About this role
Job summary
This is an excellent opportunity for a team-focused individual with good keyboard skills to play a key role in the delivery of our audiology support service. This is a very busy patient facing role and is suited to someone who can relate to patients of all ages. Full training will be offered for this role, ensuring that you have all the support you need to succeed. Based at University Hospital of North Durham you will also be required to travel across our sites in County Durham to carry out repair clinics in a variety of different locations so a willingness and ability to travel is a must. You will have the chance to be a part of a professional and dedicated team who are committed to excellent service. So, if you're interested in delivering a rewarding service alongside a fantastic team, apply today.
Main duties of the job
As an Audiology Assistant, you will provide a range of clinical support for NHS hearing aid users.
Following your training, you will deliver on the spot care and routine checks for hearing aid users.
You will offer advice on the use and maintenance of the devices and, when necessary, refer patients to other services. Performing a variety of repairs, you'll programme replacement hearing aids, adjust and fit ear moulds and offer replacement batteries. You'll be responsible for maintaining the postal battery and repair aspect of the service and ensuring ear mould stock and hearing aid stock is accurately recorded, stored and delivered. This is a very busy and rewarding role and is suited to someone with good organisational skills and someone who is used to working under pressure.
This is a 24 hr post. The post is 8 hours per day which must be worked over a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. You will work at a variety of hospital sites across County Durham and Darlington each week. You must be willing to travel across all of our sites to perform clinics and transport consumables to our sites.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
Job description Job responsibilities
To provide clinical support running hearing aid repair clinics for NHS hearing aid users
Running the regular repair clinics from University Hospital of North Durham, Chester le Street Hospital, Shotley Bridge Hospital, Darlington Memorial Hospital and Bishop Auckland Hospital.
To support the daily postal battery and repair service to NHS hearing aid users
To assist with the management of stock levels in the department and the return of reconditioned and guarantee hearing aids
Working effectively with the other members of the team to ensure a smooth and consistent service
To increase your skill in repairing and maintaining NHS hearing aids, utilising resources effectively
Helping hearing aid users to get the best out of their hearing aids and supporting them to make the most of the services and technology available to them
Modify existing ear moulds or venting
Test hearing aid function subjectively and objectively using electroacoustic test box
Repair or replace faulty hearing aids
Retubing and other ear mould repairs, including drilling and grinding to increase comfort or performance
Otoscopic examination to check ears for wax, infection or contraindication for taking an impression
Ward or home visits as required
Communication with patients:
Quickly understand patients clinical complaints or other queries; ensure patient has understood the treatment or other plan; deal sensitively with patients who may be distressed or have significant other health problems; communication to include face-to-face conversation and telephone conversation, patient groups include hearing impaired children and adults; adults with learning difficulties; adults with dementia; carers/significant others.
Ensure that clinical rooms are prepared, according to locally agreed practice
Assisting in ensuring that digital hearing aid stock is logged on to the Audiology Patient Management System, and that repair stock is logged in and out.
Assisting in ensuring that individual patient ear moulds are ready for fitting appointments, or posted to individuals, as required.
Assisting in ensuring that patient information leaflets remain stocked throughout the department.
Adherence to protocols/guidelines
Any other duties consistent with the grade as required by the needs of the department
Demonstrate effective communication
Observe and maintain confidentiality at all times.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience of working with the public
Desirable
Previous experience of working within a health care/hospital environment
Special Requirements Essential
Clear Speech Full driving licence and access to own vehicle and ability to travel to different community venues / patient homes with equipment and consumables
Special Skills & Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of hearing impairment and the needs of patients with hearing loss Good verbal and written command of English Excellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills Ability to work under some pressure Ability to maintain a professional & courteous manner in demanding situations Basic IT Skills to facilitate accurate use of patient management system, electronic patient records, audiology related software, departmental networked policies, forms & documents Clear understanding of patient confidentiality Ability to develop new skills Must be able to work as an integral member of a team Flexible, motivated and committed approach to work Professional, pleasant and caring attitude to patients and colleagues
Desirable
Basic IT qualifications
Qualifications Essential
GCSE equivalent in Maths & English Language. Good basic level of education
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This 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.
Employer details Employer name County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address University Hospital of North Durham
North Road
Durham
County Durham
DH1 5TW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)