Trainee Audiology Associate Practitioner (Fast Track)

Job overview

THIS POST IS FIXED TERM/SECONDMENT FOR  2 YEARS DUE TO BEING A TRAINING POST  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE SECONDMENT POSITION, YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM YOUR CURRENT LINE MANAGER PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR THIS POST

If you are an internal applicant this post will only be offered on a secondment basis and you will need to have gained your line managers approval for the secondment prior to applying. Clinical Audiology is a scientific discipline concerned with identifying, assessing and managing hearing and balance function and their associated disorders. Clinical staff in Audiology work in patient-facing roles, engaging with patients of all ages as part of a team.

The primary categories of sub-specialist activity include paediatrics, diagnostics, and rehabilitation (including surgically implantable devices). Audiology is an attractive specialism for those looking to combine use of scientific, technological and communication skills. There is a focus on innovation, development and research to improve patient outcomes. This training post is ideal for candidates with a Science Degree or Foundation Degree or equivalent, seeking a new career in a patient facing discipline.  Individuals who successfully complete the Audiology Higher Certificate qualification as part of this training programme are eligible to apply for Associate Audiologist roles within  NHS Wales Audiology services and for further career progression via a part time PTP course.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will complete an 18 month Audiology course in Swansea University and associated in-post training programme that will build upon their existing scientific knowledge and skills.  The course will provide experience in assessment and interventions with routine/non-complex hearing pathologies/disabilities for patients of all ages, but with a particular focus on developing skills in hearing testing, fitting of hearing aids and other elements of adult rehabilitation. The post holder will work closely with the training co-ordinator/officer and more senior members of staff, supervisors and mentors to follow the curriculum for the Audiology Training Programme.  The main base will be either Singleton or Neath Port Talbot Hospital but employees are also required to work in other areas within the health board. Applicants should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with meticulous attention to detail. Minimum qualifications of a Scientific degree or equivalent scientific or academic capability. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The role will involve performing hearing assessments and assist with developing the individual care/management plans of patients with hearing loss.   The overall clinical objective will be to intervene to meet the social and communication needs of patients.  Routine wax removal skills may also be obtained over the course of the post in order to ensure that the skills necessary for a role in Primary Care Audiology in the future are gained.  The post holder will be expected to routinely demonstrate clinical judgement on a range of presenting clinical facts or scenarios, requiring analysis and comparison/selection of management options.  Aside from formal training provision, clinical supervision and mentoring will be accessible during the normal schedule of the working day. The post holder will also be required to use scientific/analytical skills within a role supporting audit and development activity within the service. Candidates must be able to take up the post at the beginning of September 2024 in order to meet the deadline to enrol on the Higher Certificate course at Swansea University.

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome