Health Technician (Audiology)

Summary This position is located within the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital. The duties and responsibilities are carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology and Speech Service. The Health Technician supports the function of the clinical programs in Audiology. The incumbent is a staff health technician (Audiology) under the supervision of senior Audiologist. 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. 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 – HTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f) Experience and Education 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 – 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 – 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 and one year above high school with a minimum of 6 semester hours related to the health care industry Grandfathering Provision – All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/trademark/registration/certification For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions If an HTA – HTSLP or HTASLP who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation – the employee will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation HTAs – HTSLPs or HTASLPs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation Grade Determinations – In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-06 Experience GS-06 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. Experience at the next lower grade level includes: Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing Knowledge of basic hearing assistive technologies Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories Skill in using basic computer software such as email, spreadsheet and word processing GS-6 Demonstrated Knowledge – Skills and Abilities: 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 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑6. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require the use of fingers, reaching above shoulder, standing (1‑2 hours) and the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Hearing aid use is permitted. Duties Primary responsibility is 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 Direct patient care duties may include, but are not limited to: Greetings and escorting patients Patient set up for procedures (e.g., vestibular, neurodiagnostic procedures) Patient instruction and counseling on hearing loss or hearing aids either on an individual basis or in a group setting Conducting hearing pass/fail screenings without interpretation Non‑diagnostic otoscopy Cerumen management Taking earmold impressions Hearing aid troubleshooting and repair Providing basic hearing aid information for patients and caregivers Performing listening checks on hearing aids Electroacoustic analysis of devices Pairing hearing aids and accessories via Bluetooth technology Programming previously stored settings into hearing aids Activating remote controls Ensuring timely and accurate documentation of all interactions in the medical records and that all encounters are correctly documented using electronic medical record and computerized tracking and ordering functions via ROES Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday – 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70950F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr