Ear Health Practitioner
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
|---|---|
| Salary: | from £18.03 an hour |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Guildford & Waverley, GU27 2BJ |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Posting date: | 28 Oct 2026 |
| Closing date: | 11 Nov 2026 |
Summary
Job Summary To provide a safe, effective and patient-centred Ear Health Service across GP practices, care homes and other appropriate community healthcare settings. The postholder will work autonomously within their professional scope of practice and agreed clinical pathways and protocols. The postholder will undertake assessment of patients presenting with ear health concerns, including otoscopic examination, assessment and management of ear wax, microsuction where clinically appropriate, hearing checks and provision of patient education and advice. The postholder will identify contraindications, recognise abnormal findings and red flags, and ensure appropriate escalation or referral to the patients GP, audiology, ENT or other appropriate services in accordance with agreed pathways. Key responsibilities 1. Clinical Duties Perform comprehensive ear health examinations, including relevant clinical history and otoscopic examination. Assess the suitability of patients for microsuction and identify contraindications and precautions before treatment in line with agreed protocols and NICE guidelines Undertake appropriate hearing assessments/checks within the practitioners level of training and competence. Managing a clinic schedule of adults with hearing loss and wax management issues. Providing appropriate support for individuals with hearing loss using the service and provide patients and/or carers with appropriate ear care advice Following best practice principles with regard to infection control in the workplace. To attend appropriate supervision, training and revalidation in order to maintain skills and knowledge Discharge patients appropriately from the service or escalate clinical concerns to the patients GP or relevant healthcare service using the agreed secure communication pathways. Ensures enquiries requiring prompt action are prioritised and that communications are responded to appropriately and in time. Ensures all patient and company sensitive information is always treated in line with information governance requirements. Obtain and document valid informed consent prior to examination and treatment, ensuring patients understand the proposed procedure, alternatives and associated risks. Work within individual professional competency and escalate where a patients needs fall outside the practitioners scope of practice. Assess and respond appropriately to issues relating to consent, mental capacity and best-interest decision-making, escalating for advice where required. 2. Governance and Safety To maintain accurate, comprehensive records of all consultations and treatments. Maintain clinical governance standards, Ensure compliance with safeguarding, confidentiality, infection control and data protection policies. Participate in audits as requested. Report incidents and events and co-operate with investigations as required. 3. Service Delivery Manage clinics effectively and safely in line with agreed guidelines. To liaise effectively with the clinical lead for the service, providing regular reports and raising clinical concerns with the Lead as necessary. Help with collection of statistical information required for reporting. Ensure the consulting room is set up at the beginning of each clinic and left clean and as required at end of clinic. To have working knowledge of equipment used by the service. Ensuring that any faulty equipment is taken out of service for repair and reported. Maintain knowledge of and comply with current Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures. Ensure the maintenance of equipment and stock levels in relation to patient care. To regularly update knowledge and information through use of medical journals, training, courses, etc. Any other duties as reasonably requested providing these duties are within the scope of the role and that the individual is trained and capable of such duty. 4. Professional Development Maintain professional registration and competence. Attend mandatory training and specialist ear health training as required and specified. Engage in CPD activities and reflective practice. 5. Communication and Working Relationships Liaise effectively with GP practices, care home teams, community services, audiology, ENT, and other relevant healthcare professionals to support safe and coordinated patient care. Communicate effectively with patients, relatives and carers providing clear explanations and reassurance 6. Freedom to Act Work autonomously within agreed protocols and referral criteria. Seek advice from senior clinicians, when required. Effort Factors Physical: Frequent use of fine motor skills for microsuction procedures. Mental: Concentration required for triage and clinical decision-making. Emotional: Exposure to distressed patients; ability to manage sensitive situations. Working Conditions: Primary care and community clinical environments, with regular travel to different service locations across Guildford and Waverley. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ This job description is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as are consistent with the responsibility of the role requirements. This job description is subject to review and development from time to time in liaison with the post holder _______________________________________________________________________________________________ The NHS Constitution establishes the principles and values of the NHS in England. It sets out rights to which patients, public and staff are entitled, and pledges which the NHS is committed to achieve, together with responsibilities, which the public, patients and staff owe to one another to ensure that the NHS operates fairly and effectively. As an organisation that delivers NHS services, Procare expects high standards from all of its employees and, in line with the key principles of the Constitution, Procare aspires to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism in the people it employs, the education, training and development they receive and, in the leadership, and management of the organisation. Areas applicable to all Procare Employees: Clearance Checks Health clearance is required for this appointment. Applicants must complete a medical questionnaire, return it to the Occupational Department and, if required, undergo a medical examination before appointment. A Disclosure and Barring Service check and disclosure will be required before appointment for this post as the Company provides services to children and vulnerable adults. In addition, completion of the Fit & Proper Persons check is also required.