Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO), Band 3

Job overview

This an exciting opportunity to join an energetic, progressive team, the role provides essential clinical and administrative support to the audiology service. Clinical duties include but are not limited to basic hearing‑aid repairs and maintenance, otoscopy, telephone reviews for hearing‑aid users, patient advice on device care, and assisting with the clinical assessment of pre‑school and school‑age children. Administrative responsibilities include coordinating equipment repairs with Medical Engineering, suppliers and IT; preparing clinic equipment and lists; managing earmould processing and patient notifications; overseeing stock control and ordering; managing the Hearing Services ATO mailbox; processing invoices; and supporting the smooth running of the Audiology PMS, TrakCare and patient booking systems.

The post‑holder will also contribute to departmental audit, quality‑improvement work and research activity, and is expected to work autonomously within defined protocols while maintaining a strong commitment to patient‑centred care.

Additional contract details: With a view to extend based on demand and service review

Main duties of the job

The post‑holder will contribute to the delivery of high‑quality Audiology services by providing frontline clinical support; including basic hearing‑aid repairs, otoscopy, telephone reviews, patient advice and assistance with paediatric assessments while ensuring accurate documentation and appropriate signposting. They will help maintain smooth operational running of the service through clinic preparation, earmould processing, stock management, ordering, mailbox oversight, invoice processing and supporting the upkeep of key clinical systems. The role includes supervising ATOs and staff undertaking related tasks, participating in audit, quality‑improvement and research activity, and engaging in ongoing training and professional development. Effective communication and collaborative working are essential, with regular interaction across Audiology, ENT, internal hospital services, external suppliers, GP practices and community organisations to support safe, efficient and patient‑centred care.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Provision of Clinical Services/Clinical Responsibilities

The post‑holder will support the delivery of frontline Audiology care by undertaking basic hearing‑aid repairs and maintenance, performing otoscopy to identify wax or potential infection, and providing telephone reviews for hearing‑aid users with onward referral to Audiologists or Hearing Therapists when required. They will offer patient advice on the safe use and care of hearing aids, ensure accurate documentation in the departmental database (Audi-Base), and signpost service users to appropriate internal or external resources. The role also includes assisting with the assessment of pre‑school and school‑age children and will work as part of the wider clinical audiology team.

Professional Development, Education and Training

The post‑holder will receive ongoing training, supervision and clinical support to develop and maintain the competencies required for the role. Continued professional development will be encouraged, with opportunities to build skills, enhance confidence and progress within the Audiology service.

Management and Leadership

The post‑holder will support the effective running of Hearing Services through a range of operational duties, including preparing daily clinic lists, equipment and appliances for internal and peripheral clinics, coordinating the processing and return of earmoulds, and managing stock levels in liaison with the Head of Service. They will be responsible for ordering supplies using approved systems, managing the Hearing Services ATO mailbox, processing invoices, and assisting with the maintenance of the Audiology (Auditbase) patient management system and Trust (TrakCare) systems to ensure smooth clinic operations. The role also includes supervising Assistant Technical Officers (ATOs) and other staff undertaking ATO‑related tasks, contributing to the efficient and safe delivery of the service.

Research and Development

The post‑holder will also contribute to departmental audit, quality‑improvement work and research activity. They will work in partnership with both the clinical and administrative teams on specific tasks.

Communications and Working Relationships

The post‑holder will work closely with colleagues across the Audiology department and maintain effective communication with ENT clinicians, nurses, receptionists and medical secretaries. The role requires regular liaison with a wide range of internal services including Procurement, Gloucestershire Managed Services, Finance, Porters, Ward Staff, Medical Engineering, Estates and IT, as well as engagement with parents, infants and children during clinical activity. Externally, the post‑holder will interact with earmould manufacturers, equipment providers, county battery services, environmental equipment suppliers, GP practices, surgery staff, and the Gloucestershire Deaf Association, as well as other Audiology departments. Strong, professional communication is essential to ensure smooth operational delivery and high‑quality patient care.