Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

01Basic Requirements

A) Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.) Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. B) English Language Proficiency: Health Technician (HIS) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

C) 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. Note- There is no combination of education and experience which can be substituted for the basic requirements.

D) License 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. E) Board Certification: Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS).

02Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements outlined above, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist), GS-05. Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic anatomy of the head and neck. Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines.

Skill in using basic computer software to complete tasks such as using email, creating spreadsheets and word processing. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories. Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist), GS-06: Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA).

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.

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-5 or GS-6.

03Physical Requirements

Work is performed in a health care setting. The work is primarily sedentary but also requires some standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying of light items, may require lifting of heavy equipment and assisting patients. The work requires above average agility and dexterity.

This Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) primary responsibility is for patient care, supporting diagnostic and treatment procedures, patient charting and patient education. Support functions include both direct patient care and administrative duties. The duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology Service, including other outlying Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and mobile vans.

Driving is required and involves up to 75% travel. Major duties and responsibilities include but not limited to: Hearing aid troubleshooting and repair; performing visual and auditory checks of hearing aids and hearing assistive technology- including all hearing aids accessories. Fabricating mold impressions with proper (non-diagnostic) otoscopy. Ordering ear molds based on plan of care through prosthetics or Denver Logistic Center (DLC) and fitting and modifying ear molds if necessary.

Providing basic hearing aid information for patients and caregivers consistent with the audiologist's treatment plan. Assisting in set up and delivery of face-to-face and teleheath visit by preparing equipment for patient evaluation and other audiology procedures. Assisting patients with hearing aid connectivity including but not limited to downloading applications (or apps), and paring devices with app or Bluetooth pairing.

The incumbent is responsible for ensuring timely and accurate documentation of all interactions in the medical records and that all encounters are correctly documented using electronic medical records and computerized tracking and ordering functions via ROES. Performs pure tone air conduction testing under direction of an audiologist w/o interpretation and also performs hearing aid adjustments under the direction of the licensed Audiologist.

Administrative duties may include maintaining comprehensive supply and equipment tracking systems to include monitoring stock of reusable medical equipment (RME) and consumable items. Ensuring proper inventory levels to complete daily tasks. Prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies and equipment regarding date of expiration and may maintain a loaner hearing aid inventory.

The incumbent also assists patients through triaging phone calls and audiology requests with regards to priority and urgency, following the audiologist's plan of care. Consistently communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all Medical Center Staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures.

Work Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Fridays (off Wednesdays), 6:30am- 5:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Travel: up to 75% travel is required, must have valid Driver's license. Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 63084F / 63085F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized