Team Leader – Paediatric Audiology

Please note this role includes participation in a 7-day a week working rota to support the service. Core hours of service are 9am - 5pm. Flexible working patterns can be discussed at interview.

We are looking for an experienced paediatric audiologist to join our dynamic team. The post-holder will provide paediatric assessments (in Tier 2 clinics), participate in paediatric hearing aid fitting and review appointments (in Tier 3 clinics)and electrophysiology testing as part of the newborn hearing screening programme.

The post holder should have experience at senior level in providing the audiological assessment and/or habilitation of children and young people aged 0-18 years.

The post holder will also be responsible for staff training and management.The post holder will work within a multi-disciplinary team and work closely with the Clinical Lead for Paediatric Audiology Services in the development of the service.They will work alongside other team leaders managing the Adult hearing services, the Vestibular service, the Tinnitus and Hyperacousis service, the Paediatric service and Private hearing aid service.

Clinical work is undertaken primarily at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford, but the post holder will also be required to undertake clinical work at outreach clinics and home visits.

Job description

To undertake specialist paediatric clinical work, including electrophysiology testing as part of the newborn hearing screening programme, full paediatric behavioural assessment (0-18 years) including children with complex needs, and paediatric hearing aid habilitation. Clinical work is undertaken primarily at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford, but the post holder will also be required to undertake clinical work at outreach clinics and home visits.

To break the news of a new diagnosis to families and to work in partnership with the family as well as other professionals to form a Team around the Child Approach.

To be professionally responsible for test results and the writing of test reports by all junior staff particularly in the absence of Paediatric Service Lead.

To attend multidisciplinary meetings representing the paediatric audiology service and specific children under our care.

To be responsible for liaising and communicating with the Sensory Support Teachers.

To be responsible for stock control and stock ordering.

To provide specialist advice to patients, parents, professionals and professional services on all matters pertaining to paediatric audiology and clinical services.

To provide supervision, training and advice to all junior staff and students within the department. The post holder will take responsibility with the agreement of the Head of Department, for individual personal development of junior staff.

To work closely with the Paediatric Service Lead and Paediatric Administrator to develop the paediatric service, and use this as the mechanism through which it can monitor its performance, assure its quality and strive for improvement.

To assist the Deputy Heads and Head of Department in the management of the day to day activities and continuous improvement in service delivery, to support demonstrably high professional standards are maintained and national waiting time targets are met.

To have an in-depth understanding of all operational management systems for the provision of the clinical service including the use of their applications, eg eRS, Hospital PAS system, Audiology PAS system, SPINE, Procurement system, Leave record system and others.

To undertake some routine and specialist clinical work in adult audiology services.

To be responsible for the clinical decisions as to the viability of which diagnostic tests to undertake.

In compliance with Department policies be responsible for the referring of patients to other professionals where appropriate.

To respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

To be responsible for the calibration and maintenance provision of the equipment.

To participate in research and clinical audits to develop and improve the Audiology Service by implementing evidence based methods and practise.

To keep abreast with the latest developments in Audiology to inform and ensure their continued personal development and that of the department.

To monitor clinical effectiveness and maintain a programme of development.

To comply at all times with the Royal Surrey County Hospital Health and Safety Policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures and reporting incidents using the Trusts Risk Incident Reporting System.

To cooperate with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment. Co-workers, patients and visitors must be treated equally irrespective of gender ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

To undertake any such duties as deemed appropriate by the Head of Department.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• MSc in Audiology or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area
• Be a member of an appropriate professional body (AHCS - Healthcare Scientist or HCPC - Clinical Scientist
• A certificate of Audiological Competence or equivalent HTS Modules
• Be a member of the British Academy of Audiology or other professional organisation
• Management Skills and leadership skills: Must be able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others
• Ability to make decisions autonomously, when required on difficult issues, working to tight and often changing timescales
• Demonstrates modernised thinking, and experience with service redesign in association with a wide range of health care partners.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Have advanced current practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of clinical diagnostic and rehabilitative paediatric audiology, scientific updates and Audiology support services
• CPD - Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development
• Have experience in specialised areas e.g. Vestibular testing, physiological measurements or central auditory testing
• Have experience of working both as an independent practitioner and supervisor for as wide range of Audiological assessment and rehabilitative techniques and outcomes.

Desirable

• Possess a thorough and current knowledge of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy/national guidance/CQC/ and generic operational working of the organisation
• Have management experience at a senior level in Audiology with knowledge of HR issues relating to the management of staff
• Have experience in service development
• Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals
• Experience in communicating on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change.

About the employer

Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5,000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing programme alongside a strong commitment to developing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family ensures you feel valued from your initial interview and throughout your time with us.

We are clinically led and provide joined-up care by bridging hospital and community services, alongside delivering regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford, with community sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh, and services delivered in patients' homes across Guildford and Waverley.

We work in partnership with Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through a collaborative Group Model, supporting joined-up services, workforce flexibility and development opportunities.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated us as Outstanding. We are proud of our achievements and continue to invest in our people and infrastructure.

To learn more about life at Royal Surrey, please watch our short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo

Adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.