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.
- Licensure. For those grades that require licensure, the incumbent must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
NOTE: All audiologists who perform compensation and pension (C&P) examinations are considered to be performing direct patient care duties, and must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice audiology (38 CFR 4.85).
(1) The audiologist must maintain full, current, and unrestricted licensure/registration.
(2) Non-licensed audiologists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate audiologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c). Failure to obtain licensure during appointment as a graduate audiologist is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. Individuals appointed as graduate audiologists may not be promoted to the GS-12 level without being fully licensed. This may result in termination of employment.
(3)The requirement for licensure may be waived by the Under Secretary for Health or designee in VHA Central Office for individuals engaged in research or academic assignments involving no direct patient care duties, in accordance with current activities.
Education:(1) Doctor of Audiology (AUD) from an audiology program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE) or Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
OR
(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.
Grade Determinations:
GS-12 Experience: Staff audiologists at this grade level must demonstrate professional knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies of the practice of audiology to a wide range of populations. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial [(less that 25% of the time).
The following KSAs are required:
1. Ability to develop coherent treatment strategies.
2. Knowledge of clinical services, and the ability to perform them independently.
3. Ability to conduct assessments and provide treatment interventions.
4. Ability to provide consultation to other health care professionals.
5. Knowledge of contemporary audiology practice.
6. Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice.
References: VA Handbook 5005/38, Part II, Appendix G29- Audiologist Qualification Standard.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds; pulling/pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking; standing; bending; crawling; kneeling; ability to distinguish basic and shades of colors; hearing aid permitted; working closely with others, and around machinery with moving parts.