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. 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. 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 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 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. 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). Grade Determination: GS-04 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. Grade Determination: GS-05 Experience: Must have one year of experience comparable to the GS-04 grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. OR 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. In addition to meeting the experience and basic education requirements for the GS-05 grade level you must also be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck. Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing. Knowledge of basic hearing assistive technologies. Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines. Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories. Skill in using basic computer software such as email, spreadsheet and word processing. Grade Determinations: GS-06 Experience: Must have completed one year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in a health care field directly related to position and demonstrates the ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical assistant (or technician) or health technician. In additional to meeting the basic requirements and/or one year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 level, you must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy. Knowledge of hearing physiology and function to educate patients and families. Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software. 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. Ability to prepare patients for testing procedures. Ability to document and code patient procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G70 There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level. This job announcement is open to the GS-04, GS-05 and GS-06 grade levels. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
The incumbent is a staff health technician (Audiology) under the supervision of the Nurse Manager of Diagnostics & Specialty Care and the ACOS of Diagnostics & Specialty Care. This position is located in the Audiology Service at the VA Butler Health Care System. The duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology service. The health technician supports the function of the clinical programs in Audiology.