist (or equivalent experience with willingness to undertake further training)
• BAA membership

Experience

Essential

• Experience in training and clinical supervision of staff and students, including training at specialist level.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Excellent clinical skills, including undertaking, interpreting, reporting on, advising on, and formulating care plans (where several options may exist) based on specialist tests and knowledge
• Ability to prioritise workload and adapt to interruptions
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively with the hearing impaired, their families and care-givers
• Ability to manage barriers to understanding
• Ability to assimilate and convey highly complex and sensitive information using communication skills appropriate for communication situation (patients, families, colleagues, teaching situations, etc.)
• Ability to impart difficult news about emotive topics, including counselling upset and distressed patients and families Requires developed motivational, empathetic, re-assurance and counselling skills

Desirable

• Audiology-related counselling course/training
• Breaking Bad News training course

Knowledge

Essential

• Frequent exposure to uncontained body fluids
• Computer skills, including management of PMS, report writing, programming hearing aids, use of excel and statistical packages, preparation of training materials.
• Physical skills: highly developed physical skills requiring a high degree of precision (to undertake probe mic placements and aural impression taking in neonates, babies and children.) Ability to work in restricted positions.
• Clear knowledge of confidentiality issues and obligations
• Good time management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use own initiative
• Motivated and flexible
• Medical fitness

Personal Skills

Essential

• Reliable, Adaptable and Dependable
• Open/Reflective/Warm

Enthusiastic and self-aware

Creative and Flexible

Team focussed

About the employer

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.

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.