Audiologist

Introduction

by Employment Services Team

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Identifies, assesses, diagnoses, manages and interprets test results related to disorders of human hearing, balance and other neural systems.
• Formulates and implements goal directed treatment plan. Treats patients in accordance with audiology standards of care and practice.
• Formulates patient teaching plans based on identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning. Counsels patients and their families regarding hearing loss and treatment options. Develops teaching plans to include family if appropriate.
• Documents appropriately, on the medical record, all audiology treatments, assessments and evaluations performed for the inpatient and outpatient population.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding departmental operations and hospital fire, safety and infection control.
• Demonstrates applied knowledge when evaluating care for selected patient populations including care appropriate to the age of patients served.
• Assists with the development of policies and procedures related to the Audiology Department. Develops policies and procedures for review and approval and implements upon approval.
• Prepares reports related to audiology activities, including performance improvement activities.
• Oversees state mandated Outpatient Newborn Hearing Screening Program and provides consultation to the coordinator for the Inpatient Newborn Hearing Screening program.
• Provides performance information regarding the personnel assigned to Audiology Clinic.
• Coordinates programs with physicians, nurses, professional and para-professional staff; May develop new audiological programs; may coordinate research programs.
• Conducts and / or attends in-service training programs for staff.
• Dispenses hearing aids.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education : Graduation from an accredited college or university program with a master’s degree in audiology. Experience : Four years of experience as a licensed audiologist. Licenses / Certificates : 1) Current licensure as an Audiologist issued by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers’ Board; and 2) possession of a current Certificate of Clinical Competency in Audiology issued by either the American Speech and Hearing Association or the American Board of Audiology; and 3) if required by the nature of the assignment, possession of a current and valid California hearing aid dispensing license; and 4) paneled as a California Children Services’ provider or eligible to apply.

KNOWLEDGE

Current principles, methods, techniques, equipment and materials used in audiology; possible reactions of and hazards to patients during treatment, and of precautionary and remedial measures; anatomy and physiology related to treatment, psychological and physiological problems of persons with disabling conditions.

ABILITY

Prioritize, organize and coordinate care; interpret and adapt physicians orders and / or written reports' communicate effectively; work independently; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with patients, families, staff and others; maintain excellent customer relations; teach therapeutic techniques and modalities, supervise the work of others.

PHYSICAL / MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility : Constant keyboard operation; sits, stands, walks, pushes and pulls, bends and squats frequently; runs and climbs stairs occasionally; lifts, positions, pushes, and / or transfers supplies and equipment. Lifting : Lifts up to 30 pounds occasionally; restrains, lifts / turns heavy objects or people occasionally. Visual : Constant use of overall vision, color perception, depth perception, hand / eye coordination; reading and close-up work and peripheral vision. Dexterity : Constant holding, reaching, grasping, and writing. Repetitive motion is required occasionally. Hearing / Talking : Hears and talks in person constantly. Occasionally hears on telephone / radio, faint sounds, and occasionally talks on the telephone. Emotional / Psychological : Occasional exposure to emergency situations, trauma, grief, death, and hazard materials; occasional travel; constant public contact, decision making and concentration. Environmental : Occasional exposure to noise, dirt, dust smoke, fumes, poor ventilation, cold and heat. Other : Occasional exposure to conflict; must be capable of working with physically challenged children and adults. San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.