Trainee Clinical Specialist Sonographer (ENT)

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an aspiring sonographer to join our Head & Neck Ultrasound Service as a Trainee Clinical Specialist Sonographer. This developmental role is designed for an experienced healthcare professional who wishes to develop specialist skills in Head & Neck ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures within a supported training pathway.

The successful candidate will work alongside experienced Clinical Specialist Sonographers, Radiologists and ENT clinicians to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to independently perform and report Head & Neck ultrasound examinations. They will contribute to the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services supporting ENT, Head & Neck Cancer and Rapid Diagnostic pathways.

The post holder will undertake a structured programme of clinical training, supervision and competency development leading towards autonomous specialist practice. In return, the successful candidate will gain experience within a well-established specialist service, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and contributing to the timely diagnosis and management of patients with Head & Neck conditions.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual with a strong commitment to patient care, professional development and advancing their career in specialist ultrasound practice.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will undertake a structured training programme to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to become an autonomous Clinical Specialist Sonographer within the Head & Neck Ultrasound Service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertake supervised Head & Neck ultrasound examinations as part of a defined competency framework.
• Develop the skills required to independently perform and report Head & Neck ultrasound investigations.
• Participate in specialist training in ultrasound-guided procedures, including Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA).
• Support the delivery of ENT, Head & Neck Cancer and Rapid Diagnostic pathways.
• Work closely with Clinical Specialist Sonographers, Radiologists, ENT Consultants and multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide high-quality, patient-centred care throughout the diagnostic pathway.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and contribute to the production of diagnostic reports.
• Participate in audit, quality improvement and clinical governance activities.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development and successful completion of competency requirements.
• Support departmental teaching, learning and service development initiatives.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, effective and responsive diagnostic service.
• Uphold Trust values and professional standards at all times.

About us

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create anenvironment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.

Job responsibilities

The Trainee Clinical Specialist Sonographer (Head & Neck) will work within a structured developmental programme designed to support progression towards autonomous specialist practice in Head & Neck ultrasound.

Working under the guidance and supervision of experienced Clinical Specialist Sonographers, Radiologists and ENT clinicians, the post holder will develop the clinical knowledge, practical skills and professional competencies required to perform, interpret and report specialist ultrasound examinations within a high-quality diagnostic service.

The post holder will contribute to the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care, supporting ENT, Head & Neck Cancer and Rapid Diagnostic pathways while completing an agreed programme of education, competency assessment and professional development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertake specialist training in Head & Neck ultrasound practice and related diagnostic pathways.
• Perform ultrasound examinations under appropriate supervision in accordance with departmental protocols and competency requirements.
• Develop the skills required to independently interpret, report and communicate ultrasound findings.
• Participate in training for ultrasound-guided procedures, including Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), where appropriate.
• Assist in the delivery of one-stop diagnostic services and urgent cancer pathways.
• Review relevant clinical information and imaging to support patient assessment and management.
• Work collaboratively with Sonographers, Radiologists, ENT Consultants, Pathologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists and wider multidisciplinary teams.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient records, documentation and reports.
• Ensure high standards of patient care, communication and professionalism at all times.
• Participate in audit, quality assurance, service evaluation and clinical governance activities.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and the ongoing development of the Head & Neck Ultrasound Service.
• Support the education and learning environment within the department through active participation in teaching and training activities.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development and successful completion of all required competencies and academic programmes.
• Comply with Trust policies, professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the delivery of a responsive, safe and effective diagnostic imaging service.

This post offers an excellent opportunity to develop advanced specialist skills within an established Head & Neck Ultrasound Service and provides a clear progression pathway towards Clinical Specialist Sonographer practice.

For further details please see the attached job description.

Opportunities to progress into advanced or specialist roles, including Band 8a positions, may be available subject to the successful attainment of the required qualifications, competencies and experience, together with service requirements and the availability of suitable opportunities.'

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• oBSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography. oHCPC Registration oPostgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (CASE accredited). oEvidence of ongoing ENT (Head & Neck) Continuing Professional Development. oIndependent ultrasound reporting within current scope of practice.

Desirable

• oAdditional training or professional odevelopment in Head and Neck ultrasound. oEvidence of attendance at specialist Head and Neck courses, study days or conferences. oTeaching, mentorship or assessor qualification.

Experience

Essential

• oSignificant post-qualification ultrasound experience. oExperience working as an autonomous ultrasound practitioner. oExperience independently reporting ultrasound examinations. oEvidence of professional development aligned to Head and Neck ultrasound practice. oDemonstrable interest in Head and Neck pathology, cancer pathways or interventional ultrasound. oEvidence of advanced clinical decision-making and management of complex patients. oExperience participating in multidisciplinary working.

Desirable

• oExperience undertaking Head and Neck ultrasound examinations. oExperience assessing neck lumps, thyroid pathology, salivary gland disease or cervical lymph nodes. oExperience working within cancer pathways. oExperience attending or contributing to MDT meetings. oExperience supporting ultrasound-guided interventions. oExperience working within one-stop diagnostic services.

Knowledge

Essential

• oAdvanced knowledge of Head and Neck anatomy, pathology and ultrasound imaging techniques. oDetailed understanding of Head and Neck cancer pathways and national cancer standards. oKnowledge of ultrasound-guided FNA procedures and associated governance requirements. oAdvanced knowledge of PACS, RIS and ultrasound reporting systems. oUnderstanding of clinical governance, audit and quality assurance within ultrasound services.

Desirable

• oFurther postgraduate training relevant to Head and Neck/ENT imaging, interventional procedures, or advanced clinical practice oAdditional formal training in areas such as leadership, education, research, or quality improvement

Skills

Essential

• oAdvanced communication and interpersonal skills. oStrong ultrasound scanning and reporting skills within current scope of practice. oEvidence of developing knowledge and interest in Head & Neck ultrasound practice. obility to work within complex diagnostic pathways under appropriate supervision. oAbility to prioritise workload and manage competing demands. oDemonstrable advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. oCommitment to developing towards autonomous Clinical Specialist practice in Head & Neck ultrasound. oAbility to learn and apply new specialist knowledge and skills.

Desirable

• oExperience undertaking Head & Neck ultrasound examinations. oExperience assessing thyroid, salivary gland or neck lump pathology. oExperience supporting ultrasound-guided interventions. oExperience attending MDT meetings. oEvidence of specialist CPD relating to Head & Neck ultrasound. oExperience teaching, mentoring or supporting colleagues. oParticipation in audit, service improvement or research activities

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential

• oMust be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values. (As detailed in UHCW's Values in Action document below) oApplicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience