Health Technician (Audiology)

Description:

Incumbent is a staff health technician (Audiology) under the supervision of a GS-12 staff audiologist or above. This position is located in the Audiology Service at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC or its outlying CBOCS. 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.

Requirements:

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: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Experience and Education: Individual must meet at least one of the requirements below:
  • (1) Experience: Six months of experience comparable to the next lower level (GS-05) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. OR
  • (2) 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
  • (3) 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.

Grade Determinations :
GS-06 Health Technician (Audiology)
(1) Experience: Completion of one year of progressive experience and/or experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) directly related to the position being filled. Examples of experience related to the GS-05 grade level includes but not limited to answering and screening calls from patients regarding audiology needs; assisting the audiologist with patient assessment and treatment; assisting with walk-in appointments; processing incoming devices from patients with concerns related to their hearing aids or hearing assistive technology; and preparing and charging (if required) hearing aids and assistive devices for delivery. Maintains a comprehensive supply and equipment tracking system to include: monitoring stock of RME and consumable items; ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks; prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies and equipment with regard to date of expiration; maintaining proper levels of mailing/shipping supplies.

(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, you must demonstrate all the following KSAs clearly in your resume:

• 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.

Preferred Experience: 1-2 years as an Audiology Health Technician in a clinical setting preferred. Must be able to work independently and have excellent communication skills.

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 GS-06.

Physical Requirements: Required periods of sitting, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting (under 15 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers and both hands required; good vision with corrective glasses or contacts; or hearing with aid. Applicants must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Applicants for this position must pass a pre-employment medical examination.