Trainee Audiology Associate Practitioner (Fast Track)
Welcome to Swansea Bay University Health Board. We welcome applications from people who share our values: caring for each other, working together and always improving.
Swansea Bay University Health Board reserve the right to close this vacancy after 24 hours if a large number of suitable applications are received. Therefore we encourage early applications to ensure consideration for this post.
Prior consideration for this vacancy will be given to staff currently awaiting redeployment and we therefore reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any stage.
Please be advised that there is a temporary top up for Bands 2 and 3 to reflect the incorporation of the top up to the living wage of £12.60 per hour - £24,638 per annum.
This temporary top up will be in place until the annual pay uplift for 2025/26 is confirmed.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
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.
Working for our organisation
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.
You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.
There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.
Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.
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
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- 2 A level science qualifications or equivalent + scientific knowledge to at least foundation degree, Higher National Diploma, Diploma in Higher Education or equivalent level of knowledge in a science subject
- Ability to absorb and apply new information
- Evidence of scientific experience, e.g. in the form of a degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability,
Experience
Essential criteria- Applied scientific projects, gathering data, analysis and report production
- Experience of dealing with people.
- Experience caring for others.
Communication
Essential criteria- Ability to communicate with hearing impaired people of all ages and their families.
- Deaf Awareness
Swansea Bay University Health Board is committed to supporting its staff and processes to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing service users experience. In our commitment to increase the number of staff able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
Equality remains at the centre of the Health Boards policy-making, service delivery and employment practices. We value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from people from protected groups under the Equality Act 2010, this specifically includes age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/reassignment, race, religion, disability, pregnancy and maternity and marriage and civil partnership.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and applications are welcomed from persons with disabilities. A disability will not prejudice your application. If you are unable to submit your application in the requested format because of a disability please contact the Recruitment Team, who will agree a more suitable way for you to apply.All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification will be invited to interview.
To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa, unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply should self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship by visiting Work in the UK.If you are eligible for the Health and Care visa, application costs are lower and you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.