Newborn Hearing Screener

QUALIFICATIONS
* Grade 12 Education (MB Standards)
* Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology Rehabilitation Assistant course (or equivalent); or Health Care Aide Certificate from a recognized program
* Minimum of one (1) year experience working in a health care setting
* Experience working with newborns, infants and children
* Demonstrated computer skills including accurate word processing at 40 words per minute and working with Microsoft Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel), databases and internet
* Province of Manitoba Class 5 Drivers License, and access to a personal vehicle to provide service within Prairie Mountain Health
* Demonstrated organizational skills, and the ability to work independently
* Demonstrated communication skills
* Demonstrated flexibility to facilitate changes in techniques and procedures
* Ability to display independent judgment
* Ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population
* Ability to respect and promote confidentiality
* Ability to perform the duties of the position on a regular basis

POSITION SUMMARY

The Newborn Hearing Screener works under the supervision of an Audiologist and reports to the Manager of Therapy Services. The Newborn Hearing Screener identifies infants to screen according to established provincial and regional guidelines. The Screener monitors and troubleshoots hearing screening equipment, reviews edits and disseminates client materials, documents and communicates results as well as schedules and arranges follow up appointment according to the program protocols. The Screener works collaboratively with nursing staff in maternity units and audiology staff in the identification of, completion of and documentation of the hearing screening of the newborn. The Newborn Hearing Screener functions under the Vision, Mission and Strategic Priorities of Prairie Mountain Health while following the established evidence based practices, protocols and required education developed for the Manitoba Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overview:

1. Identifies infants who are ready/eligible for hearing screening.
2. Explains process of screening and outcomes to family/caregivers.
3. Administers computerized hearing screenings to newborns/infants who meet the established criteria following established protocols/policies/procedures including skin preparation, attaching electrodes (if needed), inserting ear tips into the ear canal and/or placing earphones over the infants external ears in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
4. Identifies and explains to family/caregivers the need for follow up as required.
5. Documents screening opt out/refusal or pass/referral results in client health information records as well as other documentation as required including into the provincial data system and other regional electronic systems.
6. Disseminates client materials including information brochures and correspondence to family/caregivers.
7. Documents identified risk factors for hearing loss as identified in client health information records or through other established protocols/policies/procedures.
8. Communicates screening results to other professionals as required per established protocols/policies/procedures.
9. Schedules newborns/infants for follow up appointments and refers to the appropriate location for diagnostic hearing assessments per established protocols/policies/procedures.
10. Monitors and troubleshoots the functioning of screening equipment including the cleaning and disinfecting of units following each client use.
11. Maintains supply and equipment inventories, identifies requirements, prepares order requisitions and maintains related supply/inventory records.
12. Performs administrative support duties as requested, including scheduling appointments, inputting data into computer programs and compiling information as needed.
13. Maintains knowledge of emergency procedures and acts on them as needed.
14. Compiles and collates screening information packages as required.
15. Maintains confidentiality of client and staff information.
16. Understands and adheres to the Manitoba Speech and Hearing Association’s Guidelines for the Use of Support Personnel in Audiology (2009) and the Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (2004) Supportive Personnel Guidelines Working with Audiologists.
17. Sundry duties as assigned.