Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

Summary This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6) - Richmond VA Medical Center (VAMC) - Audiology Service. The duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology service. The health technician supports the function of the clinical programs in Audiology. Qualifications 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 English Language Proficiency: Health Technician (HIS) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f) Experience and Education: Experience: Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists Education: Successful completion of two academic years above high school that includes coursework related to the field: hearing science - human anatomy and physiology - hearing instrument science - gerontology - psychology or other general healthcare areas Foreign Education: To be creditable - education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials NOTE: There is no combination of education and experience which can be substituted for the basic requirements Licensure or Registration: Individuals must hold a full - current and unrestricted license or registration to practice as a HIS in a state - territory - commonwealth or the District of Columbia Board Certification: Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) 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 Health Technician (HIS) - GS-05: Experience: None beyond the basic requirements Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of basic anatomy of the head and neck Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines Skill in using basic computer software to complete tasks such as using email - creating spreadsheets and word processing Ability to communicate orally and in writing Ability to follow verbal and written instructions Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories Health Technician (HIS) - GS-06: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade - GS-05 Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy Knowledge of hearing aids - hearing assistive technology - hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software Skill in documenting patient procedures and patient devices Skill in providing patient education for hearing aid use - including assisting patient with hearing aid insertion - removal and hygiene (cleaning and disinfection) Ability to provide patient education and training regarding hearing loss and communication strategies for various listening situations Ability to solve problems or make decisions regarding hearing aids - hearing assistive technology and patient care that is consistent with the documented and co-signed plan of care under the supervision of an audiologist Ability to prepare patient - equipment - and/or environment for audiology procedures Ability to provide triage of patient telephone calls or audiology requests The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06 Physical Requirements Light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds) Use of fingers and both hands required Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other Mental and Emotional Stability Works outside and inside Works closely with others Ability to distinguish basic colors Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid permitted) Duties Primary responsibility is for patient care - supporting diagnostic and treatment procedures - patient charting and patient education - which do not require a full professional audiology education or knowledge and skills represented by audiology licensure Support functions include both direct patient care and administrative duties Duties include but are not limited to: Hearing aid troubleshooting and repair Performing visual and auditory checks of hearing aids and hearing assistive technology - including all hearing aid accessories as well as alerting devices (troubleshoots performance) Provide basic hearing aid information for patients and caregivers consistent with the audiologist's treatment plan Assists patients through triaging phone calls and audiology requests with regards to priority and urgency - following the audiologist's plan of care Fabricating earmold impressions with proper (non-diagnostic) otoscopy Order earmolds based on plan of care through prosthetics or DLC and fitting and modifying earmolds Total Rewards: Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm; Recruitment Incentive: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases; When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade) Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance; Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position #J-18808-Ljbffr