POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide individual counselling and case management for eligible Hearing Care Counselling (HCC) clients. Promote hearing health and communication options within the older adult population (age of 55 and up & hard of hearing or deafened) and within their network system and communities.  Promote the independence and empowerment of individuals with acquired hearing loss, so as to enhance daily functioning, safety and social access.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service:

• Accept referrals and assess older adults’ hearing care needs Intakes can be made in person, by email, fax or telephone
• Provide counselling and support to older adults and their families/caregivers in relation to hearing loss, tinnitus, menieres, and consequent issues by means of home visits or other contacts
• Provide instruction and support in establishing strategies for effective communication and coping skills
• Maintain assistive device display in office; including emergency short-term loaner devices for clients
• Provide crises and suicide intervention as needed
• Provide information and referrals for hearing health services
• Assess and make recommendations in relation to individual needs regarding assistive devices; devise and implement procedures and solutions to client communication needs using assistive devices.
• Demonstration and installation of assistive communication devices to clients in their homes and community; and provide general instruction on the use, care and maintenance 
• Provide client appropriate instruction and counselling on specific device applications tailored to the client’s needs
• Provide hearing aid orientation and adjustment to amplification
• Processing of communication device sales to clients; and/or assist in the preparation of and provide referrals for financial assistance in obtaining hearing aids and assistive devices
• Provide referrals to appropriate external agencies and services
• Liaise, act as resource and consult with other counsellors, agencies and services in relation to program information and confidential client information
• Attend case conferences in relation to client requirements
• Provide information and education to clients about hearing loss and the older adult, community resources, CHS services and relevant policies and procedures
• Plan, organize, and implement Hearing Help Classes and other group workshops
• Demonstrate safe use of the audioscope and audiometer
• Initiate, facilitate and maintain support groups
• Provide follow up services to clients
• Make requests, linkages, phone calls, complete paperwork and/or communicate on behalf of clients, where communication and/or illness and frailty restrict clients’ ability to act or advocate
• Support clients and their families to deal with related issues or isolation, loneliness, and decreasing quality of life
• Provide Hearing Health Care Clinics in residential facilities.  This includes otoscopy, hearing screenings and presentations.
• Other duties as assigned

Administration:

• Initiate, maintain and update accurate client files as required by CHS policies and procedures and funder guidelines
• Initiate and follow up on correspondence and phone calls from clients, general public and other referral sources including government and agency contacts
• Maintain accurate records and statistics in hard copy and on the database
• Complete ongoing research and maintain information on community resources, government programs etc.
• Provide appropriate back up support in the absence of other staff
• Provide program reports (E.g. budgetary, statistical summaries)
• Update and maintain resource information and files
• Develop and provide cultural adaptation of resource materials on hearing loss and the older adult
• Other duties as assigned

Community Education:

• Represent the needs of hard-of-hearing older adults internally (CHS) and externally
• Act as a resource and provide presentations in the older adult community on hearing loss
• Act as resource and provide in‑service training to other community agencies, professionals, educational institutions, support and other groups on hearing loss and the elderly
• Advocate for hearing accessibility in the community
• Assist in the training and supervising of volunteers/student placements with regional programs and utilize their services appropriately
• Represent CHS at public events including conferences, health fairs and other information sessions
• Participate in and/or provide hearing screenings to the older adult community
• Promote program through external contacts e.g. media, interviews etc.
• Participate in community projects, fundraising, and specialized campaigns e.g. United Way, May Month etc.
• Represent CHS on external committees related to older adult issues
• Participate in internal committees/working groups
• Represent the issues and consequences of hearing loss/tinnitus to third party funders, insurance companies, CPP, government programs, etc.

Professional Development:

• Attend internal staff meetings
• Attend and participate in workshops/seminars related to position
• Acquire expertise in the use, installation, and application of communication devices for the elderly
• Keep up-to-date on issues and information related to position and agency
• Acquire and maintain ASL proficiency requirement for the position (Level 4)

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Reports to Regional Program Manager; York Region

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Services field, nursing with a specialization in Gerontology, or equivalent
• Three to five years counselling experience with the elderly
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in the field of hearing loss
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Internet and database
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, maturity and tact
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) or willingness to learn
• Demonstrated sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment
• Lifting small equipment
• Regular local travel e.g. client visits; occasional out of town travel e.g. ASL classes, professional development, retreat, etc.
• Valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle