Health Technician (hearing instrument)

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. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: 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. English Language Proficiency 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. 2 (1) Loss of Licensure or Registration. A Health Technician (HIS) who fails to maintain the required licensure or registration must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. Board Certification. Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS). (1) 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 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. In addition to the basic requirements outlined the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. For the Health Technician (HIS), GS-05:Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) for this position: 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. GS-6 Full-Performance Level Experience: I possess at least one full year of experience as a Health Technician – Hearing Instrument Specialist at the next lower level (GS-5) which demonstrates the KSAs related to the duties of the position to be filled. In addition, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities for GS-06: Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy. Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers nd 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. NOTE: There is no combination of education and experience which can be substituted for the basic requirements. 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). Preferred Experience: 2-5 years experience working as a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) with an active HIS license. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
This position is located in the Audiology Service at Madison VA hospital and all Madison VA Hospital Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). The duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology service. As members of the audiology service and hearing health care team, the Health Technician (HIS) possesses an active Hearing Instrument Specialist license & knowledge of basic ear anatomy.