Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Job in Tampa, FL

Vacancy No. CBTC-12459740-24-PAV Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $44,117.00 to $57,354.00 Grade 6 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/26/2024 Close Date 12/9/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Tampa, FL


Summary

This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the James A. Haley VAMC and Clinics. The duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology service including future sites of care not specifically listed. The incumber is assigned to a primary duty station but will routinely cover Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Riverview, Tampa, Brooksville and New Port Richey clinics as needed in accordance to policy.




This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All U.S Citizens *NOTE- This is an Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) until December 9, 2024.

Duties

This position routinely floats between all sites of care, including but not limited to: Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Riverview, Tampa, Brooksville and New Port Richey clinics as needed. Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) is a staff health technician under the supervision of a GS-12 staff audiologist or above.

This position has a high degree of visibility throughout the medical center and the general public as a result of direct patient care contact with the veteran population. Professionalism, proficiency, and a high positive image on behalf of the Veteran's Health Administration are critical and required. Some of the major duties include the cleaning, repair, troubleshooting, processing, and physical modification of hearing aids and other assisted listening/speech devices.

The Health Technician (HIS) will assist to organize work to achieve approved goals and will be responsible for working within and organizing the flow of patients in the Audiology Clinic by performing the following:

Employees at this grade level serve as a full performance level (FPL).
Greeting and escorting patients; 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; Taking earmold impressions; Hearing aid troubleshooting and repair; Providing basic hearing aid information for patients and caregivers, including realistic expectations, communication strategies, and/or aural rehabilitation; assisting in set up and delivery of face-to-face and telehealth visits; preparing the equipment for patient evaluation and other audiology procedures including, but not limited to daily biologic listening calibration of audiometric equipment; 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. The Health Technician (HIS) assists patients through triaging phone calls and audiology requests with regards to priority and urgency, following the audiologist's plan of care.

Administrative duties may include, but not limited to: Managing office supplies; Tracking loaner stock hearing aid inventory; Electronic ordering, verifying orders; Scheduling appointments; Packaging and mailing hearing aids and accessories; Processing ROES transactions; Responding to routine patient inquiries, and responding to administrative questions; Assisting patients, visitors, and others requesting information; Management of infection control, patient safety, and clinical audiology supplies; Maintenance of clean, disinfected instrumentation, equipment, and work surfaces; Reprocessing reusable medical equipment according to Medical Center infection control procedures and reusable medical equipment policies; responsible for functional checks for audiometric test equipment daily.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Travel Required: 75% or less
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 70964F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Eligible candidates may qualify for a relocation/recruitment incentive. Terms and conditions apply.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

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.
  • 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:
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

NOTE: There is no combination of education and experience which can be substituted for the basic requirements.

Licensure or Registration. Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license or registration to practice as a 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).
(a) 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).
(b) Non-board certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a licensed audiologist.(c) Non-board certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until board certification is obtained.
(d) 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.

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 in paragraph 3, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
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.
Assignment. Employees at this level are at the full performance level and work under the supervision and direction of a licensed audiologist. Assignments associated with this level include, but are not limited to: completing visual and auditory checks of hearing aids and hearing assistive technology-including all hearing aid accessories, as well as, alerting devices (troubleshoots performance); registering, certifying and tracking prosthetic devices (hearing aids, hearing aid accessories and assistive devices); and 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. The Health Technician (HIS) fabricates earmold impressions with proper otoscopy, orders earmolds based on plan of care through prosthetics or DLC and fits and modifies earmolds, if necessary. The Health Technician (HIS) provides patient care in hearing aid repair appointments consistent with the audiologist's treatment plan and provides counselling including, but not limited to realistic expectations, communication strategies and/or aural rehabilitation. The Health Technician (HIS) maintains a comprehensive supply and equipment tracking systems to include: monitoring stock of RME and consumable items; ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies and equipment with regard to date of expiration; and may maintain a loaner hearing aid inventory. The Health Technician (HIS) assists 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. The Health Technician (HIS) assists patients through triaging phone calls and audiology requests with regards to priority and urgency following the audiologist's plan of care. tasks; prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies and equipment with regard to date of expiration; and may maintain a loaner hearing aid inventory. The Health Technician (HIS) assists 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. The Health Technician (HIS) assists patients through triaging phone calls and audiology requests with regards to priority and urgency following the audiologist's plan of care.

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).

References: VA Handbook 5005/149
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS06.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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, resume, 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.

Required Documents

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

  • Resume

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)
  • Other (1)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Proof of Marriage Status
  • 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.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/09/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12459740.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Paula Velez
Address
James A Haley Veterans Hospital
13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33612
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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