Health Technician (Audiology)

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Audiology Service at Tomah VA Medical Center in Tomah, WI.

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.

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 and Education: 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.

Grade Determinations: Health Technician Audiology, GS-04 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

Health Technician Audiology, GS-05 Experience: One year 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 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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck.

(b) Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing. (c) Knowledge of basic hearing assistive technologies. (d) Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines.

(e) Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories. (f) Skill in using basic computer software such as email, spreadsheet and word processing.

Health Technician Audiology, GS-06 Experience: Completion of one year of progressive experience and/or experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy.

(b) Knowledge of hearing physiology and function to educate patients and families. (c) Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software.

(d) 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.

(e) Ability to prepare patients for testing procedures. (f) Ability to document and code patient procedures.

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 in the range of GS-04 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Major Duties:

Major duties include but not limited to: Direct patient care duties: Greeting and escorting patients.

Patient instruction and counseling on hearing loss or hearing aids either on an individual basis or in a group setting. Conducting hearing pass/fail screenings without interpretation.

Providing basic hearing aid information for patients and caregivers. Performing listening checks on hearing aids.

Responsible for ensuring timely and accurate documentation of all interactions in the medical records and that all encounters are correctly documented using electronic medical record and computerized tracking and ordering functions via ROES.

Take earmold impressions Administrative duties: Managing office supplies. Track loaner stock hearing aid inventory. Verify orders upon arrival to ensure components are present and working correctly.

Schedule appointments. Pack and mail hearing aids and accessories. Process ROES transactions. Respond to routine inquiries from patients.

Management of infection control, patient safety, and clinical supplies for the audiology clinic.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: GS-4 01425F/ GS-5 01427F/ GS-6 01428F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized