Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

English Language Proficiency. Health Technician (HIS) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

02Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements outlined above, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Health Technician (HIS), GS-05. Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. 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 (HIS), GS-06: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.

Experience includes performing non-diagnostic otoscopy and hearing-threshold rechecks, troubleshooting and processing hearing aids and assistive technology, and providing patient instruction on device use and maintenance. Documenting and coding patient care, coordinating repairs and supply orders, responding to patient communications, and following established infection-control and reusable-medical-equipment procedures. AND; Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

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-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06.

03Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Major Duties include but are not limited to: Perform non-diagnostic otoscopy and refer identified abnormalities or cerumen concerns. Recheck air-conduction thresholds and provide hearing-aid repair services in accordance with the audiologist's treatment plan. Inspect, test, troubleshoot, prepare, charge, process, and restore settings on hearing aids and related devices. Register, certify, and track prosthetic devices. Prepare equipment for in-person and telehealth appointments.

Perform daily biologic listening checks of audiometric equipment and calibrate real-ear equipment. Create, order, fit, and modify earmolds. Counsel patients on realistic expectations, communication strategies, and aural rehabilitation. Instruct patients and caregivers on the use, care, and maintenance of hearing devices and assist with applications, Bluetooth connections, and accessories. Respond to Veteran communications and triage audiology requests based on priority and urgency.

Document and code patient care for audiologist co-signature. Follow infection-control and equipment-cleaning procedures. Track supplies and equipment, manage expiring stock, maintain assigned loaner devices, and coordinate supply orders and shipping materials. Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 15033F & 15032F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized