The Health Technician (Audiology) - Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) is assigned to the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service of the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, Shreveport, La. The duties and responsibilities are carried out in all clinical and patient care areas involved with the Audiology service. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and Education. (1) Experience. Six months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. OR (2) Education. Successful completion of two academic years above high school leading to an associate degree or a bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the position. OR (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. An example of a combination of experience/education is three months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled and one year above high school with a minimum of 6 semester hours related to the health care industry. Grandfathering Provision. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: HTA, GS-06 (1) Experience. Completion of one year of progressive experience and/or experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy. Knowledge of hearing physiology and function to educate patients and families. Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software. Ability to solve problems or make decisions regarding hearing aid, hearing assistive technology and patient care, consistent with the documented and co-signed plan of care under the supervision of an audiologist. Ability to prepare patients for testing procedures. Ability to document and code patient procedures. Preferred Experience: Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist References: VA Handbook 5005/143 May 13, 2021, PART II APPENDIX G70 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: The duties of this position require periods of sitting, standing, walking, repeated bending (both legs required), light lifting / carrying (15-20 pounds) occasionally, the use of fingers (both hands required), and reaching above the shoulder area. Patient transport occasionally requires the pushing of wheelchairs. Rapid mental, muscular, and fine motor coordination simultaneously is required. Ability to distinguish basic colors, shades of colors and periods of long periods of reading from a monitor or computer screen (up to 8 hours). Ability to hear (hearing aid permitted). ["Duties include but not limited to: Completing visual and auditory checks of hearing aids and hearing assistive technology-including all hearing aid accessories, as well as, alerting devices (troubleshoots performance) Registering, certifying and tracking prosthetic devices (hearing aids, hearing aid accessories and assistive devices) Assisting in set up and delivery of face-to-face and telehealth visits by preparing the equipment for patient evaluation and other audiology procedures, including, but not limited to daily biologic listening calibration of audiometric equipment and calibration of real-ear equipment Fabricates earmold impressions with proper otoscopy Orders earmolds based on plan of care through prosthetics or DLC and fits and modifies earmolds, if necessary Provides patient care in hearing aid repair appointments consistent with the audiologist treatment plan and provides counselling including, but not limited to realistic expectations, communication strategies and/or aural rehabilitation. Maintains a comprehensive supply and equipment tracking systems to include; monitoring stock of RME and consumable items Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 667-00252-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
