Job Summary

The Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist - HIS) position is located in the Audiology Service at the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care system (GCVHCS) at the Pensacola, FL Outpatient Clinic and serves as a member of the audiology service and hearing health care team.

Job Description

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. Health Technician (HIS) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Experience: Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists. Copy of document verifying program completion required. OR Education: Successful completion of two academic years above high school that includes course work related to the field such as hearing science, human anatomy and physiology, hearing instrument science, gerontology, psychology or other general healthcare areas. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Transcripts Required. NOTE: There is no combination of education and experience which can be substituted for the basic requirements. 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. Copy of licensure or registration required. Board Certification: Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS). Copy of board certification required Exception for Non-Board-Certified Health Technician (HIS) 1. 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). 2. Non-board-certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a licensed audiologist. 3. Non-board-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level of a GS-5 and may not be promoted/converted until board certification is obtained. 4. Temporary appointments of non-board-certified Health Technician (HIS) may not be extended beyond two (2) years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above the following is the criteria that must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-5 Entry Level: Experience: None beyond the basic requirements above. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic anatomy of the head and neck. (b) Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines. (c) Skill in using basic computer software to complete tasks such as using email, creating spreadsheets and word processing. (d) Ability to communicate orally and in writing. (e) Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. (f)Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories. GS-06, Full Performance Level: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-05). 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 aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software. (c) Skill in documenting patient procedures and patient devices. (d) Skill in providing patient education for hearing aid use, to include assisting patient with hearing aid insertion, removal and hygiene (cleaning and disinfection). (e) Ability to provide patient education and training regarding hearing loss and communication strategies for various listening situations. (f) 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. (g) Ability to prepare patient, equipment, and/or environment for audiology procedures. (h) Ability to provide triage of patient telephone calls or audiology requests. Preferred Experience: None 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-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: Able to meet the physical demands for the position, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must have a good manual dexterity. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken or written word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens.