MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No.2611
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND Grade 25
CLASS SPECIFICATION
AUDIOLOGIST
DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is professional work in the field of audiology providing diagnostic hearing evaluations and hearing aid evaluation/recommendations for residents of Montgomery County. Contacts include patients and their families; physicians, nurses and other members of health and social service fields; school officials, teachers, and speech pathologists; and vendors with the purpose of testing for and diagnosing hearing deficiencies, providing consultation and audiological services, resolving clinical evaluation problems and following up, recommending courses of action, and acquiring appropriate equipment. Public service and assistance is provided on demand through audiological testing to determine the nature and level of hearing loss, and what rehabilitative measures should be employed.
An employee in this class, working under the administrative supervision of a higher level position, employs a comprehensive knowledge of the field of audiology to perform otologic and hearing aid evaluations. The employee works independently, having full technical responsibility for the work performed, carrying out the work of evaluating patients, fitting adults and children with appropriate hearing aids, and evaluating their effectiveness. Although a physician approves medical clearance for patients to wear a hearing aid, the Audiologist determines and prescribes the most appropriate aid. While general guidelines are available, the employee must occasionally modify procedures in order to conduct hearing response tests and elicit responses. Complexity of the work is derived from the wide range of methods and processes involved, and the assessment of unusual data. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of multipli-handicapped and difficult to test children; interpretation of evoked response (brain stem testing, which measures nerve impulses of client when sedated) test results; and the evaluation of hearing following medical intervention. Successful performance of this work can positively impact children's ability to acquire an education by providing rehabilitation, and preventing an increase of handicapping conditions in children and adults. Performance of this work occasionally involves some unpleasantness due to exposure to human body fluids; and some risk resulting from exposure to communicable disease. Work is primarily sedentary in nature, as the Audiologist sees clients with scheduled appointments in an office setting.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Applies the science of audiology to testing for, evaluating, and modifying communication disorders.
Provides comprehensive otologic assessment services consisting of special auditory tests, prescription of amplification, electro-acoustic and clinical evaluation of hearing aid function, and evaluation of speech/reading capability.
Counsels patients and/or family concerning the results of the diagnostic evaluation and treatment recommendations.
Prepares reports on each patient's diagnostic evaluation and recommendations for treatment and follow-up.
Conducts periodic re-evaluations of patients.
Participates in case planning and patient management. Coordinates otologic services with available school/community programs.
Calculates and records statistics on demographics, diagnoses and course of action prescribed for each patient as a record and workload indicator.
Calibrates and provides preventive maintenance for diagnostic and rehabilitative equipment.
Prepares drafts and/or revisions of manuals, guides and resource materials pertaining to audiology for Montgomery County.
Participates in conferences and meetings to discuss case findings, resolving clinical evaluation problems, and to recommend courses of action.
Constructs ear molds, and fits ear molds and hearing aids.
Assists in orienting new audiology staff to the Hearing and ENT Clinic's policies and procedures.
Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Three (3) years experience in both pediatric and adult audiology, two (2) years of which must have been completed after obtaining the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology awarded by the American Speech and Hearing Association.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Audiology.
Equivalency: None.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of all phases of diagnostic audiological testing, test interpretation and aural rehabilitative procedures.
Considerable knowledge of hearing aid selection and testing procedures.
Ability to train and orient professional and non-professional staff.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County Health, Public School, and private sector colleagues.
Ability to attend meetings or perform other assignments at locations outside the office.
LICENSE:
Possession of a valid Maryland State license in Audiology.
Possession of a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology awarded by the American Speech and Hearing Association.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Individuals appointed to this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.
MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Limited Core Exam.
Class Established: July 1974
Revised: July 1977
June 1986
February 1994(M)