Audiologist

Full Job Description

The Staff Audiologist conducts and coordinates all aspects of diagnostic evaluation and treatment of hearing impairment and/or balance disorders.

The incumbent demonstrates professional knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies of the practice of audiology to a wide range of populations.

The incumbent is an independent licensed practitioner and is considered to be at the full performance level.

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.

Education: (1) Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from an audiology program recognized by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

The CAA is the only accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit entry-level audiology programs.

HR office staff and management officials may verify the program accredited from CAA at www.caa.asha.org.

-OR- (2) Other doctoral degree in hearing science or a directly related field from an institution accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the USDE.

NOTE: Effective January 1, 2007, the CAA in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA accredits only doctoral degree or AuD programs in audiology.

(Copy of Transcript required) 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.

Grandfathering Provision.

All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure.

For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard but previously met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:(1) Audiologists may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level or changed to a lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.(2) Audiologists who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.(3) Audiologists who are appointed temporarily prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they meet the basic requirements of the standard.(4) Audiologists initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.

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 Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for appointments at grade levels specified.

GS-11 (1) Education: None beyond the basic requirements.

(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of principles and techniques in the assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders.

Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice as defined by the American Academy of Audiology or the ASHA.

Ability to interact with patients, families, and other health care professionals. (3) Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve in audiologist entry-level developmental positions.

Audiologists perform audiology assessment and treatment intervention, exercise clinical judgment, adapt clinical procedures and techniques, and document in the medical record appropriate information related to patient care.

GS-12 (1) Experience. In addition to the requirements at the GS-11 level, completion of one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-11).

(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs).Candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Skill in determining nature, type and severity of hearing/communication /vestibular disorders.

Skill in counseling patients and family members regarding management of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders.

Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional audiology to other health care professionals.

Ability to independently apply professional contemporary audiologic treatments to the full range of patient populations. (3) Assignment. This is the full performance level for staff audiologists.

At this level, audiologists are licensed to practice independently in the provision of audiologic services, consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate.

Audiologists serve as consultants to other health care professionals and are recognized subject matter experts (SME) on matters related to hearing, tinnitus and balance disorders.

The supervisor may assign staff audiologists to any VHA program and setting, such as inpatient or outpatient medicine, primary care, surgery, hearing health, neurology, rehabilitation medicine, geriatrics, compensation and pension.

Audiologists diagnose audiologic disorders, conduct audiologic or neuro-audiologic assessments, treat auditory disorders through a various modality and provide adjunctive interventions for the treatment of medical disorders.

Audiologists consult with medical center staff on various patient care issues. Staff audiologists may be involved in program evaluation, teaching, training and research activities.

Among the modalities provided are individual, family and group audiologic rehabilitation.

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-12.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting, bending, reaching, stooping, stretching and light lifting (under 15 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; repeated bending (.5 hours); near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; 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. Major Duties:

Major Duties include but not limited to: Conducts, plans, and coordinates all clinical and administrative aspects of contemporary audiology practice.

Provides direct patient care involving a full range of audiology and vestibular evaluation services.

Delivers treatment services, including the selection and fitting of hearing aids and other amplification systems.

Administers aural (auditory) rehabilitation and provides counseling for hearing-impaired veterans and their families.

Identifies and evaluates individuals with hearing disorders affecting speech, language, and other acoustic signals.

Administers full audiologic test batteries to assess hearing loss for patients with complex needs.

Evaluates the type and degree of hearing loss for patients who may be unable to provide consistent diagnostic results.

Plans and monitors the effectiveness of patient-centered treatment and rehabilitative services. Selects and fits various types of hearing aids and programs digital hearing aids.

Issues hearing protection devices for individuals working in noisy environments. Selects and fits assistive devices such as FM amplifiers and telephone amplifiers.

Inspects, modifies, and repairs amplification devices and earmolds. Plans and conducts auditory rehabilitation programs for patients with tinnitus and/or vestibular issues.

Designs patient-centered treatment plans to maximize physical and social functioning. Monitors and conducts a comprehensive hearing conservation program for employees at risk for noise exposure.

Serves as a consultant to other facility personnel on complex audiology cases. Recognized as a subject matter expert on hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders.

Supervises, evaluates, mentors, and precepts audiology student trainees. Maintains liaison with affiliated colleges and universities.

Provides instruction to residents and interns on audiology practices. Completes all documentation in accordance with facility policies.

Stays current with new developments in audiology by reading professional journals and engaging in continuing education.

Engages in professional learning experiences and communicates with other professionals in the field. Attends regular staff meetings and inter-disciplinary health care team meetings as appropriate.

Reviews policies and procedures and attends in-service training sessions. Ensures proper use and cleaning of specialized electro-acoustic instrumentation.

Has considerable knowledge of the technical aspects of clinical instruments used in audiology. Participates in supervising and mentoring graduate audiology students in the clinic.

Performs ancillary assignments, including occasional program management duties. Plans and carries out assignments independently, resolving conflicts and coordinating work with others.

Interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. Keeps the supervisor informed of progress and potentially controversial matters.

Meets customer needs while supporting VA missions. Communicates and treats customers in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.

Provides consistent information to customers according to policies and procedures. Protects sensitive data under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws.

Uses word processing software for office automation tasks such as storing and retrieving documents. Accesses information from Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) and CPRS.

Adheres to Audiology Service policy and SOPs related to Reusable Medical Equipment (RME).

Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Ad-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 581-23075-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized