Audiologist

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval – award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Qualifications Applicants pending 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. English Language Proficiency: Audiologist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from an audiology program recognized by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (ASHA). The 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. HR office staff and management officials may verify the program accredited by CAA at 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. Licensure: Applicants 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. Non‑licensed audiologists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate audiologist at the GS‑11 grade under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2) for a period not to exceed two years from the date of employment, provided that these audiologists provide care only under the supervision of fully licensed audiologists. A copy of valid current license and transcripts with conferral of degree date should be submitted with the application package. Qualification Standards: Candidates may qualify as a covered Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (applicable only to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS‑11 Audiologist qualifications include basic requirements and the following KSAs: knowledge of principles and techniques in assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders; ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice; ability to interact with patients, families, and other health‑care professionals. Functional Assignment: Employees at this grade level serve in audiologist entry‑level developmental positions; audiologists perform assessments and treatments, exercise clinical judgment, adapt procedures, and document in the medical record appropriate information related to patient care. GS‑12 Audiologist experience: In addition to the GS‑11 requirements, completion of one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower grade level; additional KSAs include skill in determining nature, type, and severity of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders; counseling patients and family members; providing professional advice and consultation; independent application of contemporary audiologic treatments to a full range of patient populations; assignment as a subject matter expert. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service. Duties NOTE: The 2‑page resume requirement does not apply to this position. Retrieve Required Documents as specified in the job posting. Provide independent audiologic services: diagnose disorders, conduct assessments, and treat through various modalities. Consult with medical staff on patient care issues. Participate in program evaluation, teaching, training, and research activities. Offer individual, family, and group audiologic rehabilitation. Assess nature, type, and severity of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders; identify and evaluate individuals with hearing disorders in reception and perception of speech, language, and other acoustic signals. Administer audiologic tests including audiologic evaluation, videonystagmography, tinnitus, and balance assessment. Evaluate type and degree of hearing loss and various modalities for compensation and pension evaluations. Recommend remedial measures, including selection and fitting of hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and accessories. Provide hearing protection and design, monitor, and conduct a comprehensive hearing conservation program for employees at risk for noise exposure. Counsel patients and families on management of hearing, communication, and vestibular disorders and provide educational resources. Serve as consultant for difficult and complex cases and for other health‑care personnel. Apply clinical skills in hearing conservation, electrophysiological assessment, central auditory function assessment, counseling for coping with tinnitus, and advanced amplification technology. Apply knowledge of embryology, genetics, pharmacology, basic physiology and disease processes, and the effects of high-intensity noise on the auditory mechanism. Complete other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Telework: Not available; this is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io for questions about EDRP. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs