Principal Audiologist in Exeter

Provide highly specialist assessment, diagnosis, treatment and advice to patients and their carers. The specialist area is adult audiological assessment and management, many having complex disabilities and/or presentations. This includes activities which are complex and non-routine. The Audiologist performs work involving specific areas of responsibility. They work autonomously without direct supervision and at times lone working at a variety of community locations. They are able to provide supervision, training and support to staff in junior positions. They are expected to ensure that clinical and professional standards are maintained at all times and be expected to provide evidence of CPD. They are expected to work with managers to develop the service in line with patient need and trust wide developments and to help provide an equitable service across the trust.

As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

The post holder will be based at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital in an outpatient clinical setting. They will be expected to independently travel to community locations on a weekly basis. The post holder will fulfil all tasks and work as part of a team. To meet the needs of the service the post holder may be required to work in other locations as appropriate and directed. They are expected to have a BSc. Audiology or equivalent qualification. They are expected to be registered with the RCCP professional body. The post holder is expected to perform duties and responsibilities to a high standard as follows:

• Performs routine and non-routine, complex hearing and balance assessments in adults.
• Selects and applies appropriate routine and advanced technical diagnostic test procedures using complex IT based equipment for adults without supervision including Audiometry, Tympanometry, Speech Audiometry, vHIT, VNG and Caloric and cVEMP.
• To perform electrophysiology testing included Auditory Brainstem Responses and Auditory Steady State responses in adults with complex needs.
• Understands and adheres to up-to-date BSA recommended procedures and departmental policies.
• Verifies hearing aids using Real Ear Measurements.
• Performs daily calibration of all equipment required for assessment.
• Makes accurate decisions and onward referrals to MRI.
• Writes accurate reports and develops individual management plans for every patient.
• Able to give presentations to multi-disciplinary teams.
• Make a diagnosis, complete reports and directly refer adults with complex hearing losses such as asymmetrical hearing loss or unilateral tinnitus for an MRI scan.
• Design a specialist care package for the adult patient and implement this to facilitate rehabilitation, monitor outcomes and provide repeated diagnostic assessment at key stages.
• Accurately inform the referring health professional/Doctor of the diagnosis and the future care package of the patient.
• Assist in advanced technical diagnostic procedures using individual skill and experience to determine and design tests around the developmental ability of adults with severe learning difficulties.
• Accurately records and communicates the results to the patient and other healthcare professionals.
• Design a care package with the family/carers that develops with them and supports them through their lives.
• Gain support of the other professional groups in establishing care plans and monitor the suitability of the plan at key stages.
• Make further referrals to other professionals as appropriate.
• Prescription fitting evaluation and exchange of non-standard hearing aids for both adults and children, using invasive procedures such as real ear insitu measurements.
• Assist in the day to day running of the department and this will include specific clinical or departmental responsibility in leading the vestibular and adult services.
• Support the senior management team with day to day management of the department.
• Assess and manage direct referral hearing aid patients.
• Assists regularly in the supervision and support of junior Audiology staff and trainees by providing instruction in audiological techniques to trainees and other professionals.
• Assists regularly in the departments on-going research and development activity.
• Implements and plans service developments for the Vestibular, Learning Disability and Dementia patient pathways.
• Conducts audit and monitors as well as actions waiting lists for adults accessing the service.
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of developments within Audiology and the work environment and ensures continual professional development.
• Performs other duties as requested by the Head of Department or associate head.

Working Pattern: 8am-6pm 4 days per week.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.

Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.