Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health organization seeks a Hearing Instrument Specialist for their Audiology/Speech Pathology Service at Menlo Park. The role involves supporting clinical programs, performing hearing aid checks, and educating patients. The ideal candidate will possess relevant education, licensing, and strong problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted license or registration as a Hearing Instrument Specialist required.
• Active certification from the NBC-HIS is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Clinical support in Audiology and patient care.
• Tasks include troubleshooting hearing aids and assisting with telehealth.
• Education for patients on hearing aid use.

Skills

Knowledge of ear anatomy

Skill in documenting procedures

Patient education skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to prepare equipment

Ability to triage calls

Education

Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists

Two academic years above high school related to hearing science

Job description

Summary

This position is located in the Audiology/Speech Pathology Service (ASPS) at the Palo Alto VAHCS with the duty station at the Menlo Park Division. The duties involve clinical and patient care areas within ASPS. The health technician supports the clinical programs in Audiology.

Qualifications

Applicants pending completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but cannot be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens are unavailable, per VA Policy.
• Experience and Education: Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists or education including two academic years above high school with coursework related to hearing science, anatomy, physiology, hearing instruments, gerontology, psychology, or healthcare.
• Licensure or Registration: Must hold a current, unrestricted license or registration as a Hearing Instrument Specialist in the U.S.
• Board Certification: Must have active certification from the NBC-HIS.
• Grade Determinations: Experience equivalent to one year at the GS-05 level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of ear anatomy and hearing aids, assistive technology, and manufacturer software.
• Skill in documenting procedures and patient devices.
• Patient education skills for hearing aid use and communication strategies.
• Problem-solving skills regarding hearing aids and patient care.
• Ability to prepare equipment and environment for audiology procedures.
• Ability to triage patient calls and requests.

Assignment:

This is a full-performance level position working under supervision of an audiologist. Tasks include checking hearing aids, tracking prosthetic devices, assisting with telehealth, fabricating earmolds, repairing hearing aids, and assisting with connectivity and patient education.

Schedule and Additional Information

• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Not available for telework or virtual work.
• Major duties include troubleshooting, checks, fabrication, and patient assistance with hearing aids and assistive devices.