The duties for the Health Technician-Audiology duties include, but are not limited to the following:

GS-4 duties:

• Manages scheduled appointments & incoming devices from Veterans w/ complaints about hearing aids or assistive listening devices
• Performs troubleshooting checks of hearing aids to determine if problems can be corrected in-house
• Cleans earmolds & hearing aids, changes earmold tubing & makes minor shell & component repairs
• Routes outside repairs
• Determines patient's need for extra components to VA-issued hearing aids & initiates ROES (Remote Order Entry System) orders for additional features w/ audiologist approval
• Identifies patient education needs & provides instruction appropriate to patient.
• Recognizes need cerumen management, otologic care, or audiological services & makes appropriate referrals
• Initiates ROES orders to VA Denver Acquisition & Logistics Center (VADALC) national hearing aid database. This includes transactions for patient demographic updates, assistive listening device, hearing aid registration, clinic stock, hearing patient hearing aid battery orders, remove authorized hearing aids upon turn-in, & loaner issue from VADALC stock
• Manages hearing aid orders in ROES database
• Monitors timeliness of new custom or repaired hearing aids orders to assure hearing aids are available for scheduled hearing aid evaluation appointments & issuance
• Monitors Audiology staff's orders for accuracy & timeliness.
• Communicates w/ Audiology staff regarding order inaccuracies & initiates adjustment from patient Audiology clinic records & consultation w/ staff
• Certifies electronic invoices for new & repaired custom-made hearing aids according to VADALC guidelines
• Maintains loaner & stock hearing aid inventories for Audiology Clinic & reconciles stock inventory monthly w/ VADALC report
• Assists Audiology staff in maintaining the Assistive Listening Device inventory & independently monitors & initiates stock level requests from PSAs
• Monitors & maintains inventories for supplies for ear molds, hearing aid repairs, Audiology Clinic diagnostics & cerumen management purposes
• Maintains clean instrumentation, equipment, & work surfaces according to Infection Control and Audiology Section Procedures
• Knowledgeable of VA policies & regulations pertaining to patient procedures, broad knowledge of duties, priorities, commitments, goals & policies of Audiology Clinic to perform assignments
• Knowledgeable of functions & procedures of related services w/in medical center, especially ENT, Prosthetics, & Nursing
• Performs other duties as assigned

GS-5 duties:

• In addition to GS-4 duties
• Manage & prioritize all duties consistent w/ timeliness & quality of care
• Manages unusual problems through experience, ability & resourcefulness & exercises sound judgement & makes appropriate referrals or seeks assistance
• Identifies patient education needs & provides instruction appropriate to patient. Recognizes need for cerumen management, otologic care, or audiological services
• Providers ancillary services for routine ancillary services for routine clinical appointments as follows: screening for impacted cerumen; makes ear impressions including deep impressions for completely-in-the-canal aids; orders replacement hearing aids & earmolds through ROES; tracks orders & repairs
• Measures, fits, & modifies all types of custom-made hearing appliances for patients that may be complicated by several physical, mental, &or medical conditions. This work requires: 1) a high degree of skill in working w/ tools & materials, 2) a thorough grasp of Medical Center, Prosthetic, eligibility & Service-level policies & procedures, 3) a thorough knowledge of prosthetic materials, & 4) understanding of normal & disordered auditory anatomy, physiology, & external ear tissue characteristics.
• Performs other duties as assigned

GS-6 duties:

• In addition to GS-4 & GS-5 duties
• Utilizes proper equipment to exam patients & fabricate/modify earmolds; equipment sand purposes also include, but is not limited to: brushes, clot & modified dental tools to examine, clean & repair hearing aids; chemical mixtures to repair hearing aid shells & produce impression of external ear, otoscope to inspect & demonstrate factors of external ear; operating speculum, curettes for limited management of cerumen; electronic & air-powered devices to test, clean & rejuvenate prosthetic devices & batteries; buffer-grinder & drilling power tools to modify hearing aid shells; hot air units to bend plastic prosthetic devices
• Performs other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm or 8:00am - 4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible:Not authorized.
Telework: Not authorized.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: Health Technician (Audiology)
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination. TB Test.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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. (1) Experience. 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 (2) 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 (3) 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 which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled and one year above high school with a minimum of 6 semester hours related to the health care industry.
• Certification. None. Certification by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) as a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) is required for the HTA, GS-08 assignment only.
• Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs.
• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• English Language Proficiency. HTA, HTSLP or HTASLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

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).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: (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) 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. (4) 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: HTA, GS-04 (1) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements

HTA, GS-05 (1) Experience. One year 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 (2) Education. Successful completion of 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. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, Abilities. In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck. (b) Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing. (c) Knowledge of basic hearing assistive technologies. (d) Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines. (e) Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories. (f) Skill in using basic computer software such as email, spreadsheet and word processing.

HTA, GS-06 (1) 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. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy. (b) Knowledge of hearing physiology and function to educate patients and families. (c) Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software. (d) 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. (e) Ability to prepare patients for testing procedures. (f) Ability to document and code patient procedures.

References: VA Handbook 5005/143, Part II, Appendix G70 dated May 13, 2021.

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 requires above average agility and dexterity. High degree of eye-hand coordination when working with the small components associated with hearing aids and ear molds. Long periods of sitting, standing, bending and walking. Patient transport requires pushing wheelchairs. Lifting/carrying light items up to 30 pounds on a frequent basis. Occasional heavy lifting of equipment or patients, within the technician 's capability. Occasionally a piece of equipment would need to be moved. Must be able to work at a desk in front of a monitor/screen several hours per day. Some stressful situations may occur when communicating with patients and their families who may have multiple physical, mental and psychosocial problems and needs.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs. REQUIRED.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

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