Location: Boston,MA, USA
Job Profile Summary
This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical or cognitive impairment. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Audio/Speech Therapy related duties: Evaluates patients and uses sound therapy to improve physical and mental conditions. Responsibilities also include improving physical and mental conditions through treating a variety of speech disorders and communication difficulties. A management role that supervises employees focusing on tactical, operational activities within a specified area, with the majority of time spent overseeing area of responsibility, planning, prioritizing and/or directing the responsibilities of employees. Goal achievement is typically accomplished through performance of direct and/or indirect reports. A role that manages experienced professionals who exercise latitude and independence in assignments. Responsibilities typically include: policy and strategy implementation for short-term results (1 year or less), problems faced are difficult to moderately complex, and influences others outside of own job area regarding policies, practices and procedures.
Job Overview
This position evaluates auditory function of patients, counseling patients on hearing loss and communication disorders, in addition to discussing options for communication enhancement. The position offers and provides rehabilitation for patients within Audiology's realm of practice along with referring patients to other clinical services as appropriate. Works in close collaboration with the Department's Business Manager in overseeing and supervising the entire team of Audiologists and support staff with the goal of creating a smooth operation and flow of patients. This includes supporting the needs of the team of Otolaryngology physicians and their practices. Primary focus for this position will be the oversight of the clinical aspects of the Audiology division as well as overseeing and growing the Audiology program. Assists in the training and orientation of any new and incumbent Audiologists, medical and audiology students, as well as non-medical staff. Also responsible for supervision of other Audiology Staff.
Job Description
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Doctoral Degree in Audiology (AuD)
2. Audiologist license.
3. Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology granted by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.
4. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
5. Ten (10) years of clinical audiology experience including three (3) years in management-level roles.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Experience with implantable devices including osseointegrated devices and cochlear implants.
2. Experience dispensing hearing aids.
Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Evaluates auditory function of patients utilizing standard pure tone and speech tests, immittance tests, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, other site of lesion tests, including auditory brainstem response (ABR) evaluation.
2. Evaluates vestibular system with videonystamography (VNG) and/or vHIT procedures.
3. Independently evaluates and provides direct clinical services to patients who have hearing, balance, and related ear problems.
4. Interprets results and coordinates them with medical, and educational information to determine a course of treatment.
5. Effectively communicates diagnostic test results and proposed treatments to otolaryngologists.
6. Assesses of hearing aids and other amplification devices with verification techniques.
7. Assists in training medical and audiology students and non-medical staff.
8. Maintains clinic material and equipment including periodic calibration checks and motor repairs and adjustment.
9. Manages the coordination of audiological services and activities in the neighborhood health centers, schools and appropriate agencies.
10. May conduct research on types of—and treatment for—hearing, balance, and related disorders. Others design and develop equipment or techniques for evaluating and treating these disorders.
11. Interacts and works with related services, such as speech-language pathology, pediatrics, neonatology, etc. to ensure continuity of patient care.
12. Utilizes hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital's mission and goals.
13. Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
14. Contributes to the growth and expansion of the Audiology program ensuring that best practices are being followed.
15. Directs and supervises Audiology staff including performance evaluations, performance improvements, scheduling, orientation, and training. Makes decisions on employee hires, transfers, promotions, salary changes, disciplinary actions, terminations and similar actions.
16. Resolves grievances and other personnel problems within position responsibilities.
17. Provides effective direction, guidance and leadership over the staff to promote teamwork and motivation.
18. Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment.
19. Monitors the financial performance of the Audiology department. Provides oversight of development and management of the Audiology division.
20. Coordinates assignments of tasks for efficient utilization of available resources.
21. Collaborates with the Marketing team and directs the development of marketing programs & campaigns.
22. Responsible for the implementation and measurement of operational metrics, process improvement, procedural compliance, service plans, and performance.
Physical Requirements:
1. Professional office environment with typical office requirements such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc.
2. This is largely a sedentary role, which involves sitting most of the time, but may involve movements such as walking, standing, reaching, ascending / descending stairs and operate office equipment.
3. Frequently required to speak, hear, communicate and exchange information.
4. Able to see and read computers displays, read fine print, and/or normal type size print and distinguish letters, numbers and symbols.
5. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Skills & Abilities:
1. Requires knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of audiology, and the vestibular system the principles of human growth and development as applied to speech and language development, and counseling, communication and understanding the rehabilitative needs of the deaf and hard of hearing population for adults and pediatrics.
2. Ability to coach and provide training to medical and non-medical personnel in audiology, to plan, assign, coordinate, and evaluate work.
3. Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain harmonious relationships.
4. Ability to communicate effectively with excellent written skills for detailed report writing.
5. Proficient with standard Microsoft programs (i.e. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and web browsers.
Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at ...@tuftsmedicine.org.