Audiologist

Summary This position is located in the Audiology & Speech Pathology Section of PM&R Service at the Memphis VA Medical Center. The duties and responsibilities are carried out at the Millington – TN CBOC, at the Memphis VAMC, and other associated Community Based Outpatient Clinics as needed. Qualifications United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: (1) Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from an audiology program recognized by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (ASHA). (2) Other doctoral degree in hearing science or a directly related field from an institution accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CAA is the only accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit entry‑level audiology programs. The HR office staff and management officials may verify the program accredited from CAA at Licensure: Individuals must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice audiology at the doctoral level in a United States state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia (copy of licensure required). Grandfathering Provision: All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties described are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure. For employees not meeting all basic requirements but previously met the qualifications at the time of appointment, specific provisions apply regarding reassignment, promotion limits, and re‑entry requirements (see detailed list in the original description). Grade Determinations: Audiologist – GS‑12 Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS‑11). Audiologists perform audiology assessment and treatment intervention, exercise clinical judgment, adapt clinical procedures and techniques, and document in the medical record. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (a) Skill in determining nature, type, and severity of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders. (b) Skill in counseling patients and family members regarding management of disorders. (c) Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in audiology to other health care professionals. (d) Ability to independently apply contemporary audiologic treatments to the full range of patient populations. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting, bending, reaching, stooping, stretching, and light lifting (under 15 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; repeated bending (.5 hours); near vision correctable at 1‑3 inches to Jaeger 1 to 4; hearing with aid. Applicants must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Duties The staff audiologist at this level is an independent licensed practitioner and must demonstrate professional knowledge of a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies of the practice of audiology to a wide range of populations. Major duties include identifying and evaluating individuals with hearing disorders in face‑to‑face or virtual modalities. Autonomously selects and administers the full range of tests utilizing a variety of specialized audiologic assessment procedures to provide audiometric information. Counsels patients regarding the psychological/social problems that result from hearing loss, including complex cases requiring referrals. Performs audiometric compensation/pension reports as prescribed and provides evaluation and interpretation of results in accordance with existing legislative and regulatory provisions. Writes reports and medical opinions in CAPRI. Performs advanced differential test procedures such as auditory brainstem response testing, acoustic reflexes, video nystagmography, cervical/ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, electrocochleography, and otoacoustic emissions. Performs regular biological calibration of equipment. Autonomously prescribes, selects, and fits hearing aids, including those utilizing the newest technologies and special assistive devices (ALD). Independently performs hearing aid evaluation, delivering appropriate aural rehabilitation, counseling, and patient education. Completes real‑ear testing to verify appropriate fittings. Independently plans and administers aural rehabilitation programs for patients needing special assistance in adjusting to amplification. Works with patient and family members to remediate communication problems. Autonomously evaluates and troubleshoots hearing aid problems during patient evaluations and at the Hearing Aid Repair clinic. Performs necessary adjustments, in‑house repairs/modifications, and re‑instructs patients regarding hearing aid care and realistic benefit from amplification. Conducts cerumen management/removal when necessary. Aids in opening mail‑ins and assists with mail‑outs when needed. Certifies repaired and new aids in the ROES system in a timely manner. Assists health tech with hearing aid repairs when needed and sees hearing aid repairs when deemed necessary by the Audiology Supervisor. Assists with reordering hearing aid supplies when a need is evident. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 51117-F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. #J-18808-Ljbffr