THIS IS A 2-YEAR FIXED-TERM TRAINING POST DUE TO FUNDING.

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.

An exciting opportunity exists to enter the NHS Audiology career pathway as an Associate Practitioner in Audiology. This would particularly suit science graduates and others who wish to apply science directly in a healthcare role. Individual posts will be based at Wrexham, Bodelwyddan, Welshpool, and Bangor, within supportive Audiology departments familiar with training provision at this level.

Individuals will complete a Certificate of Higher Education in Basic Audiological Practice through block release at Swansea University. However, the majority of training will be delivered in the clinical setting, supporting a range of clinical activities but primarily caring for adult patients at the base hospital. It is anticipated that employment prospects in Wales will be promising for those completing the training scheme.

Career pathways have been developed to facilitate next-step progression to roles as Audiologists for those individuals with the aptitude and commitment to do so. Further information about Audiology and the training scheme is available in the accompanying document. Successful applicants will be expected to apply for posts in Audiology services within Wales at the end of the 2-year fixed-term post.

Main duties of the job

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.

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.

The post holder will complete an 18-month Audiology course and an associated in-post training programme that will build upon their existing generic scientific knowledge and skills. They will work to the locally and nationally agreed protocols. The course will provide experience in 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.

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