Audiologist

Description

Positively impact patient lives by providing comprehensive audiology services in a rural clinic setting. Provide high-quality care diagnosing, managing, and treating hearing and balance disorders for patients of all ages. In collaboration with physicians/providers and other team members, provide effective and efficient services, consultation, and supervision to patients.

RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS):

Patient Care: Perform comprehensive audiological evaluations, including pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) on newborns or young children, and acoustic reflex testing. Diagnose hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, and balance issues using a variety of diagnostic tools and techniques. Conduct vestibular assessments, including Electronystagmography (ENG) and Videonystagmography (VNG), to evaluate balance disorders.  Appropriately adapt assessment, treatment, and/or care methods to accommodate the physical, cultural, age-specific, and other developmental needs of each person served.

Hearing Aid Fitting and Management: Recommend, fit, and adjust hearing aids and other assistive listening devices tailored to each patient’s hearing needs. Provide ongoing support and counseling to patients and their families regarding hearing aid use, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Conduct follow-up appointments to ensure optimal device performance and patient satisfaction.

Pediatric Audiology: Perform newborn hearing screenings and follow-up evaluations for infants and young children. Assess and manage hearing loss in children, working closely with parents, pediatricians, and educators to support the child’s development. Provide auditory rehabilitation and support for children with hearing loss, including coordination of care with speech-language pathologists and other specialists.

Tinnitus and Hearing Conservation: Diagnose and manage tinnitus using evidence-based practices, including sound therapy, counseling, and behavioral techniques. Implement hearing conservation programs for patients exposed to loud environments, providing education on hearing protection and preventive measures.

Patient Education and Counseling: Educate patients and their families on the nature of hearing and balance disorders, available treatment options, and the importance of early intervention. Provide counseling and support to patients adjusting to hearing loss, including those receiving their first hearing aids or other auditory devices. Offer guidance on communication strategies and resources for patients with hearing loss and their support system.

Collaboration: Collaborate with other audiologists, primary care physicians and other specialists to provide coordinated care for the wellbeing of our patients. Participate in committees; Contribute to quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and outcomes. Provide training to students and team members as needed. Remain available for consultation, assistance with emergencies, or patient referrals. Participate in clinic meetings. Stay current with advancements in audiology, including new diagnostic tools, treatment methods, and techniques and apply this knowledge to improve patient care. Contribute to the development of clinical protocols and best practices within the DAENT clinic.

Community Engagement: Engage with the local community through health fairs, educational seminars, and hearing screenings. Participate in community outreach programs to promote hearing health. Build and maintain strong relationships with patients and their support system.

Administrative Duties: Review patient records. Critically important to document with detail and accuracy for charts notes and daily activity with patient care. Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical records system. Participate in the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and medical standards. Participate in program evaluation. Participate in developing, executing, and periodically reviewing written policies. Maintain professional and technical knowledge through continuing education opportunities including internal and external educational offerings. Participate in continuing education and professional development activities to maintain licensure and stay current with advancements in audiology.

Other Responsibilities and Duties:

• Must adhere to, and promote, safety protocols at all times. Utilization of assistive devices for lifting is mandatory.
• Per DRH policy, all required conditions of employment must be met and maintained including required vaccinations.
• This position requires respirator and fit testing. Required testing will be performed on all team members at risk for exposure to airborne infectious diseases, droplet producing procedures, or any caustic chemicals.
• Implement DRH Standards of Behavior and exhibit behaviors consistent with DRH core values.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Communication skills including fluency in oral and written English. Basic computer skills including the ability to send/receive/email, navigate information technology associated with the position, and use Electronic Health Record information tools. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; Strong clinical expertise and a commitment to providing patient-centered care in a rural healthcare setting. Ability to remain flexible to quickly adapt to urgent situations. Ability to adapt procedures, processes, tools, equipment, and techniques to accomplish the requirements of the position.

Education and/or Experience: Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree from an accredited institution. Proficiency in a wide range of audiological diagnostic and treatment procedures. Strong diagnostic, clinical skill, and treatment plans focused on patient safety and outcomes. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple cases effectively. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Commitment to patient-centered care and continuous professional development. Experience in a healthcare or clinic setting preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations: Current and valid licensure to practice as an Audiologist in the state of Oklahoma from OBESPA (Oklahoma Board of Examiners for SLP and Audiology) required. For those positions requiring travel, a current valid driver’s license and automobile liability insurance must be maintained.

Safety-Sensitive Position - This is a Safety-Sensitive Position as defined by Oklahoma law.  As such, please be advised that applicants for this position cannot test positive in pre-employment drug tests (or any drug tests administered after employment begins) for the presence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive component of cannabis.  This is true even if the applicant is in possession of a valid medical marijuana card that otherwise allows the license-holder to legally use and consume medical marijuana. Team Members in Safety-Sensitive positions are not permitted to test positive for the presence of THC in any pre-employment drug test, or any other drug test administered after employment begins.  This information is provided to applicants as a resource to the application process.  This is not a request for any applicant to disclose personal medical information during the application process. If you have any questions about the information in this disclaimer please direct these questions to a member of Human Resources.

This position requires respirator and fit testing. Required testing will be performed on all team members at risk for exposure to airborne infectious diseases, droplet producing procedures, or any caustic chemicals.

As a condition of employment, vaccinations are required per DRH Policy.  Medical and Religious Exemptions are available upon request.