Senior Grade Audiologist Job Description
This is an interim Job Description. It will be reviewed in line with the unified career structure.
Job Title and Grade / Audiologist SeniorGrade Code 384Y
Campaign Reference / NRS1093
Closing Date / 12 noon Thursday, 20th March 2014
Proposed Interview Date (s) / Week commencing 21st April 2014
Taking up Appointment / The start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Organisational Area / HSE Audiology Services
Location of Post / A national recruitment panel will be formed for all HSE areas to fill current and future vacancies.
There are currently a number of vacancies:
Dublin Mid Leinster
There are 4 (whole time equivalent) vacancies available in HSE DML
- 3 in Audiology, Sheaf House, Tallaght, Dublin 24
- 1 in Audiology, Tullamore
Dublin North East
There are 2 (whole time equivalent) vacancies available in HSE DNE
- Audiology Department, 44 North Great Georges St, Dublin 1
HSE South
There is 1 (whole time equivalent) vacancies available in HSE South
Informal Enquiries to:. Aisling Lenihan, Cork/Kerry Community Audiology Manager, Tel: 00353 (0)86 7871559, Email:
Details of Service / Audiology services in Ireland are being reconfigured and developed following the HSE National Audiology Review Group Report (NARG) 2011. A copy of the report can be accessed at:
The integrated audiology service will be lead by the National Clinical Lead in Audiology and managed through four Assistant National Clinical Leads for Audiology (ANCLA), each heading up an audiology service across a population of approximately 1.1m.
Within each area, audiology provision across acute and community services will be delivered locally by teams of audiologists. The integrated audiology services will serve a client group ranging from newborns to adult.
The service will progress the recommendations of the NARG and the Audiology Clinical Care Programme (ACCP) in the areas of clinical services (e.g. Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) Programme); patient care (e.g. the introduction of new care pathways); infrastructure and support (e.g. the national procurement of an audiology patient management system); and workforce, structure and governance.
Reporting Relationship / Reports to the Relevant Clinical Manager, Clinical Specialist Audiologist (CSA) or the ANCLA or Local Operational Manager, as appropriate to the audiology service team structure/size.
Clinically accountable to the CSA or the ANCLA.
Key relationships / Audiology team, Trainee Audiologists, ENT Staff, GPs, Children and Family Services, Deaf Hear, Public Health Nursing, speech and Language Therapists, Paediatricians, other health care professionals.
Purpose of the Post / To provide a quality audiological service, with clinical responsibility for performing and interpreting, a comprehensive range of audiological diagnostic and rehabilitative procedures with a high degree of autonomy for adults and children.
The Senior Audiologist, as part of an integrated team, undertakes complex scientific and clinical roles; analyses, interprets and compares investigative and clinical options and makes clinical judgments, involving facts or situations which impact on patients.
Provide clinical support and leadership in the day-to-day running of the service by supporting and supervising staff, prioritising and allocating work and promoting positive staff morale.
Work with relevant stakeholders, especially the Assistant National Clinical Lead for Audiology, to implement the recommendations of the National Audiology Review Group (NARG) Report (April 2011). A copy of the report can be accessed at:
Principal Duties and Responsibilities / The post holder will:
CLINICAL
Diagnostic assessments
- Be responsible and accountable for provision of comprehensive audio (and where appropriate vestibular) diagnostic assessments, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of (re) habilitative treatment/intervention programmes for service users according to national or where appropriate international standards,
- Lead on the delivery of highly developed specialist advice, which may be complex, sensitive and delivered within an emotive atmosphere, and which may be given to patients, their carers, healthcare and other professionals,
- Arrange and carry out assessment and treatment/intervention programmes in appropriate settings (e.g. clinic, home, school, day centre) in line with local policy/guidelines,
- Document all assessments, diagnoses, treatment/intervention plans, clinical notes, relevant contacts and summaries in accordance with department and professional standards,
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret clinical findings following the full range of audiological assessments of complex and adult and paediatric cases and make clinical management decisions,
- Communicate results of assessments and recommendations to the service user and relevant others as appropriate,
- Collaborate with service user, family, carers and other staff in goal setting and treatment/intervention planning,
- Attend clinics and participate in relevant meetings, case conferences as appropriate.
- Develop and assist in the delivery of IMPs for adults and children within a specialist audiology service,
- Monitoring of IMPs and reviewing the need for further intervention as appropriate.
- Participate in and lead teams as appropriate, communicating and working in collaboration with the service user and other team members as part of an integrated package of care,
- In conjunction with the ANCLA, contribute to the development and implementation of local procedures, policies and guidelines while adhering to existing national standards and protocols,
- Seek advice and assistance from the Clinical Manager, CSA or ANCLA with any assigned cases or issues that prove to be beyond the scope of his/her professional competence in line with principles of best practice and clinical governance,
- Refer patients onto other health care professionals as appropriate.
- Ensure that clinical and professional standards, including confidentiality, ethics and legislation are maintained at all times and local and national guidelines implemented,
- Contribute to the development of a patient focused services,
- Actively engage in and promote continuous professional education and development, including supervision of trainees,
- Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student audiologists and promote and engage in the teaching/training/support of others as appropriate,
- Avail of and participate in own supervision with Clinical Manager, CSA or ANCLA,
- Maintain and develop professional standards in line with changing practices,
- Participate in planning reviews, professional supervision, and performance management and development process with the ANCLA and others as required,
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to support safety, best practice and service provision,
- Manage risk within the audiology service and provide for the requirements of safety standards,
- Supervision of audiology trainees on placement and when directed by senior staff,
- Identify and manage the training needs of staff in relation to audiology developments,
- Participate in mandatory and recommended training programmes in accordance with departmental/organisational guidelines,
- Responsible to team based performance management within designated team.
- Take responsibility for the quality assurance and audit of outcomes of his/her own work and work carried out under his/her supervision,
- Promote and develop clinical adult and research to evaluate effectiveness of care delivery incorporating the lessons learned through the audit cycle,
- Participate in and contribute to clinical audit, service evaluation and research projects, recording and reporting on data as required locally or nationally,
- Assist in developing local tools for audit and measuring patient satisfaction,
- Contribute to the development, planning and implementation of processes to evaluate the effectiveness of audiology services and take responsibility to ensure that the service is reviewed according to best practice.
- Lead in developing an integrated team-based audiology service across both acute & community services in the relevant HSE Area in accordance with recommendations from the Audiology Clinical Care Programme,
- Contribute to advances in use of technology and assist in the implementation and operation of these changes,
- Contribute to the introduction and evaluation of new techniques, methods and equipment,
- Support Senior Management and/or Assistant National Clinical Lead for Audiology in coordinating an integrated and patient centred audiology service,.
- Provide information on future predictive service requirements as per HSE area populations,
- Serve as a member of any consultative groups, as assigned,
- Engage proactively in the continual improvement process.
- Follow departmental and national protocols and practices,
- Observe the Health & Safety at Work Act 2005,
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to support safety, best practice and service provision,
- Manage risk within the audiology service and provide for the requirements of safety standards,.
- Manage resources effectively and provide statistics in line with requirements,
- Represent the audiology service and its users in accordance with the management systems within the relevant HSE Area and participate in processes including:
- Clinical Directorates Management System
- Service Planning Process
- Performance Management
- Risk Management
- Quality Improvement
- Adhere to all HSE policies and procedures, seeking clarification from more senior staff as required,
- Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.
- Maintain patients’ records and data accurately on the patient management systems (either manual or electronic) according to the audiology service protocols including; accurate and timely collection of data, database inputting, transfer of current paper records on to the patient management system, update of the Universal Hearing Screening Programme database (eSP), performing searches and reports included targeted follow up monitoring,
- To ensure that all procedures used in the service are adequately documented and that this documentation is kept up to date,
- Administrative duties relating to patient reception, correspondence, scheduling of appointments, posting and receipt of hearing aids, telephone queries and liaising with patients and caregivers, triaging queries from professionals and general administrative support in domiciliary service,
- Calibration and maintenance of equipment, including hygiene and infection control,
- Ensure that equipment and facilities used for clinical testing are in good working order and equipment is calibrated at appropriate intervals,
- Prepare and restock treatment rooms and comply with stock control and stock management requirements,
- Use the electronic patient management system to keep track of current stock levels and items of stock provided to patients,
- Equipment asset lists and capital replacement,
- Stock control,
- Database development,
- Ensure stock levels are adequate and manage appropriately within confines of budget requirements.
- Responsible for effective and safe use HSE resources,
- To manage and administer the resources available to the service in the most efficient and effective manner possible, and report on the usage of same,
- Plan and run clinics/sessions including adjustments to appointment times, running of open sessions etc,
- Prioritise work and manage time effectively,
- Supervision of audiology trainees on placement and when directed by senior staff.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/or experience / Candidates must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post possess:
1.Professional qualifications and experience
a) Possess an MSc in Audiology from any of the following
a) Manchester University
b) Southampton University
c) University College London
d) Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh
e)University of Bristol
f)University College Cork
Or
b) The British Association of Audiologists Examinations Parts 1 & 2 (or its predecessor) in respect of existing Audiologist currently employed in the Irish public health system
Or
c) A BSc (Hons) in Audiology from a recognised university
Or
d) a Post Graduate Diploma in Audiology from a recognised university
Or
e) An equivalent or higher qualification(AuD or PhD)
And
f) Applicants who did not complete the required studies through the medium of English must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language through the submission of certification from the IEL TS. An overall score of 7.00 is required with a minimum of Reading 6.5, Writing 7, Listening 6.5, and Speaking 7.
And
g) have at least three years satisfactory post qualification experience
And
h) provide evidence of audiological competence
And
i) a suitable standard of professional attainments
And
2. The requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and administrative ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
3. Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
4. Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
5. Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs.
Post Specific Requirements / Essential
Experience with digital hearing aids including familiarity with NOAH and DSL procedures and Hearing Aid verification methods including REM’s.
And
Experienced and proficient in hearing assessment of direct access audiology patients, including appropriate management and onward referral to appropriate professionals of patients with hearing loss.
Desirable
Proficiency with Auditory Evoked Potentials including their use for threshold assessment in babies
And
Proficiency with infant VRA assessment
And
Experience with paediatric hearing aid fittings
Other requirements specific to the post / Access to own transport as post may involve travel between sites
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge / Professional Knowledge/skill
Demonstrates:
- Sufficient clinical knowledge and evidence based practice to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role,
- An ability to apply knowledge to evidence based practice,
- A commitment to continuous professional development,
- A commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a user centred service,
- Awareness and appreciation of the service user and the ability to empathise with and treat service users/others with dignity and respect,
- Flexibility and openness to change,
- A willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role.
- Effective team working, team management and leadership skills,
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, carers, etc,
- An ability to utilise Professional Supervision effectively,
- An ability to develop and train and mentor staff,
- An ability to develop and train and mentor staff.
- Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a patient centred service in line with international best practice,
- Display awareness and appreciation of the service users and the ability to empathise with and treat service users with dignity and respect.
- Display effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, carers, etc,
- Demonstrate effective presentational skills,
- Demonstrate an ability to represent the HSE as appropriate,
- Demonstrate leadership skills, including the ability to develop and work with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Participate in regular updates and staff meetings for staff,
- Planning and adapting of individual management plans,
- Planning and prioritising own duties, domiciliary visits and clinics,
- Demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver care in an effective and resourceful manner within a model of person-centred care,
- Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment,
- Demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver care in an effective and resourceful manner.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate information, solve problems and make appropriate decisions in a timely manner,
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions.
- All other grades of Audiologist,
- Medical and nursing staff within ENT Departments when required,
- Administration staff in audiology,
- Paediatricians,
- Other professionals’ as required.
Campaign Specific Selection Process
Ranking/Shortlisting/ Interview
Code of Practice
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
HEALTH SERVICES EXECUTIVE
Interim Terms and Conditions of Employment
Audiologist Senior
Tenure / The initial appointment is whole-time, permanent and pensionable. A panel will be formed from which future permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full time or part time duration will be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.
Remuneration / The Salary scale for the post is:
€41,808, €43,484, €44,563, €45,792, €47,043, €48,321
6 points on the Salary Scale
New Entrant
€37,628 - €43,489
6 points on the Salary Scale
Working Week / The standard working week applying to the post is: 35 hours
Hours of attendance will be agreed with the Integrated Services Manager or General Manager or Administrator of the Audiology Service or other designated officer. From time to time you may be required to work outside of the normal hours.
Annual Leave / The annual leave associated with the post is: to be confirmed at job offer stage.
Superannuation / Membership of the HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme applies to this appointment.
Existing Members who transferred to the HSE on 1st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those to which they were entitled at 31st December 2004.
Appointees to posts in the Mental Health Services which formerly attracted fast accrual of service should note that the terms of Section 65 of the Mental Treatment Act 1945 do not apply to New Entrant Public Servants as defined by Section 12 of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004
Probation / Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.
Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 / As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.
Infection Control / Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.