Clinical Audiologist

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

POSITION TITLE:
Audiologist

Primary Location:
Department of Veteran Affairs

GRADE:
GS-12

• GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Audiologists at this level operate as autonomous professionals and are recognized as functioning at the full performance tier.

This role is situated within the Audiology Service, contributing to the overall mission of the Department of Veteran Affairs.

The responsibilities encompass all clinical and patient care settings related to the service.

The incumbent serves as a staff audiologist.

The staff audiologist executes comprehensive audiological assessments to ascertain the nature and extent of hearing impairment, evaluates the necessity for amplification, assesses and measures the efficacy of amplification, and identifies the need for rehabilitation and counseling for veterans experiencing hearing loss and their families.

The staff audiologist conducts and interprets various methods, including behavioral, electroacoustic, or electrophysiological techniques, to evaluate hearing, tinnitus, balance, and neural system functionality.

• FUNCTIONS

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent at this level will assume complete accountability for their principal duties and responsibilities.

In executing the clinical duties and responsibilities of this role, the incumbent will:

A.

Plan, conduct, and coordinate all clinical and administrative facets of a comprehensive range of services associated with modern audiology practice.

B. Perform clinical responsibilities, including direct patient care involving a full spectrum of audiology and treatment services.

This encompasses the selection and fitting of hearing aids and other amplification systems, as well as the fitting of hearing protection and custom ear protection devices, aural rehabilitation, auditory brainstem response (ABR), otoacoustic emissions, balance assessments, and counseling for hearing-impaired veterans and their family members/caretakers.

C.

Identify and assess individuals with hearing disorders affecting the reception and perception of speech, language, and other acoustic signals across a diverse range of patient complexities.

D.

Administer a comprehensive array of tests and evaluate the type and degree of hearing loss for patients who may be unable to provide consistent and reliable responses to diagnostic techniques.

E.

Be responsible for planning, delivering, and monitoring the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of patient-centered treatment and rehabilitative services for patients with significant physical and psychological complicating conditions.

F.

Duties will include, but are not limited to, the selection and fitting of all types of hearing aids, programming of digital hearing aids, selection and fitting of assistive devices, and assistive listening devices such as personal and FM amplifiers, telephone amplifiers, and radio or TV devices for special communication challenges.

G. Inspect, modify, and repair amplification devices, ear molds, and assistive devices.
H.

Plan, conduct, and coordinate auditory rehabilitation and tinnitus programs for patients; design patient-centered treatment plans to assist patients and caregivers in maximizing and restoring physical and social functioning to the greatest extent possible.

I. Complete all documentation in accordance with local facility and national policies.
J.

Communicate effectively, including participation in regular staff meetings, interdisciplinary health care team meetings as appropriate, reviewing policies and procedures, and attending in-service training as directed by supervisory staff.

K.

Stay current with audiological advancements, maintain professional competency by engaging with professional journals and participating in continuing education activities and professional learning experiences, and by collaborating with other professionals in the field and related disciplines.

L. Maintain proper maintenance and calibration of specialized electroacoustic instrumentation.
M. Acquire and maintain current knowledge related to the technical aspects of clinical instruments as well as calibration instruments.

EDUCATION
A. Remain updated with theory and practice through continuing education programs, journals, textbooks, and other literature, and in-service programs.
B. Provide patient and family education, including informed consent.

ADMINISTRATIVE
A. Maintain patient records and other data required by the clinic, service, and medical center.
B. Ensure maintenance of supplies, equipment, and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency.
C. Adhere to applicable informed consent and privacy regulations, safeguarding patient rights.
D.

May perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial.

• SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The incumbent operates under the general supervision of the Service Chief of Audiology. The incumbent is expected to perform independently at their full performance level.

Program goals and objectives are provided to the incumbent, and the employee is responsible for

planning and executing assignments, resolving conflicts, coordinating tasks with others as necessary, and interpreting policy regarding their own initiative with respect to established facility objectives.

The incumbent may be asked to determine the approach and methodology to be taken in some assigned tasks/projects. The incumbent will keep the Service Chief informed of progress and any potentially controversial matters.

• QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

Refer to VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G29, AUDIOLOGIST, Qualification Standard, GS-0665.

• AGE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

The incumbent provides a full range of audiology evaluation, assessment, and treatment services to young adult, middle adult, and older adult (65+) veterans.

Works independently, exercises clinical judgment in addressing complex clinical decisions and daily challenges, and coordinates with other disciplines concerning total patient care using professional knowledge and skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles, and methodologies.

• DEVELOPMENTAL AND CULTURAL COMPETENCIES

The incumbent will provide services to all veterans regardless of developmental and/or cultural differences.

The incumbent will possess or develop an understanding of the particular needs of all patients with sensitivity to these special needs.

• COMPUTER SECURITY

The incumbent will protect printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy.

The employee will safeguard the data from unauthorized release, loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.

Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the incumbent signs.

The incumbent utilizes word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda, and transmitting and receiving mail.

The incumbent employs applications in the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA), Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), and other authorized data sources to access information pertinent to the performance of these duties and responsibilities.

• REUSABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

The incumbent will have and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the processes for Reusable Medical Equipment (RME), including knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
which document the processes and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of Reusable Medical Equipment.

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