Position Overview

The USC Caruso Family Center for Childhood Communication seeks an Educational Specialist with a focus on serving the deaf and hard of hearing to support the Cochlear Implant Program for pediatric and adult patients. This role involves coordinating patient navigation, maintaining referral rates, managing communications with healthcare providers, and providing educational resources to families and school districts.

The hourly rate range for this position is $46.69 - $60.10. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidates work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Specialist Responsibilities:

• Provide educational guidance to families regarding IEP processes, adaptations, and modifications to support student success.

• Collaborate with school district service providers to assess the child's auditory skills and educational needs.

• Offer support and resources for children transitioning to post-secondary education, including connecting them with vocational rehabilitation services.

• Complete educational evaluations for pediatric cochlear implant candidates.

Patient Navigation:

• Guide patients through the cochlear implant evaluation and surgical process, including pre-activation appointments and device selection.

• Monitor the evaluation process, prompting patients and families as needed to ensure timely completion of necessary actions.

• Maintain communication with CHLA and other stakeholders throughout the scheduling and authorization processes.

Clinical Care Coordination:

• Maintain and track referral statistics for cochlear implant evaluations, especially for pediatric patients.

• Oversee and maintain records to ensure compliance with California Children's Services (CCS).

• Liaise with Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to update and refine clinical protocols.

• Collaborate with pediatric audiologists to assess potential cochlear implant candidates and review their audiological records.

• Facilitate communication with families regarding the cochlear implant process, ensuring they understand necessary steps and educational resources.

• Conduct educational counseling during clinical appointments for patients and their caregivers.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the Keck EMR system, including patient data, treatment plans, and correspondence.

• Compile and submit documentation for CCS and other relevant agencies, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Program Development:

• Develop and implement protocols for cochlear implant evaluations in collaboration with the OHNS audiology team.

Minimum Education: Masters Education of the Deaf (DHH), Master's degree In Speech and Hearing Science, Master's degree in Communication Disorders or related field(s)Minimum Experience: 1 year Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experienceMinimum QualificationsValid Education Specialist Instruction Credential in Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Ability to consult with teachers and suggest teaching strategies.Experience with cochlear implant evaluation process for adult and pediatric populations. Experience with current methods and techniques for evaluating children's hearing.Strong understanding of the Individual Educational Program (IEP) and Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) educational resources for children with hearing loss.Demonstrated interpersonal, critical thinking, and analytical skills, with ability to communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of students, parents, and other stakeholders.Excellent written communication skills and an exemplary attention to detail.Preferred QualificationsKnowledge of American Sign Language and deaf cultureAudio Verbal Therapist (AVT) SpecializationExperience with educational outreach.Experience with various auditory training techniques.

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