Supervisory Audiologist (Assistant Chief)

Basic Requirements: Citizenship United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education (1) Doctor of Audiology (AUD) from an audiology program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE)] or Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). OR (2) Other doctoral degree in hearing science or a directly related field from an institution accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. NOTE: Effective January 1, 2007, the CAA in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology of ASHA accredits only doctoral degree or AUD programs in audiology. Licensure Individuals must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice audiology at the doctoral level in a United States state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. English Language Proficiency. Audiologist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: GS-13 Supervisory Audiologist Experience: At least two years of experience as a professional Audiologist, with at least one year comparable to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the KSAs required at the full performance level, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs identified below. Skill in conflict resolution to facilitate positive working relationships between employees, team leaders, and managers. Skill in applying evidence-based practices in a professional area. Ability to analyze organizational and operational challenges to develop and implement solutions. Ability to develop the abilities and strengths of current employees. Ability to balance responsibilities, set priorities, and delegate tasks to meet multiple deadlines. Ability to analyze data to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity within the section. Assignment. Supervisory Audiologist assignments must spend 25% or more of their time providing technical and administrative supervision over staff one grade level below. Supervisory audiologists in this assignment serve as section chiefs. They supervise staff, plans, schedules, and assigns work, accepts, amends, or rejects completed work, assures production and accuracy requirements are met, interviews, and selects candidates; recommends performance standards and appraises performance, approves leave, hear and resolve complaints, and effects minor disciplinary actions. Section chiefs have broad program management responsibilities for a specific program or programs that are designed to deliver specialized, complex, highly professional services, which are important program components of the facility and significantly impact the health care provided to Veterans. Programs include but are not limited to hearing health, compensation and pension examination (C&P) programs, inpatient, outpatient and residential audiologic rehabilitation, neuro-audiologic assessments, diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus, externship and postdoctoral fellowship training programs, and management of an off-campus site. Typically, at facilities of lower complexity, section chiefs have audiology program oversight and serve as the audiology executive responsible for coordinating operations throughout the facility and its affiliated clinics. The type of programs managed, and the scope of responsibility are critical aspects of the assignment at this level. Section chiefs manage key clinical, training, research, or administrative programs including the day-to-day activities of these programs. Section chiefs in this assignment supervise and provide input for strategic plans to ensure the provision of high-quality services to meet the needs of the Veterans. They develop and implement short and long-term goals and objectives consistent with the program’s strategic plan. They provide oversight of administrative and programmatic resources and deploy those resources to support the program needs. They develop and implement programs, policies, and procedures to meet program goals, VHA policy and external accreditation requirements. They monitor outcomes using data driven quality assurance processes and implement strategies for improvement based on data analysis. Preferred Experience: Assistant Chief, Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist. At least one year experience in a supervisory role. References: VA Handbook 5005 PART II APPENDIX G29. AUDIOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0665 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the GS-13. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (1 hour); Standing (1 hour); Kneeling (1 hour); Repeated bending (1 hour); Ability to distinguish basic colors; Emotional and Mental Stability; Good manual dexterity; Small object manipulation; and fine object manipulation. Environmental factors: Fumes, smoke, or gases; Solvents (degreasing agents); Working closely with others; Working alone.
The Primary Purpose of the Position is: perform the duties of the Assistant Chief with in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service (ASPA). The incumbent supervises and delegates on a daily basis in all clinical and patient care areas within ASPS. The Organizational Location of the Position is: Audiology and Speech Pathology Service, VA North Texas Health Care System Dallas campus. Position may be called to travel to and provide services to Bonham, Fort Worth and Tyler campuses.