Audiologist

Major Responsibilities:

• Performs and interprets audiological evaluations to determine the type and severity of hearing loss, vestibular disorder, or other auditory disorder. Establishes a plan of care and implements individual treatment based on evaluation results, functional goals, and by utilizing proper techniques.
• Prescribes and dispenses hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and hearing protection devices. Troubleshoots malfunctioning hearing aids and independently completes needed repairs or sends to the appropriate manufacturing company.
• Completes all required documentation following department policy, including but not limited to, progress notes, discharge summaries and/or other forms as appropriate to record patient care as well as daily billing.
• Consults and counsels patients and their families regarding hearing loss, amplification, and related communication difficulties. Addresses patient complaints concerning service, products or charges, involving direct report as appropriate.
• Participates in performance improvement activities designed to identify and resolve problems affecting patient outcomes/ satisfaction and improve quality of care.
• Applies insurance guidelines for proper authorization of services.
• Acts as a clinical and department resource. Mentors and facilitates clinical problem solving with other staff. Assists in developing training and/or clinical guidelines, and assists in the development and implementation of staff orientation, competency and educational activities.
• Participates in educational and training programs for students from affiliating institutions.
• Manages assigned caseload at all applicable locations. Informs site leadership of coverage needs and assists with coverage as needed.
• Assist in maintaining inventory of hearing aids and supplies necessary for smooth operations.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Audiology license issued by the state of Wisconsin, and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required:

• Master's Degree in Audiology.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and listening skills.
• Good organizational skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, and squat throughout the workday.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Lift up to 10 lbs. from waist to overhead.
• Lift and carry up to 40 lbs. at waist height a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present
• Position requires repetitive use of hands.
• Simple grasping of 5 to 15 lbs. (20% of workday).
• Pushing and/or pulling of 75 to 100 lbs. (10% of workday).
• Must have functional use of senses to allow for effective communication.
• Potential for exposure to blood and body fluids through patient contact and therefore must have ability to wear protective clothing as needed.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.