Hearing Instrument Specialist Trainee (Waterloo, IA)

Audibel; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 33,117; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid sick and safe time

6 paid holidays annually

Job summary

Audibel is seeking a Hearing Instrument Sales Specialist Trainee in Waterloo, Iowa. This role focuses on training for all aspects of hearing aid fittings, service, and sales, including patient counseling and remote services through TeleHear. Candidates will require a high school diploma, with a preference for those with sales experience in the healthcare sector.

The position offers benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and continuing education opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school education required; college degree preferred.
• 1+ years of sales experience preferred in healthcare or technical field.
• Knowledge of the hearing aid industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and instruction to patients.
• Conduct comprehensive hearing evaluations.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and service hearing instruments.
• Work with patients via TeleHear.

Skills

Problem solving

Verbal communication

Analytical abilities

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Sciences

Tools

Online computer systems

Job description

At Starkey Retail, we are setting a new standard for excellence in hearing healthcare through our commitment to the Patient Journey philosophy. This philosophy is driven by the unique needs of our patients and our dedication to guiding them in choosing the best hearing solutions to enhance their lifestyle and overall well‑being.

This role is an employment opportunity with Northland Hearing Centers, Inc. (referred to as "Starkey Retail"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Starkey Laboratories, Inc. All Starkey Retail positions are covered under Northland Hearing Centers, Inc.’s benefit and compensation programs.

The Hearing Instrument Sales Specialist Trainee will be trained in all aspects of hearing aid fittings, service/repairs, and sales, including product knowledge, testing, diagnosis of hearing loss, fittings and sales of hearing products and accessories, patient counseling, and aural rehabilitation. They will also be trained and prepared to meet and provide services to patients remotely through Starkey's TeleHear program. HIS trainees must complete the requisite for a dispensing license and practice within applicable state law prior to obtaining said licensure. Starkey will sponsor, train and fund the process and fees of obtaining said license.

The training program will include the apprentice working with their assigned sponsor. Trainees will receive additional training via job shadowing of other practitioners, which may include travel to other locations. Study materials, testing fees, and travel arrangements will be paid by Starkey.

Approach and Deployment

• Provide Patient Journey Experience through counseling and instruction.
  • Complete requirements for state temporary license.
• Learn to conduct patient diagnostics.
  • Train with licensed specialists to complete practicum hours. This may include travel to other regions to work with a variety of experienced specialists.
  • Learn to conduct comprehensive hearing evaluations to identify type and degree of hearing loss.
  • Learn to make appropriate recommendations based on hearing test results.
• Become proficient in troubleshooting, repairing and servicing all types of hearing instruments and accessories.
  • Attend the Patient Journey Protocol class and observe other specialists in their practice of the Patient Journey.
• Train with a Specialist or Audiologist on difficult fittings.
  • Learn the Starkey product line and programming of hearing instruments. Travel to Starkey training events may be required.
• Learn tactics and styles of hearing aid sales and accessories.
  • Train and work with patients via TeleHear.
  • Train with area specialists on patient care, ensuring the comfort of the patient and understanding their needs and requests.
  • Learn how to use the TeleHear tools for working with patients remotely, including programs such as TEAMS, VSEE and GoTo Meeting and understanding of online tools to adjust and fit patients offsite.

Results – Performance Measures

• Attendance at meetings
• Create a calendar for each location
• Assessment of dispensing skills
• Patient Satisfaction
• Providing timely data for insurance billing
• Diagnostic skills

Other Duties

• Support Northland Employee Corporate and/or Department Guidelines
• Check and verify quality
• Support corporate health and safety objectives
• React to change productively and handle other essential duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Education: High school required; college degree preferred or equivalent work history in a healthcare or technical field; Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Sciences/Communication Disorders is ideal.
• Experience: 1+ years of sales experience preferred and/or background in medical or hearing aid industry.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of the hearing aid industry is a plus.
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Ability to organize and execute a plan
  • Good problem solving, analytical abilities, verbal and written communication, organizational and interpersonal skills required
  • Comfortable working with online computer systems and programs
  • Public speaking experience and training

The annual hourly rate for this position ranges from $19.00 - $24.04 per hour. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is eligible for commissions based upon performance results. There is no guarantee of payout.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Hearing aid benefits
• PTO
• Paid sick and safe time
• 6 paid holidays annually

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.