Principal Audiologist, Specialist Adult Lead

Principal Audiologist, Specialist Adult Lead

To work in close cooperation with and provide support to the Operations Directors and Managing Director of Chime by taking responsibility on their behalf for the balance, complex adult and severe and profound patients services. To liaise with the other Principal Audiologists and Clinical Scientists to promote overall team working, good practice and effective use of resources for Chime.

Main duties of the job

Keep abreast of clinical developments and implement them into our service

Ensure adherence to necessary standards (CQC, UKAS) and national protocols

Close liaison with referrers to shape and deliver the vestibular and complex adult service in a

way that is mutually beneficial

Monitoring of service, planning the delivery of the service, looking for and implementing

Reviewing the service (clinical audit)

Managing and supporting their team through personal effective reviews, audit, talent spotting

and nurturing

Adapt style and behaviour in coordinating and cooperating with a team with individual emotional

styles and vulnerabilities

Assisting with culture change to allow clinicians to feel free in their clinical decision making but

supported in day to day tasks and their own development

Innovative and open minded in driving clinical efficiencies while retaining highest level of quality

Available to support staff within their specialism

Collaborating with the operational directors to deliver necessary outcomes

Swiftly answers and resolves queries and complaints from service users

Be responsible for maintaining a happy and harmonious working atmosphere

Any other duties commensurate with the grade as requested by Chime.

About us

Working as a social enterprise offers Chime staff, as owners, the unique opportunity to not only improve their own working environment but to also have significant input into how audiology services are delivered locally. We have the freedom to optimise use of our budget for our patients in a way that ensures the highest quality of service that has longevity in providing audiology services free at the point of delivery for patients of all ages into the future. Chime is passionate about delivering an efficient and innovative service to patients and look forward to expanding our team with audiologists and support staff who share this vision and our values.

We can offer:

• A friendly and supportive team.
• Membership of Perkbox offering a broad range of discounts
• Free life insurance
• The opportunity to become part of our employee engagement group contributing to the development of the service
• The chance to work with a vibrant team in the great location of Exeter

We would really appreciate applications from candidates in line with our company values:

C = Collaboration - working in true partnership to provide the optimal outcome

H = Holistic -caring about and understanding the implications of our interactions

I = Innovative -being open to new opportunities in meeting our purpose and vision

M = Motivated -passionate about bringing our best to every situation

E = Excellence -striving for the highest quality of service

Job responsibilities

Overview:The role of Principal Audiologist, Specialist Adult Lead, is pivotal in delivering and managing specialized audiology services. This includes overseeing balance, complex adult, and severe/profound patient care. The position requires leadership in shaping and implementing clinical strategies, ensuring service quality, and fostering a supportive and innovative work environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

Clinical Leadership and Innovation:

• Stay updated with clinical advancements and integrate them into services.
• Collaborate with referrers to optimize vestibular and complex adult audiology services.
• Monitor, audit, and evaluate service delivery for continuous improvement.

Team Management and Development:

• Provide guidance and support to the team, including conducting personal development reviews.
• Identify and nurture talent, fostering a culture of clinical independence and growth.
• Lead culture change initiatives to enhance team engagement and clinical decision-making.

Operational Excellence:

• Plan and coordinate service delivery, ensuring efficiency and adherence to standards such as CQC and UKAS.
• Address and resolve service user queries and complaints promptly.
• Work closely with operations and managing directors to achieve organizational goals.

Key Relationships:

• Internally: Collaborates with Managing and Operations Directors, Principal Audiologists, and direct reports.
• Externally: Interacts with ENT specialists, physiotherapists, neurologists, and cochlear implant program teams.

Clinical and Administrative Focus:

• Split between clinical responsibilities (50%) and service development (50%), this role demands flexibility based on service needs.
• Leads diagnostic and rehabilitative care for adults, incorporating complex decision-making and onward referrals.

Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent communication skills for engaging with patients, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical abilities for evaluating complex clinical and service scenarios.
• Leadership capabilities to inspire and manage a high-performing team.
• Frequent patient interaction, including physical assessments and complex diagnoses.
• Occasional physical and mental effort required for patient handling and concentration.
• Peer and managerial support available to navigate emotional challenges associated with patient care and staff management.

Requirements:

• Qualifications: Specialist training in Clinical Science (Audiology) or equivalent to MSc level.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in audiology, including balance and complex adult work.
• Personal Attributes: Calm under pressure, team-oriented, and committed to continuous professional development.

Additional Information:

• The role includes regular audits, teaching/training responsibilities, and contributing to policy development.
• Participation in health and safety practices and mandatory training is essential.

Commitment to Excellence:The Principal Audiologist is a key figure in ensuring that high-quality, patient-centered care is at the forefront of audiology services, while also fostering a positive and innovative workplace culture. This role requires adaptability, dedication, and a forward-thinking mindset to drive clinical and operational success.

This description reflects the job's current scope and may evolve to meet organizational needs.

Person Specification

Experience

• At least 5 years of clinical audiology experience at a minimum Band 5 level, with a focus on balance and complex adult cases.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team effectively in a healthcare environment.
• Experience in conducting clinical audits, analyzing outcomes, and implementing improvements.
• Practical knowledge of diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology, including managing severe and profound hearing loss cases.
• Familiarity with service planning, development, and policy implementation.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with patients, team members, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in IT, including the use of clinical software, hearing aid and balance systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Sound understanding of clinical governance and compliance with standards like CQC and UKAS.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Calm and composed under pressure, with the ability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including talent identification and fostering team growth.
• Commitment to high-quality patient care and continuous professional development.
• Open-minded and innovative in driving clinical efficiencies while maintaining excellence.

Qualifications

• Specialist Training Program in Clinical Science (Audiology) or an Audiology qualification equivalent to MSc level.
• Demonstrable command of the English language, both written and verbal, to facilitate effective communication.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to clinical audiology.

Flexibility and Commitment

• Adaptable to changes in service needs and approaches to work.
• Willingness to undertake additional training and contribute to the development of both the service and the organization.
• Dedication to maintaining a safe, collaborative, and harmonious working atmosphere.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Audiology Department, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (WONFORD)

Audiology Department, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (WONFORD)