Health Technician (Audiology)

Summary The Health Technician (Audiology) (HTA) provides assistance to the audiologists in meeting the clinical needs of the patients served in the VA Iowa City VA Health Care System Audiology and Speech Pathology Service (ASPS). The duties and responsibilities are carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology service. The HTA supports the function of the clinical programs in ASPS. Qualifications 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. Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non‑citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). 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. 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. Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations are qualifying; for example, three months of comparable experience and one year above high school with a minimum of 6 semester hours related to the health care industry. Certification: Certification by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) as a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) is required for the HTA—GS‑08 assignment only. Foreign Education: Education completed outside the U.S. must be submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign credentials and must be deemed at least equivalent to U.S. programs. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: HTA—HTSLP or HTASLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English, or qualify under the Grandfathering Provision. Grade Determinations: HTA—GS‑04: None beyond basic requirements. HTA—GS‑05: One year of comparable experience or four academic years above high school with at least 24 semester hours related to the position; KSAs include knowledge of anatomy, communication skills, basic hearing assistive technologies, infection control, stock maintenance, and computer software. HTA—GS‑06: One year of progressive experience or equivalent; KSAs include knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy, hearing physiology, hearing aid technologies, problem solving, patient preparation, and documentation. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS‑4 to GS‑6. Physical Requirements: Applicants will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination. Responsibilities Patient instruction and counseling on hearing loss or hearing aids individually or in groups. Conduct hearing pass/fail screenings without interpretation. Perform non‑diagnostic otoscopy and cerumen management. Taking earmold impressions and hearing aid troubleshooting and repair. Provide basic hearing aid information for patients and caregivers. Perform listening checks on hearing aids and electroacoustic analysis of devices. Pair hearing aids and accessories via Bluetooth, program previously stored settings, activate remote controls. Manage office supplies, track loaner stock and hearing aid inventory. Schedule appointments, package and mail hearing aids and accessories. Process ROES transactions, certify and issue hearing aids, enter orders and repairs. Respond to routine inquiries from patients, including determining nature of hearing aid inquiry. Assist patients, visitors, and others requesting information. Manage infection control, patient safety, and clinical supplies for the audiology clinic. Maintain clean and disinfected instrumentation equipment and work surfaces. Work Schedule Full‑time. Monday‑Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. Compensation & Benefits Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases; higher step rate may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications. Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13‑26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays). Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment – up to 12 weeks paid parental leave. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days – eligible employees with total family income below $144,000 may receive subsidy up to 25% of eligible childcare costs. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contribution by VA. Health and 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. Functional Statement 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr