Audiologist (Clinical Specialist) (Cochlear Implants Program Specialist)

Job Title

Audiologist

Duties

Duties are but not limited to: General Clinical Responsibilities:

• Uses advanced knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies in the practice of audiology to diverse patient populations;
• Evaluates patients to determine the nature, type, and severity of hearing loss and tinnitus using in-depth record reviews, health history interviews, standardized questionnaires, and a battery of audiological diagnostic tests;
• Conducts compensation and pension examinations and provides sound medical opinions when requested, the results of which will be utilized in the assessment of hearing impairment for medico-legal purposes;
• Practices independent clinical judgement and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate unique patient requirements;
• Provides professional advice, counseling, and recommendations for treatment of hearing loss and tinnitus to patients and their families;
• Establishes candidacy for hearing aids and other assistive listening devices based on type and degree of hearing loss as well as the individual's physical, cognitive, and communication needs;
• Provides audiological treatment through dispensing of amplification devices following best practice guidelines, including programming of devices using real-ear measurements and evaluating functional post-fitting status;
• Consults and collaborates with primary care providers, otologists, mental health professionals, and other healthcare practitioners as part of a team to address the global needs of the patient;
• Incumbent plans, conducts, and coordinates auditory (aural) rehabilitation, tinnitus management, and/or basic vestibular evaluations;
• Conducts hearing conservation or monitoring hearing evaluations; Incumbent provides services using telehealth modalities which may include diagnostic measures and treatment (including remote applications and VVC);
• Incumbent will be responsible for supervising, evaluating, mentoring, and precepting student trainees in audiology and maintained a liaison with affiliated colleges and universities. He/she may also provide instruction to residents and interns who seek information relation to audiology;
• Incumbent will complete all documentation in accordance with facility policy;
• Communication is required by this position and the incumbent will be expected to attend regular staff meetings and inter-disciplinary health care team meeting as appropriate; review policies and procedures, and attend in-service training;
• The incumbent may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and among of the work is not substantial. This includes training, supervising, and managing health technicians and other support personnel.

Special Clinical Program Responsibilities: Cochlear Implant Audiologist:

• Assesses moderately to profoundly hearing-impaired patients for candidacy for cochlear implants;
• Provides evaluation, management, programming, and rehabilitation services to cochlear implant patients;
• Provides comprehensive cochlear implant candidacy exams assessing the patent's current auditory rehabilitation status;
• Plans and coordinates appropriate implantation treatment and management programs;
• Performs administration functions relating to the cochlear implant program for the purposes of quality management, customer service and workload tracking;
• Reviews inter-facility consults for cochlear implantation and coordinates care with the patient's parent facility, often including remote cochlear implant programming;
• Applies current technology with regards to cochlear implants, FM systems, and assistive listening devices to maximize rehabilitation of each patient;
• Utilizes aural rehabilitation methods with recipients to enhance their listening progress post- surgery;
• Provides counseling for patients and their families regarding profound hearing loss, cochlear implantation, and the impact on their lives;
• Develops and implements in-service programs for VA staff to enhance interdisciplinary care and understanding;
• Determines candidacy for bone-anchored hearing aids and osseo-integrated amplification devices, including pre and post-surgical assessment and device programming;
• Stays informed on current and emerging cochlear implant and BAHA technology and programming techniques;
• Facilitates new software updates and installations;
• Continues to grow and improve the clinic's remote programming relationships and agreements;
• Continues to develop and adapt clinic protocols to provide the best-known care for cochlear implant recipients.

Work Schedule: 7:30am- 4pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 55142-F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs