Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Technician)

Veterans Health Administration; Mayagüez (PR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

VA Caribbean Healthcare System’s Audiology Service in Mayaguez Satellite Clinic seeks a Health Technician (HIS) to support diagnostic and treatment procedures, patient education and charting. The role includes direct patient care and administrative duties within audiology areas.

Required are U.S. citizenship, English proficiency, and education—either apprenticeship in hearing aid services or two years of related coursework.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of normal ear anatomy and hearing instruments.
• Experience with hearing aid technology and related manufacturer software.
• Ability to document patient procedures and maintain records.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to educate patients.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care in audiology and related facilities.
• Assist with diagnostic and treatment procedures and patient education.
• Maintain patient charts and coordinate with audiology team.
• Support administrative duties within Audiology Service.

Skills

Ear anatomy knowledge

Hearing aid knowledge

Documentation/record-keeping

Communication skills

Ability to follow instructions

Education

Apprenticeship in Hearing Aid Services

Hearing science coursework / related healthcare courses (2 years above high school)

Job description

This position is located in the Audiology Service at VA Caribbean Healthcare System in Mayaguez Satellite Clinic. The duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology service. The primary responsibility is for patient care, supporting and diagnostic and treatment procedures, patient charting and patient education. Support functions include both direct patient care and administrative duties.

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: Experience: Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists; OR 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. (Required)

Board Certification

Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS). Exception for Non-Board Certified Health Technician (HIS). (a) 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). (b) Non-board certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a licensed audiologist. (c) Non-board certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until board certification is obtained. (d) Temporary appointments of non-board certified Health Technician (HIS) may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.

Grade Determinations

Health Technician (HIS), GS-05

Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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

Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade, GS-05.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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.
• Ability to provide triage of patient telephone calls or audiology requests.

Selective Placement Factor

1. Must be proficient in spoken and written English. 2. Must be proficient in spoken