Audiologist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established January 30, 1980

Scope

This series specification describes three levels in the Audiologist series.

Definition of Series

Audiologists administer specialized measuring devices and tests for identification of hearing impairment to the developmentally disabled and mentally disabled; interpret and evaluate the results; provide aural rehabilitative services; give training in audiological treatment techniques to parents and employees; participate in research and development of new diagnostic and treatment techniques.

Definition of Levels

Audiologist I

Audiologist I, Departments of Mental Health and Developmental

Services

This is the working level in this series. Under direction, incumbents in these classes administer diagnostic tests to identify residents with hearing impairments and to determine the nature and extent of hearing disorders; provide individual and group habilitative and rehabilitative services; prepare reports and summaries on diagnosis, prognosis, progress, and recommendations for assigned cases; confer with teachers, parents, and employees regarding progress and treatment; train parents and ward or unit employees in therapeutic procedures and methods of motivation; coordinate therapy with other treatment personnel; participate in research projects; may supervise the work of Audiologist License Applicants.

Audiologist II

This is the full supervisory level in this series. Under general direction, incumbents in this class plan, organize and supervise an aural rehabilitation clinic for the developmentally disabled and mentally disabled residents in a State hospital and coordinate with other therapy or instructional programs and ward or unit employees; plan, organize, and direct institutionwide screening of hearing disorders; provide individual and group aural therapy related to hearing disorders; conduct in-service training for lay and professional workers in recognition and treatment of hearing impairments and related communicative disabilities; attend clinics and keep notes; develop, direct and participate in research projects; supervise the work of a small staff of Audiologists I and Audiologist License Applicants.

Minimum Qualifications

Audiologist I

Audiologist I, Departments of Mental Health and Developmental

Services

Possession of a valid license to practice audiology in California as determined by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee of the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance. (Includes possession of a Master's Degree in Audiology or deemed equivalent as defined by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee.) (Applicants who are in the process of securing approval of their qualifications by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee will be admitted to the examination but they must meet all the legal requirements in order to be eligible for appointment.)

Audiologist II

Possession of a valid license to practice audiology in California as determined by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee of the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance. (Includes possession of a Master's Degree in Audiology or deemed equivalent as defined by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee.) (Applicants who are in the process of securing approval of their qualifications by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee will be admitted to the examination but they must meet all the legal requirements in order to be eligible for appointment.) and Either I One year of experience performing the duties of an Audiologist I or Audiologist I, Departments of Mental Health and Developmental Services, in California state service.

Or II

Two years of experience in the diagnosis and correction of hearing disorders. (Possession of an earned doctorate in audiology or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Audiologist I

Audiologist I, Departments of Mental Health and Developmental

Services

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of audiology; diagnostic and measurement techniques applicable to the evaluation of hearing disorders; physical, physiological and psychological basis of hearing impairment; principles of psychology and teaching; child growth and development of children with hearing impairment; non-oral communication systems such as sign language.

Ability to: Administer various types of diagnostic tests measuring hearing disorders, interpret and evaluate test results; adapt remedial aural rehabilitation techniques to the needs of the developmentally disabled and mentally disabled; supervise and instruct others in audiological evaluation and treatment techniques to meet the needs of the developmentally disabled; supervise and instruct others in audiological evaluation and treatment techniques.

Audiologist II

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles of effective supervision; the department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: All of the above, and train, direct, and evaluate the work of others; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Sympathetic and objective understanding of the developmentally disabled and mentally disabled; tolerance, tact, emotional stability; willingness to work in a State institution.

Additional Desirable Qualification

All Levels:

Certification of clinical competence in audiology by the American Speech and Hearing Association.

Drug Testing Requirement

Audiologist I, Departments of Mental Health and Developmental

Services

Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement.

Class History