Audiologist

SUMMARY

The Audiologist reports directly to the Clinical Manager and/or Assistant Clinical Manager (ACM) and may work under the guidance of more senior program-specific clinicians. They provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluation services for auditory, vestibular, and related disorders; evaluate, select, fit, and dispense hearing instruments and cochlear implants; and offer aural rehabilitation to help patients regain or utilize their hearing abilities at the highest level possible.

Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide everyday actions with patients, customers, and colleagues. Employees also demonstrate the core Success Factors: Instill Trust and Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Communication: Demonstrates the highest level of communication and professionalism with patients, caregivers, rehabilitation staff, providers, and other health care professionals, both within the academic medical center and in the community.
• Exhibits effective and professional verbal and non‑verbal communication.
• Communicates clearly, respectfully, and honestly with patients, caregivers, and colleagues.
• Communicates proactively with other caregivers involved in patients’ care.
• Adjusts communication and response to the level of understanding of the listener.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Examines and evaluates patients to determine degree and type of hearing loss.
• Establishes diagnosis and prognosis for hearing improvement through the use of artificial aids based on patient symptoms.
• Performs specialized testing (site of lesion, auditory brainstem response, otoacoustic emissions, vestibular evoked potentials, acoustic reflex, videonystagmography).
• Evaluates and manages children and adults with central auditory processing disorders.
• Measures and interprets auditory evoked potentials for neurophysiologic intra‑operative monitoring and cranial nerve assessment.
• Performs cochlear implant evaluations and mapping.
• Performs otoscopic examination for evaluation of hearing or balance disorders.
• Creates ear impressions, fits hearing protection or prosthetic devices.
• Performs assessment and non‑medical management of tinnitus.
• Provides screening of speech‑language for audiologic evaluation and/or identification of communication disorders.
• Provides education and counseling to patients and caregivers regarding rehabilitation, test results, aids, and expectations of hearing impairment.
• Evaluates and counsels patients concerning appropriate hearing aids.
• Fits, programs, dispenses, and monitors use of hearing aids.
• May provide audiological rehabilitation including speech reading, communication management, language development, auditory skill development, and counseling for psychosocial adjustment to hearing loss.
• May provide specialized aural rehabilitation training for patients whose hearing cannot be helped by amplification.
• Completes documentation and charges timely and accurately in compliance with department policy.
• Completes clinical documentation reflecting eligibility/medical necessity of services in compliance with professional and regulatory standards.
• Consistently applies evidence‑based practice to all aspects of clinical care.
• Seeks additional guidance when necessary to assure safe and effective patient care.
• Recommends and refers for additional diagnostic testing and/or services.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Complies with hospital and departmental policies and guidelines.
• Participates in strategic departmental quality improvement initiatives.
• Provides education to other hospital departments, personnel, students, and outside agencies/schools.
• Demonstrates ability to flex schedule based on department, patient, and/or caregiver need.
• Determines priorities according to departmental and patient care need.
• Participates in community‑based professional events.
• Participates in ongoing educational activities.
• Supports and promotes departmental teamwork.
• Completes mandatory departmental and hospital training.
• Ensures maintenance and operational condition of equipment utilized for evaluation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

BASIC KNOWLEDGE

• Master’s degree in Audiology from an accredited institution if licensed by December 31, 2007. Audiology Doctoral degree from an accredited institution if initial licensure is January 1, 2008 or later.
• State license issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech‑Language Hearing Association (ASHA) or the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) necessary to practice audiology in Rhode Island.
• Audiliologists supervising students seeking the CCC‑A of ASHA must hold the CCC‑A.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of one year of experience including a one‑year clinical externship.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Fit for duty in accordance with OSHA standards and program‑specific needs.

INDEPENDENT ACTION

• Performs independently within the department's policies and practices.
• Refers specific complex problems to ACM and/or Clinical Manager when clarification of departmental policies and procedures is required.
• Independently sets goals for professional development.
• Membership and involvement in discipline‑specific professional organization and/or other clinically relevant organization is strongly encouraged.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No direct supervision.
• However, pursuant to the state of Rhode Island Rules and Regulations for Audiologists, a licensed audiologist shall at all times be responsible for the clinical supervision of supportive personnel, Clinical Fellows, and students to ensure the safety and welfare of patients, including cosigning notes, reviewing patient treatment plans and goals.

Pay Range: $74,672.00 - $123,198.40

EEO Statement: Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital – 593 Eddy Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type: 3 X 10 hour shifts M-F (Wednesday required, other days flexible)

Work Shift: Day

Daily Hours: 10 hours

Driving Required: No