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: HTA, HTSLP or HTASLP candidates must be proficient in spoken & written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).
Experience and/or Education: Must have six months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills & abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled.
OR
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
Have an equivalent combination of experience & education. An example of a combination of experience/education is three months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills & abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled & one year above high school with a minimum of 6 semester hours related to the health care industry.
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).
Grade Determinations:
GS-4 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment: Entry level developmental position. The HTA at this level works independently under the direction of a licensed audiologist. The assignment includes but is not limited to assisting the audiologist with patient assessment & treatment. Adheres to the audiology clinic policy & standard operating procedures for infection control & cleaning, sterilization & disposition of reusable medical equipment (RME). Maintains a comprehensive supply & equipment tracking system to include monitoring stock of RME & consumable items; ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks; prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies & equipment with regard to date of expiration; maintaining proper levels of mailing/shipping supplies; preparing mailing/shipping requests for items including but not limited to hearing aid & hearing assistive technology repairs, ear mold orders & return for credit items; & maintaining loaner hearing aid inventory.
GS-5 Experience or Education: Must have one year of experience comparable to the GS-4 grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills & abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled.
OR
Successfully completed four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in courses related to the position or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to the functions of the occupation.
GS-5 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs:
- 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.
Assignment. Developmental position. The HTA at this level works independently under the direction of a licensed audiologist. Assignments include, but are not limited to answering & screening calls from patients regarding audiology needs; assisting the audiologist with patient assessment & treatment; assisting with walk-in appointments; processing incoming devices from patients with concerns related to their hearing aids or hearing assistive technology; preparing & charging (if required) hearing aids & assistive devices for delivery. Adheres to the audiology clinic policy & standard operating procedures for infection control & cleaning, sterilization & disposition of RME. Maintains a comprehensive supply & equipment tracking system to include: monitoring stock of RME & consumable items; ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks; prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies & equipment with regard to date of expiration; maintaining proper levels of mailing/shipping supplies; preparing mailing/shipping requests for items including but not limited to: hearing aid & hearing assistive technology repairs, ear mold orders & return for credit items; & maintaining loaner hearing aid inventory.
GS-6 Experience: Completion of one year of progressive experience and/or experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level directly related to the position being filled.
GS-6 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to the experience above, 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.
Assignment. Full performance level. The HTA at this level works independently under the direction of a licensed audiologist. Assignments include, but are not limited to: completing visual & auditory checks of hearing aids & hearing assistive technology; repairing or returning hearing aids to the factory; restoring hearing aid or hearing assistive technology settings after repair or replacement; & ordering, registering, certifying, issuing & tracking prosthetic devices. Assists in setting up & delivering face to face & telehealth visits by preparing the equipment for patient evaluation & other audiology procedures. Provides clinical procedures consistent with the documented & co-signed plan of care which may include non-diagnostic otoscopy, cerumen management, foreign body removal & ear mold impressions & without interpretation, immittance screening & hearing screening. Educates patients, family & staff on topics including but not limited to hearing aid & hearing assistive technology care, maintenance, use & operation, hearing conservation & realistic expectations for hearing aid use. Completes documentation for each episode of care & codes procedures as appropriate in the patient record in preparation for co-signature by the audiologist.
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-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-6.
Physical Requirements: The work involves long periods of moving about the work unit. The work requires regular and recurring bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, lifting, & repositioning & transferring patients. Incumbent may be exposed to patients who are combative, secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, demonstrating cheerfulness, compassion, courtesy, & concern. Must be quick & dependable in taking emergency action in using initiative to prevent accidents.