Full-Time

Tallaght, County Dublin, Ireland


Job Title:                                                        Chief Audiologist
Reference No:                                               03.009  (2025)
Department / Directorate:                        Audiology Department / COO Directorate
Reports to:                                                     Head of HSCP & Integrated Care Manager

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is a model 4, voluntary, academic teaching hospital partnered with Trinity College and situated in south west Dublin. With a staff of over 4,000 people from 63 different countries, it provides both acute and tertiary care to an increasing population of circa 800,000 people and is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is also a National Urology Centre, the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country, Pelvic and Acetabulum National Centre and a designated Trauma Unit. 

The Hospital is part of the newly established HSE Dublin & Midlands Region, which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties, and operates under the governance of an independent Board of Directors who give their time on a voluntary basis. TUH is also supported by the Adelaide Health Foundation, the Meath Foundation and Tallaght University Hospital Foundation.
 
TUH recognises the role it plays in our community both as an employer and provider of healthcare and is committed to building a sustainable future for our region both now and into the future with a focus on patient outcomes.

The Hospital is ambitious, recognising that healthcare delivery is undergoing seismic change and will be different now and into the future, largely due to digital and technological advances along with research continuing to discover and test new treatment options. TUH wants to be a leader in determining that future. It is a “Hospital without Walls” always looking to optimise care both within and beyond in line with the Sláintecare vision of providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time whilst empowering our patients and staff. 



TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.
Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:
  • Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
  • Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
  • Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
  • Equity – for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally.  We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.
A full overview of TUH is available on www.tuh.ie/about us

Purpose of the Role:
The Audiology team is comprised of Chief Audiologist, Senior,  and Basic Grade  Audiologists.  The Chief Audiologist will be responsible for leading and managing the department in TUH.    The core remit for the Manager post will be to provide operational and clinical leadership which results in the delivery of effective, efficient, quality assured and patient centred services to the patients of TUH.   The Audiology Dept. provides rapid access diagnostics to a variety of specialties in addition to ENT.   These include Oncology, CF, Medicine for older persons, Neurology, Acute medicine, Renal, Endocrinology, E.D., Adult In patients, also provides a paediatric service.     The Manager will also be responsible for line-management of staff within the department.   The post holder will report to the Consultant lead for the ENT service for clinical issues and will be directly line managed by the Health and Social Care Professional Manager. 


Overview of Role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead the professional organization and management of a comprehensive Audiology Service.
  • Identify and implement operational processes to the standards of best practice in order to optimize use of resources to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Supervise and conduct Differential Diagnostic Audiological assessments on both children and adults.
  • Interpret the results of Audiological assessments and provide recommendations and reports to other health and educational professionals as necessary
  • Provide counselling to patients, relatives and careers on audiological conditions.
  • Give direction on patient issues of a complex nature to the Audiology Department team members.
  • Provide clinical and professional leadership in the delivery of a high quality audiology service.
  • Operate within the scope of audiology practice within Ireland as per Code of Practice and in accordance with local guidelines.   Ensure that professional standards are maintained.
  • Maintain comprehensive and accurate patient and activity records, and ensure timely communication with the referrer is upheld.
  • Be responsible for the overall management, performance and analysis of audiology activity within the audiology service and provide reports as required
  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with the relevant medical, health & social care and nursing personnel in relation to the treatment of patients and the provision of audiology services.
  • Be able to work as a member of the multidisciplinary team as required.
  • Ensure competence in all specialties across audiology service areas by maintaining clinical skills.
  • Ensure best practice audiology needs assessments and appropriate range of service user interventions are in place.
  • Ensure quality of staff provision through clinical audit, supervision and training.
  • Be responsible for the delivery of the audiology service within the budget allocation.
  • Develop and promote integrated models of service delivery between relevant stakeholders.
  • Ensure the provision of professional and clinical supervision to Audiologists.
  • Participate in teaching programmes and engaging in the training of staff, students including medical students and MSc / BSc Audiology students.
  • Supplement the audiology team resources provided in identified clinical area.
  • Provide clinical support and leadership within the context of their role in the day to day running of the service by supporting and supervising staff, prioritising and allocating work and promoting positive staff morale.
  • Complete annual staff development and performance review.
  • Undertake other responsibilities consistent with the nature of the post including programmes of research, development and project work.
  • Operate within the scope of audiology practice within Ireland as per Code of Practice and in accordance with local guidelines.
  • Be responsible for the Line Management, administrative duties (e.g., CORE, SAP, NARS) and overall supervision of the scientific staff in the department
  • Contribute as required to the development of training programmes for established staff and external groups
  • Attend staff “In-Service” training programme
  • As medical procedures change and new developments are introduced the Chief Audiologist  must update his/her knowledge and training accordingly
  • Observe clinical standards and standards of patient care and ensure they are maintained
  • Maintain competency by engaging in continuous professional development and participate in research and audit
  • Collate, disseminate and communicate relevant information / data on operational effectiveness including to meet or exceed targets.
  • Responsible for the training and supervision of students and undergraduate staff working in the Audiology Department
  • Report accidents and incidents - Participate in the investigation and remedial action
  • Be familiar with Hospital & Departmental Disaster Plans and their implementation
  • Participate as required, in the development and operation of the various hospital administrative, operational and planning systems and processes

General accountability:
 
  • Commitment to continuous professional development including completion of relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning & Development Prospectus.

Leadership and staff management:
 
  • Completion of relevant training and availing of supports in the Leadership Academy including coaching, mentoring and leadership development as applicable.
Qualifications and Experience Required:

Must have:
    1. Candidates must possess the following qualifications or equivalent :
(a)(i)Hold the two year full time M.Sc.in Audiology awarded by the National University of Ireland, University College Cork at Level 9 on the Quality and Qualifications of Ireland (QQI) framework, which includes a license to practice clinical audiology in Ireland.
                                                                Or
 (ii)Hold an equivalent qualification in Audiology awarded in another jurisdiction validated by the Department of Health (An Roinn Sláinte) (See Note 1* below)

 
                                                                Or
(b)Hold the BSc (Hons) in Audiology awarded by Athlone Institute of Technology awarded in 2016 only, at Level 8 on the Quality and Qualifications of Ireland (QQI) framework.
 
                                                              or          
(c)Candidates currently working as an Audiologist or Audiological Scientist within the Irish Health System must hold:
 
 (a)a qualification equivalent to (a) above
                                                     Or
(b)The British Association of Audiologists Examinations Parts 1 & 2 (or its predecessor)
 
                                                     Or
(c)A qualification equivalent to (c), (a), (b).
 
                                                     And
(d)Candidates must provide evidence of audiological competence relevant to the scope of practice required for the role. (See Note 2* below).
 
                                                     And
(e)Candidates who did not complete the required studies through the medium of English must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language through the submission of certification from the International English Language Testing System [IES TS].  An overall score of 7.00 is required with a minimum of Reading 6.5, Writing 7, Listening 6.5, and Speaking 7.
                                                   And
(f)


(g)


(h)   



(i)

                                     
 
Candidates must have 5 years full time (or equivalent) years post qualification.
                                                            and
Candidates must demonstrate achievement in the areas of clinical audit, quality improvement initiatives, practice development, teaching and research.
                                                           and
Candidates must possess the requisite audiological competency, professional knowledge experience and ability (including a high standard of suitability and administrative ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
                                                        
*Note 1 in addition to this requirement, documentation should be provided to indicate that the qualification entitles the candidate to practice as an Audiologist in the country where they qualified.
*Note 2 Certified evidence of clinical competency may take the form of formal certification (eg. CCC,CAC etc.) or formal written statements from reliable clinical or academic sources confirming competence in one or more areas of practice.
Note:
If being processed for appointment, original documentation will be sought for :
  • All qualification requirements for the post.
  • Any additional qualification(s) that you may be awarded marks for at the interview.
  •  You will be requested to provide documentary evidence that you possess the number of years’ experience required for the post.

Desirable
  • Relevant experience in a Health sector environment or in an organisation broadly similar size and complexity
  • Management and leadership skills, including staff/people management, problem solving, capability to identify opportunities, generate new ideas, breadth of view and medium to long term strategic thinking.
  • Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience within the specialist area of Audiology  Investigations as relevant to the role

Reward & Recognition
  • Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 345X .
  • The appointment is permanent and pensionable.
  • The annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
  • Normal working hours are 35 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.

Application Process
Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV.  Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application.  Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
Informal Enquiries to:     Gillian O Loughlin, HSCP Manager   
 e.mail:      Gillian.OLoughlin@tuh.ie
Closing Date:                    Before close of business on:  14th May, 2025
TUH Core Competencies:
Core AreaCompetencyLevel
Managing the serviceQuality & Safety of Service4
Managing the serviceDelivery of Results4
Managing ChangeProblem Solving & Decision Making4
Managing ChangeCommunications & Influencing 4
Managing YourselfTeam player5
Managing YourselfPlanning and Organising 4
Managing PeoplePeople Management 4
Managing PeopleLeadership 4

Please go to www.tuh/careers for details of the core competencies



SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004).
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day
of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.

Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the  office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital.  Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate.  The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment.  Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.


Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.

Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period.  Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.

Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.


Sick Leave
  • There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
  • In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data
  • Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
  • Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a)        Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) 
(b)        Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c)        Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a)        If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b)        If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c)        If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes).  The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

Health & Safety
  • All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
  • Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
  • Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.

Hygiene / Infection prevention and control 
  • All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness.  Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
  • All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
  • All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
  • All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.

Quality, safety and risk management
  • Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.

Data Management
You must manage data as per TUH obligations under the Data Protection Acts 1988 – 2018 and GDPR. 
Confidentiality
As an employee of Tallaght University Hospital, you acknowledge and agree to maintain the strictest confidentiality regarding all patient data, medical records, and or other personal and / sensitive data you may encounter in the course of your employment.
As you have access to or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients, their families and /or staff, or other health service business. Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, on no account must information concerning staff, patients or other health service business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty.
In addition records must never be left in such a manner unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required. You agree to uphold the highest standards and professional integrity and to exercise discretion and caution in handling all confidential information.  By accepting employment with Tallaght University Hospital you affirm your commitment to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all information entrusted to you.

Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated           Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others.  This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015.  Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first.  It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.