About this role
Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated Audiologist to join our innovative countywide Audiology team. We are currently working towards IQIPS accreditation, with a strong focus on developing high-quality, patient-centred services and embedding quality improvement methodologies across the department.
A significant proportion of this role will be dedicated to supporting the service in achieving IQIPS accreditation. This will form a core part of the post-holders day-to-day responsibilities, working closely with the Countywide Audiology Manager to lead, coordinate, and drive this objective across the service.
We are seeking an Audiologist with demonstrable leadership experience and a good understanding of IQIPS standards and quality improvement processes. This is an excellent opportunity for someone motivated to further develop their leadership skills while contributing to meaningful service development and improvement initiatives.
This post is primarily based at The Alexandra Hospital Redditch however, regular travel across the county will be required depending on clinical need. This is a full-time position, working 45 days per week.
Applicants must meet the requirements for AHCS registration and hold a BSc (Hons) in Audiology or an equivalent qualification, with a minimum of three years experience working within NHS audiology in a senior position. Experience in leadership roles and involvement in service development or accreditation processes is essential.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will deliver a comprehensive audiology service across Worcestershire, including:
Direct referral assessments from General PractitionersENT clinics, supporting multidisciplinary pathwaysHearing aid fittings, maintenance and repairs, including RECD/REAR verificationHearing aid review and follow-up appointmentsReassessment of hearing and reprogramming or upgrading hearing aids as appropriatePractising within a specialist area of audiology (e.g. tinnitus, vestibular, or paediatrics), contributing to service expertise and developmentIn addition, the post-holder will undertake key leadership and operational responsibilities, including:
Leading and coordinating the departments work towards IQIPS accreditation, embedding quality standards and continuous improvement into day-to-day practiceDeputising for the Countywide Audiology Manager as requiredWorking collaboratively with Band 7 colleagues to support the day-to-day operational management of designated sitesProviding line management to colleagues, including completion of PDRs and supporting staff developmentContributing to service development, audit, and quality improvement initiatives
About us
Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We are looking for exceptional colleagues who can help us achieve this.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.
The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester
Our workforce is nearly 6,800 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.
We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our Vision - working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move 4ward. Our 4ward behaviours, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.
Our objectives are simple:
Best services for local peopleBest experience of care and best outcomes for our patientsBest use of resourcesBest peopleBetter never stops, and our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for our Trust, our hospitals, our services and our role in the wider health and care system.
We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer.
Job description Job responsibilities
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Audiologist to play a key role within a forward-thinking, countywide Audiology service. The post-holder will provide a high-quality, patient-centred clinical service across a range of settings, supporting the delivery of comprehensive audiological care.
Alongside clinical responsibilities, the role has a strong leadership and service development focus. A significant proportion of time will be dedicated to leading and supporting the departments progression towards IQIPS accreditation, embedding quality improvement and governance into everyday practice.
The post-holder will work closely with the Countywide Audiology Manager and Band 7 colleagues to support the day-to-day operational management of designated sites, deputising as required and ensuring safe, effective service delivery across the county. The role also includes line management responsibilities, supporting staff development and performance through supervision and PDR processes.
This position is well suited to an Audiologist with leadership experience, a strong understanding of IQIPS standards, and a passion for service improvement and delivering high-quality care.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Experience in managing and developing other healthcare professionals. Experience in establishing or helping to develop a service through quality improvement. Experience working with UKAS and IQIPS Experience in managing staff using performance management and appraisal, disciplinary and sickness absence policies/procedures.
Personal Qualities Essential
Assertive. Highly motivated. Work under pressure. Have initiative. Diplomatic. Supportive. Smart appearance. Pleasant personality.
Other Job Requirements Essential
Access to car, daily. Current driving licence. Flexibility to work and place of work in general. Being prepared to work at outreach clinics. Due to the nature of our work, all posts are deemed to require Enhanced Disclosure Clearance. Cleared by Occupational Health. Eligible to work in the UK
Experience Essential
Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of the assessment and (re)habilitation in highly specialised clinical service areas. Such as Vestibular diagnostics, Tinnitus, Hearing therapy, complex adult rehabilitation, Significant experience of working at a senior level demonstrating clinical competency within relevant clinical area. Extensive experience in formulating comprehensive management plans based on case history information and diagnostic test results, where management decisions may not be straightforward. Extensive experience of working with hearing impaired patients / parents / carers and associated professionals. Evidence of being a positive role model with the ability to demonstrate a credible, professional approach and manner at all times. Extensive post-graduate experience & CPD. IQIPS management and maintenance.
Desirable
Experience with Oticon hearing aids. Experience presenting at meetings/training events.
Qualifications Essential
Level 7 MSc in Audiology or equivalent level of knowledge/expertise in the field. BSc Healthcare science in Audiology or equivalent Should be able to register with RCCP / AHCS Registered AHCS Audiologist or HCPC Clinical Scientist (Audiology).
Desirable
Instructor Status Post graduate training and research related to specialist area British Sign language (Level 1 or above) Recognized leadership qualification.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Address The Alexandra Hospital
Woodrow Drive
Redditch
Worcestershire
B98 7UB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)