Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 50,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in North Carolina seeks a Health Technician (HIS) to support audiology services across clinical areas. The role involves assisting in hearing instrument services, patient education, and ensuring proper documentation under audiologist supervision.

The position requires basic anatomy knowledge, infection control, and proficiency with common computer software, with opportunities for growth from GS-05 to GS-06 based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists; OR two academic years above high school that includes coursework related to hearing science, anatomy and physiology, hearing instrument science, gerontology, psychology or other general healthcare areas.
• Must hold a full, current license or registration to practice as a HIS in a state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia.
• Active NBC-HIS board certification is required.

Skills

Anatomy knowledge

Infection control

Basic computer skills

Oral and written communication

Following instructions

Inventory management

Hearing aids knowledge

Patient education

Education

Two years of college coursework in hearing science/related health field

Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists

Job description

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), Fayetteville VA Medical Center (VAMC), Audiology Service at Wilmington HCC in Wilmington, North Carolina. 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.

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.
• 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 and Education
  1. Experience: Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists; OR
  2. Education: Successful completion of two academic years above high school that includes coursework related to the field: 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.

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.
• Board Certification: Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS).

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

Health Technician (HIS), GS-05

1. Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
   • Knowledge of basic anatomy of the head and neck.
   • Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines.
   • Skill in using basic computer software to complete tasks such as using email, creating spreadsheets and word processing.
   • Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
   • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
   • Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories.

Health Technician (HIS), GS-06

1. Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade, GS-05.
2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
   • Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy.
   • Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software.
   • Skill in documenting patient procedures and patient devices.
   • Skill in providing patient education for hearing aid use, to include assisting patient with hearing aid insertion, removal and hygiene (cleaning and disinfection).
   • Ability to provide patient education and training regarding hearing loss and communication strategies for various listening situations.
   • 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.
   • Ability to prepare patient, equipment, and/or environment for audiology procedures. (h) Ability to provide triage of patient telephone calls or audiology requests.

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-05 to GS-06.

Physical Requirements: Light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers and both hands required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Mental and Emotional Stability; works outside and inside; works closely with others; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted).