Newborn Hearing Screener

Job overview

To support the delivery of Newborn Health Screening in Luton & Bedfordshire. The post holder will work under the direction and supervision of the Senior Newborn Hearing Screener and the Local NHSP Manager. In Maternity, NNU, Outpatient clinics and Children Centres – possibly home visits. The work base will be in Luton and Dunstable Hospital's maternity Wing on Daisy Ward.

To offer screening to all babies to refer those with no clear response to the appropriate Audiological service, ensuring early intervention to support child development.

Post includes training as required, Mandatory Training, External Clinical Assessment, Annual E – Learning and a NVQ level 3 Diploma to be achieved within 2 years of recruitment.

To provide a full service and screen babies prior to discharge it will be necessary for the post holder to work weekends on a rotational basis approximately 1: 3 weekends. Annual leave is pro rata; service cover is a team priority. The team do not work Bank Holidays.

"(Should we receive a high number of applications we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after 20/10/2026)"

Main duties of the job

To ensure the daily calibration, safety, and security of equipment, reporting any problems to the Senior Screener and or NHSP Manager.

To identify which babies, require screening by using the Smart 4 Hearing Database and the Maternity database and by liaising with the ward staff. Basic IT Skills are required.

To organise and prioritise workload with colleagues to cover postnatal wards, Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) Community Clinics and home visits, ensuring as many babies as possible have completed screening prior to discharge from hospital.

Able to report and handover any concerns of mother / baby’s wellbeing. Data in put, e - referrals.

To organise and prepare for community clinics in order that babies are screened as early as possible.

To travel to other venues, set up and undertake NHSP screening in outpatient clinics and home visits on occasion.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/newborn-hearing-screening-programme-overview

To identify which babies, require screening by using the Smart 4 Hearing Database and the Maternity database and by liaising with the ward staff.

Able to report and handover any concerns of mother / baby’s wellbeing.

• Monitor and record babies results in red books, Smart 4 Hearing and paediatric record.

Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in accordance with service and organisational policies.

Complete appointment ledgers, referral forms, and distribute guidance and information to parents supporting informed choice.

Use of Translation options.

Use of case notes on Smart 4 Hearing to enable a transparent and quality assured data record.

Build positive relationships with families and carers.

Awareness of safeguarding issues and support of vulnerable families.

Encourage family involvement offering a ‘Family Friendly Service’

Gentle handling of all babies.

The post holder will be exposed to babies who vomit, regurgitate mucus and have vernix / body secretions.

'Please see JD and PS for detailed responsibilities'

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.