Position: Instructional Specialist - Audiology

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Supervisor for Support Programs and Services, the Instructional Specialist - Audiology provides audiological management, including direct and indirect services to students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides direct and consultative audiological services and management to deaf/hard of hearing students who are based in a K-8th grade deaf/hard of hearing program, and/or as an itinerant in base schools, to include impedance measurements, stethoscope listening, Ling sound tests, and aural rehabilitation counseling;

Fit hearing students with amplification systems, including hearing aids, personal FM and sound field FM/infrared systems;

Make custom ear mold impressions;

Troubleshoot and maintain amplification systems;

Develops and implement IEPs for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind or multiple disabilities;

Participate and attend IEP meetings, including serving as the qualified examiner to determine eligibility for special education services as a hearing impaired or deaf student;

Collaborate with Instructional Specialists, audiologists, and teachers, and with outside audiologists, as needed in order to address student’s audiological needs;

Assist IEP Team members with accommodations and modifications for students with hearing impairments;

Provide service delivery and compliance support for PGCPS Audiologists;

Collaborate with personnel in the Human Resources department regarding the hiring of Audiologists;

Provide coordination and general oversight for Audiology services;

Provide professional development regarding Audiology services;

Identify and procure resources and equipment;

Maintain student database;

Conduct Audiologist observations as part of the evaluation process as needed;

Conduct staff observations and make recommendations, as needed;

Identify and promote best practices relative to the provision of Audiology services;

Participate in Deaf/ Hard of Hearing State Steering Committee meetings, as needed;

Attend special education leadership meetings and impart pertinent information to program staff;

Submit all required reports to federal, state and local agencies including the Department of Special Education;

Develop priorities and expenditures within predetermined budget allocations; and

Qualifications:

Broad knowledge of special education compliance and related services, communication options for hearing impaired students, FM technology and other amplification systems, cochlear implant habilitation, and parent education and training;

Pediatric audiology experience (five years), including pediatric diagnostic procedures and interpretation, amplification systems, FM technology, cochlear implants and bone anchored hearing aids;

Knowledge of special education process and communication/methodology options for deaf and hard of hearing students, including a flexible and individual approach to students’ needs;

Knowledge of the evaluation process for PGCEA staff;

Demonstrated skills in Leadership;

Provide general oversight of the implementation of the IEPs for students receiving Audiology services;

Ability to function as part of a multi-disciplinary team;

Computer literacy including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Access;

Excellent oral and communication skills; and

Effective human relations and interpersonal skills.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Audiology with five years of successful experience in Audiology; Doctorate preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform effectively in this position.

Certification:

Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A), American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA); Maryland State Licensure in Audiology; Administration I certification preferred; willingness to complete within two years required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Some program management oversight/responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

None.