Job overview

Inviting all senior Newborn Hearing Screeners

This position is based within the Newborn Hearing Screening Team at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and is an equal split between clinical and supervisory responsibilities .

We are inviting a qualified (OSCE/ECA) senior newborn hearing screener who is enthusiastic, committed and conscientious to come and join our very successful and highly performing newborn hearing screening team at Homerton hospital. 

If you are a highly motivated individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an in-depth knowledge of NHSP protocols, come and join us for this perfect career progression opportunity in the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme.

You will have ample opportunities for your personal and professional development with a supportive and outstanding learning and development culture that exists at Homerton hospital.

The role involves working on inpatient wards on the maternity and neonatal units as well as travelling to outpatient clinics in line with service needs.

Main duties of the job

Main duties include:

  • Act under the leadership and management of the NHSP Local Manager to provide an efficient and high quality neonatal hearing screening service for babies born at Homerton hospital and all ‘eligible’ newborn babies in City and Hackney.
  • Assist and provide cover for the NHSP Local Manager by:
  • – carrying out supervisory and mentoring duties for 0.5 wte
  • – carrying out inpatient/outpatient hearing screening for 0.5 wte
  • Responsible for training, supervising and supporting new and existing screeners and one administrator within the team.
  • Ensure all screen eligible babies are screened and discharged in a timely manner.
  • Responsible for ensuring babies on the neonatal unit are screened prior to discharge and their movements across hospitals/sites are monitored daily.
  • Provide cover for NHSP administrator as and when required. 
  • Cover for NHSP manager by supervising and managing the service, attending internal/external meetings, acting within their remit as agreed with/specified by NHSP local manager.
  • Assist in areas of clinical audit, research and clinical governance for the service and contribute towards improving the service.
  • The post holder will be expected to work as part of a team; altering working patterns across 7 random days a week (pro rata).
  • Participate in an annual appraisal review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed.

    • Working for our organisation

    Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond.

    We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of “Outstanding” from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

    Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard’s Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.

    Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff. This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.

    We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.

    Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well-regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.

    Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.

    Person specification

    Education / Qualification

    Essential criteria

  • GCSE A* – C or equivalent in English and Maths.
  • Successful completion of the Newborn Hearing Screening
  • Programme (NHSP) Clinical Competence Workshop with associated Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) or External Competency Assessment (ECA).
  • Evidence of personal and professional development.

    • Desirable criteria

  • Management training/qualification
  • Holder of Certificate of Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) qualification or working towards gaining qualification.
  • Qualifications or experience in childcare or childcare setting.
  • ECDL or equivalent.

    • Experience

    Essential criteria

  • Past or current experience of working as a NHSP screener
  • Experience of supervising or managing staff

    • Desirable criteria

  • Experience of carrying out audits or client satisfaction surveys

    • Skills / Abilities

    Essential criteria

  • Ability to visualise and plan ahead; prioritise and organise effectively
  • Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the telephone and through e-mails with a range of clients including patients and health professionals
  • Ability to relate in a sensitive manner to vulnerable clients and where there is a barrier to understanding
  • Able to give clear instructions for others to follow regarding national and local protocols, policies and procedures

    • Desirable criteria

  • Ability and confidence to present information regarding the screening programme to groups of healthcare professionals.

    • Knowledge

    Essential criteria

  • Clear knowledge and understanding of NHSP protocols and procedures
  • Knowledge of the effects of hearing impairment and deafness in children and support available locally and nationally

    • Trust Values

    Essential criteria

  • Understanding and demonstration of the Trust Values.

    • General Guidance for Applicants

    The Trust is committed to supporting flexible working wherever possible. The Trust also welcomes applications from candidates wishing to job share with or without job share partners.

    We are committed to equal opportunities, and have been approved as a Disability Confident Employer.

    The Trust offers a number of benefits, including a relocation loan for new starters moving to the area. More details on our range of benefits can be found on the Homerton website.

    Employer certification / accreditation badges