Audiologist

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position involves responsibility to perform direct clinical activities including audiological screenings, evaluations, treatment and consultation.  The incumbent provides standard audiological evaluation, implements and interprets tests, participates on specialty multidisciplinary teams, recommends further evaluation or medical referral, conducts follow-up evaluations and provided habilitation/rehabilitation services to patients including assistive listening devices and hearing aids.  Supervision is not a responsibility of this class.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Conducts audiological evaluations of patients determining the most beneficial method of habilitation/rehabilitation which is consistent with established indicators, guidelines and procedures;
• Administers and interprets standard audiological diagnostic tests such as auditory brainstem response, audiometry; standard hearing evaluations, hearing aid evaluations, aural habilitation/rehabilitation and special audiometric tests to establish the degree, implications and management of the hearing loss;
• Interviews patients and families and gathers data and developmental histories to aid in the diagnosis and management of patients;
• Counsels and recommends course of habilitation/rehabilitation and/or medical intervention to the patient and family relating to the hearing disorder;
• Provides habilitation/rehabilitation services such as assistive listing devices and hearing aids to patients, monitors progress and conducts follow-up evaluation to ensure that services are consistent with established indicators and guidelines;
• Consults with physicians, social workers, school teachers and speech-language pathologists in developing and implementing intervention strategies such as education and aural habilitation/rehabilitation programs;
• Organizes and conducts hearing screening programs including industrial hearing screenings are requested;
• Performs electroacoustic measurements of hearing aids and noise level measurements as required;
• Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department, such as evaluation results, individualized treatment plans, progress reports and other reports as required;
• Maintains established department policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, and safety;
• Participates in educational programs and in-service meetings and attends meetings as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of the principles, objectives, and techniques of audiological practice; good knowledge of diagnostic tests and therapeutic equipment used in connection with hearing disorders; working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and abnormal psychology as it relates to diagnosing and managing hearing disorders; understanding and compassion in dealing with patients; alertness in detecting symptoms; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of a New York State Department of Education license and current registration as an Audiologist.