Lead Health Technician (Audiology)

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.

01Basic Requirements

1. 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). 2. Experience and Education. (a) 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- (b) 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- (c) 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. Note: Copies of your transcript(s) must be provided with your application package if using education to meet the Basic Requirements. Creditable Experience: To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills and abilities associated with current Health Technician (Audiology)(HTA), Health Technician (Speech-Language Pathology)(HTSLP) or Health Technician (Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology)(HTASLP) practice. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid or non-paid employment as a health technician in the health care field. 3.

02Certification

Certification by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) as a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) is required for the Health Technician (Audiology)(HTA), GS-8 assignment. Note: A copy of your Certification must be included with your application package.

Grandfathering Provision: You 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).

03Grade Determinations

In addition to the Basic Requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met for the GS-08 grade level: Lead Health Technician (Audiology) GS-08: 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. AND 2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs).

In addition to meeting the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of organization theory and leadership theory. (b) Ability to apply principles of leadership during interactions with staff. (c) Ability to identify problems in clinic operations, consider possible solutions and implement actions approved by supervisor. (d) Skill in communicating programmatic decisions to staff. 3. Assignment: Assignment.

For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. The Lead HTA carries additional responsibilities that involve the oversight of specific services within the audiology clinic.

The Lead HTA will assist the audiology supervisor and/or staff audiologist with technician oversight duties including making work assignments, monitoring workflow, providing input on performance, resolving daily workplace issues and maintaining efficient flow of patient care. They may provide training to staff, students and/or trainees; and may provide input into special advancements, promotions and disciplinary actions for HTA staff.

04Preferred Experience

Previous experience in audiology, including work with hearing aids. 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-08.

05Physical Requirements

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation. For information regarding Employee Occupational Health Service, please review VA Handbook 5019.

Primary responsibility is for patient care, supporting diagnostic and treatment procedures, patient charting, and patient education, which do not require a full professional audiology education or the knowledge and skills represented by audiology licensure. Support functions include both direct patient care and administrative duties. Direct patient care and administrative duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Greeting and escorting patients. Schedule appointments.

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. Cerumen management. Taking earmold impressions. Hearing aid troubleshooting and repair. Providing basic hearing aid information for patients and caregivers. 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. Document patient interactions in the medical records. Managing office supplies. Tracking loaner stock hearing aid inventory. Electronic ordering. Processing ROES transactions (e.g., certifying/issuing hearing aids, entering orders and repairs). Manage infection control, patient safety, and clinical supplies for the audiology clinic.

Provide basic counseling to employees concerning test results and criteria for employee referral to the hearing conservation program. Provide biological checks and calibration of audiometric instrumentation. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 10557F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized