Kent ISD Audiologist

Educational Audiologists deliver a range of hearing and hearing device services to all children within Kent County.  Educational audiologists are members of the school multidisciplinary team who facilitate listening opportunities and communication access via specialized auditory assessments; personal hearing instruments; recommend, fit and manage hearing assistance technology; provide and recommend support services and resources; and advocate on behalf of the students. Educational audiologists provide evidence for needed services and technology, emphasize auditory access and learning supports for students with reduced hearing, counsel children to promote personal responsibility and self-advocacy, maintain student performance levels, collaborate with private sector audiologists, assist with student transitions and partner with other school professionals to work most effectively to facilitate student learning and chosen communication strategies.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid sick and personal days
• State of Michigan School Employment retirement program
• PSLF/SAVE eligible employer

Qualifications

• Fluent in American Sign Language, preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of basic technology, and proficiency in software related to Special Education and Audiological Services.
• Knowledge and experience working with students with cognitive impairments and/or autism is preferred.
• Knowledge of effective project management and possess strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work constructively with parents, students, staff, and community agencies.
• Strong problem-solving and dispute resolution skills.
• Ability to drive between buildings, local school districts and community sites.
• Demonstrates the ability to examine the impact of educational inequities in student achievement outcomes as it aligns with race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
• Must pass criminal background check as required by School Safety Legislation.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current federal, state special education laws and local guidelines as related to students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• Provide diagnostic and support services to infants, children/students with reduced hearing. Apply research based best practices.
• Collaborate with staff and implement county/district initiatives.
• Select and implement appropriate hearing evaluation procedures (including behavioral observation, case history information, standardized tests, and informal tests) as determined by students’ abilities.
• Interpret evaluation findings accurately.
• Provide hearing aid services including real ear measurements with speech mapping verification, and audiometric assessments (including air conduction, bone conduction, functional listening evaluations, speech reception threshold, speech discrimination, middle ear function, and otoacoustic emissions).
• Develop and modify goals, objectives, materials, and activities to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of students.
• Evaluate function of hearing aids and Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) units in relation to student’s needs and hearing loss.
• Set HAT units and make ear impressions for earpieces.
• Create and maintain an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to students’ abilities.
• Schedule and prioritize activities (including coordination day duties) as designated by departmental requirements.
• Counsel parents, teachers, students concerning the nature/alleviation/elimination/effect of communication options.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with staff, students, parents, and community agencies; collaborates effectively with them to develop, implement, and evaluate intervention strategies.
• Participate in the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team/Individual Educational Planning Team Meeting and 504 Plan process as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, confidential and electronic records as required by privacy laws, district policy, and administrative regulation; submit same at designated times.
• Evaluate personal professional strengths; participate in workshops, in-service opportunities, and other activities to improve skills.
• Plan and conduct in-service activities for parents, agencies, and school staff.
• Provide professional consultation with students, parents, and staff.
• Attend school and departmental meetings as required.
• Provide professional development to school staff to update them on special education laws and best practice strategies to improve student achievement.
• Coordinate and direct Audiology Technicians.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.