Associate Director, Ethics Adjudication

A. General Description:

This position supports the mission of the Association by supporting the adjudication and education needs of the ethics program, including the ASHA Board of Ethics. The Associate Director, Ethics Adjudication is part of a team that is committed to the practical application of ethics, specifically the ASHA Code of Ethics, to the professions of audiology, speech-language pathology, and speech and hearing sciences.  

The Associate Director assists the Senior Director of Ethics in adjudicatory processing of alleged violations of the ASHA Code of Ethics, including compliance with the Board of Ethics’ practices and procedures. In addition, this individual will respond to ethics inquiries from the membership and the public, and support ethics-related projects as requested.  

B. Responsibilities:

1. Prepare ethics cases for review by the Board of Ethics, including parties’ materials and state licensing status, in advance of hearings and/or appeals. Assist in identifying the applicable Code of Ethics, potential violations, and the appropriateness of potential ethics sanctions. 
2. Act as Secretary at Board of Ethics hearings. Arrange for transcription of hearings as needed.
3. Conduct decisional and statutory legal research, including pending civil and criminal legal matters (at the federal, state and local levels).  
4. Act as liaison to state licensing boards, attorney generals' offices, and the lawyers of parties in ethics adjudication in reciprocal discipline matters, subpoena filings, document requests, document redactions, affirmative disclosure applications issues, and/or other legally related matters as requested.     
5. Assist the Senior Director of Ethics, as needed, in promoting professional ethics education and compliance by presenting, researching and writing to contribute to ethics outreach for ASHA members and ASHA-certified individuals.   
6. Respond by telephone and e-mail to daily inquiries received from ASHA members, ASHA-certified individuals and the public, including providing ethics information and assistance and/or referrals to ASHA National Office staff who are subject-matter experts. 
7. Responsible for maintaining and administering ethics-case-tracking and ethics-contact-tracking system. Help maintain ethics records in NetForum database. 
8. Assist Senior Director of Ethics in tracking ethics complaint and ethics trends for the Board of Ethics and its Ethics Education Subcommittee to assist them in developing ethics programs.  

C. Contacts:

To accomplish responsibilities listed above, the incumbent has contact with:

1. Members of the Board of Ethics, members of other ASHA boards/councils/committees such as CFCC, and special projects working group members (as requested) 
2. National Office staff, particularly members of the following clusters and teams: Standards & Ethics, Certification, Accreditation, Audiology Practices, Speech-Language Pathology Practices, Health Care Economics and Advocacy, Publications, Research, IS and Web, Professional Development, and Continuing Education teams 
3. Members, certificate holders, Clinical Fellows, students, academic faculty and administrators, employers, consumers, and state/federal regulatory agencies 

D. Freedom to Act:

The incumbent reports directly to the Senior Director of Ethics. The incumbent will make decisions and act independently in some areas but will balance that autonomy with interdependence by seeking guidance and collaboration when needed or expected.  

E. Qualifications – Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

Knowledge and skills typically acquired through:

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, English, ethics, justice, philosophy, political science, history, legal studies, pre-law, health studies, sociology/psychology, communications disorders, or a related area  
• Paralegal certification, law school courses, and/or law degree (courses in Professional Responsibility, Legal Ethics, Evidence, and/or Constitutional Law preferred.)
• An interest in ethics, professional regulations, professional credentialing, and/or state licensing  
• At least 2 years of experience working in legal unit, law firm, or law clinic 
• Basic database management experience 
• Experience working with and fostering cooperation among diverse constituencies

Scope and depth of technical skills/knowledge:

• Demonstrated writing and editing abilities 
• Demonstrated ability to research legal matters and write summaries of legal research  
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while also working collaboratively with a team to develop and carry out projects and duties 
• Demonstrated ability to use computer technology consistent with duties and responsibilities 
• Demonstrated interest in learning a broad range of issues affecting the discipline of speech-language pathology, audiology, and speech and hearing sciences

Scope and depth of nontechnical skills/knowledge:

• Demonstrated ability to ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information/data under pressure 
• Demonstrated capacity for creative problem solving, strategic goal setting, and leadership 
• Demonstrated strong organizational and problem-solving skills to manage and track several projects simultaneously 
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail in writing and case review
• Demonstrated ability to recall, analyze, and organize information and make complex decisions 
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend complex problems and reach reasonable conclusions 
• Demonstrated ability to verbally communicate and to effectively interact with people in a positive manner 
• Demonstrated cross-cultural management skills

F. National Office EEO Policy:

It is the policy of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to provide equal opportunity to all employees without regard for race, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, veteran's status, age, sexual orientation or LGBT status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ASHA's Bylaws. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation and benefits, upward mobility, training and development, access to facilities, termination, and other personnel actions. Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, with a firm commitment from coaches at all levels within the organizational structure of the National Office, affirmative action will be taken to ensure the full utilization of members of racial/ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and Vietnam and disabled veterans within our workforce.

G. Disclaimer:

“This description is intended to provide an overview of the responsibilities and duties of the position. It is not all inclusive. The incumbent in the position will be expected to perform other duties as required. The responsibilities may change over time. This description is provided for informational purposes only and does not form the basis of a contract.”