Job Description Responsibilities:

• Performs pre-testing procedures including safe transport of newborns following protocol of hospital infant security system and identification, proper placement of sensor tabs and transducer of sound, and ensures proper equipment function, troubleshooting and reporting issues as necessary. 

• Calms and comforts baby while test is being performed.  Monitors noise in environment of testing and adjusts/modifies/controls to reduce noise levels when necessary.
• Independently performs hearing screening on all newborns and infants prior to their discharge in accordance with Ohio Department of Health rules and facility protocol using the appropriate objective method:  Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) and/or Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR).

• Communicates the results of the screening(s) and follow up (if needed) to the patients' family in a confidential, culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.  Provides test results and answers questions after extensive training by the Audiologist who serves as the Coordinator.

• Provides written documentation of results in accordance with the law to caregivers and primary care provider within appropriate timelines.
• Appropriately documents required information including quality assurance activities.
• Follows policies and procedures regarding baby care within work environment.  Escalates issues to the appropriate clinical function.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• High school diploma. 
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in an allied health field may offset experience requirement.

Complexity of Work:

• Commits to team atmosphere for 7 day coverage of service and flexibility of unpredictable daily patient load.
• Ensures and maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA guidelines and Cleveland Clinic Policy.
• Requires critical thinking, decisive judgment.
• Must be able to work in dynamic ever changing environment and take appropriate actions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Ability to interact professionally with all levels of hospital Staff, patients and families. 
• Must be aware of the scope of practice – especially when communicating with the parents and know their limits of information they can provide.
• Must be detail-oriented.
• Must be organized with good time management skills.
• Must be a team member and assist other newborn hearing screenings, when needed and work on the team of all providers who care for the newborns/infants in the well-baby nursery or the NICU; and parents while in the hospital.

Work Experience

• Minimum one year of experience in a hospital setting or working with infants. 

Physical Requirements

• Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time; must lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Requires normal or corrected hearing and vision to normal range.
• Requires some exposure to communicable disease or body fluids.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Appropriately follows universal hand washing procedures.
• Performs all required infection control in accordance with current policies.