Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Smyrna, GA, United States
Overview
Summary
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information - refer to Required Documents below. The Health Technician - Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) position is located in the Audiology Service at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) located in Gaylord or Indian River affiliated with Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan.
Summary
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information - refer to Required Documents below. The Health Technician - Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) position is located in the Audiology Service at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) located in Gaylord or Indian River affiliated with Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan.
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.
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
Experience and Education: Experience
Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists
OR 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
Licensure or Registration: Individuals must hold a full - current and unrestricted license or registration to practice as a Health Technician - Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) in a state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia
Loss of Licensure or Registration
A Health Technician (HIS) who fails to maintain the required licensure or registration must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
Board Certification: Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS)
Exception for Non-Board Certified Health Technician (HIS)
Non-board certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for appointment may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate Health Technician (HIS) under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B)
Non-board certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a licensed audiologist
Non-board certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until board certification is obtained
Temporary appointments of non-board certified Health Technician (HIS) may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment
Failure to Obtain Certification
In all cases - Health Technician (HIS) must actively pursue meeting requirements for board certification starting from the date of their appointment
At the time of appointment - the supervisor will provide the Health Technician (HIS) with the written requirements for board certification - including the time (i.e. - two years) by which the board certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming board certified by the deadline
Failure to obtain board certification during the two-year period may result in termination of employment
Loss of Certification
A Health Technician (HIS) who fails to maintain the required board certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
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
English Language Proficiency: Health Technician (HIS) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements outlined above - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
Health Technician (HIS) - GS-05
Experience
None beyond the basic requirements
Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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
Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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 - to include 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
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05
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: This position frequently requires light to moderate lifting
Normally such lifting will involve - but not be limited to - boxes/packages of hearing aids - and hearing equipment for patients
The majority of this position will involve sedentary work involving computers and communications.
Duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include but not limited to: Direct patient care duties may include - but not limited to - the following: 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)
Fabricating earmold impressions with proper (non-diagnostic) otoscopy
Ordering earmolds based on plan of care through prosthetics and fitting and modifying earmolds - if necessary
Providing basic hearing aid information for patients and caregivers consistent with the audiologist's treatment plan - including but not limited to - realistic expectations - communication strategies - and/or aural rehabilitation
Assisting in set up and delivery of face-to-face and telehealth visits by preparing the equipment for patient evaluation and other audiology procedures including - but not limited to daily biologic listening calibration of audiometric equipment and calibration of real-ear equipment
Assisting patients with hearing aid connectivity including - but not limited to downloading applications (or apps) - pairing devices in the app - Bluetooth pairing - and pairing hearing aid accessories
Responsible for 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
Completes documentation per medical center policy for timeliness for each episode of care and codes procedures as appropriate in the patient record in preparation for co-signature by the audiologist
Administrative duties may include - but not limited to the following: Maintaining comprehensive supply and equipment tracking systems to include monitoring stock of reusable medical equipment (RME) and consumable items
Ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks
Prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies and equipment regarding date of expiration and may maintain a loaner hearing aid inventory
Assists patients through triaging phone calls and audiology requests with regards to priority and urgency - following the audiologist's plan of care
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:00am-4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): 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 off per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
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
Functional Statement #: 92015A and 92016A
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Summary
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information - refer to Required Documents below. The Health Technician - Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) position is located in the Audiology Service at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) located in Gaylord or Indian River affiliated with Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan.
Summary
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information - refer to Required Documents below. The Health Technician - Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) position is located in the Audiology Service at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) located in Gaylord or Indian River affiliated with Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan.
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.
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
Experience and Education: Experience
Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists
OR 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
Licensure or Registration: Individuals must hold a full - current and unrestricted license or registration to practice as a Health Technician - Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) in a state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia
Loss of Licensure or Registration
A Health Technician (HIS) who fails to maintain the required licensure or registration must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
Board Certification: Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS)
Exception for Non-Board Certified Health Technician (HIS)
Non-board certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for appointment may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate Health Technician (HIS) under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B)
Non-board certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a licensed audiologist
Non-board certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until board certification is obtained
Temporary appointments of non-board certified Health Technician (HIS) may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment
Failure to Obtain Certification
In all cases - Health Technician (HIS) must actively pursue meeting requirements for board certification starting from the date of their appointment
At the time of appointment - the supervisor will provide the Health Technician (HIS) with the written requirements for board certification - including the time (i.e. - two years) by which the board certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming board certified by the deadline
Failure to obtain board certification during the two-year period may result in termination of employment
Loss of Certification
A Health Technician (HIS) who fails to maintain the required board certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
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
English Language Proficiency: Health Technician (HIS) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements outlined above - the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
Health Technician (HIS) - GS-05
Experience
None beyond the basic requirements
Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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
Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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 - to include 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
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05
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: This position frequently requires light to moderate lifting
Normally such lifting will involve - but not be limited to - boxes/packages of hearing aids - and hearing equipment for patients
The majority of this position will involve sedentary work involving computers and communications.
Duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include but not limited to: Direct patient care duties may include - but not limited to - the following: 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)
Fabricating earmold impressions with proper (non-diagnostic) otoscopy
Ordering earmolds based on plan of care through prosthetics and fitting and modifying earmolds - if necessary
Providing basic hearing aid information for patients and caregivers consistent with the audiologist's treatment plan - including but not limited to - realistic expectations - communication strategies - and/or aural rehabilitation
Assisting in set up and delivery of face-to-face and telehealth visits by preparing the equipment for patient evaluation and other audiology procedures including - but not limited to daily biologic listening calibration of audiometric equipment and calibration of real-ear equipment
Assisting patients with hearing aid connectivity including - but not limited to downloading applications (or apps) - pairing devices in the app - Bluetooth pairing - and pairing hearing aid accessories
Responsible for 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
Completes documentation per medical center policy for timeliness for each episode of care and codes procedures as appropriate in the patient record in preparation for co-signature by the audiologist
Administrative duties may include - but not limited to the following: Maintaining comprehensive supply and equipment tracking systems to include monitoring stock of reusable medical equipment (RME) and consumable items
Ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks
Prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies and equipment regarding date of expiration and may maintain a loaner hearing aid inventory
Assists patients through triaging phone calls and audiology requests with regards to priority and urgency - following the audiologist's plan of care
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:00am-4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): 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 off per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
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
Functional Statement #: 92015A and 92016A
#J-18808-Ljbffr