Health Technician (Speech-Language Pathology)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Veterans Administration (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, seeks a Health Technician within the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service. The role supports clinical operations across Speech Pathology in all patient care areas.

Eligible candidates with appropriate education/experience may qualify; full performance level is GS-06 and duties include assisting with procedures and equipment, patient positioning, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of head/neck anatomy and oral structures; relates to speech-language pathology.
• Familiarity with medical terminology used in speech-language pathology.

Responsibilities

• Support clinical operations in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service across patient care areas.
• Assist with ordering/tracking prosthetic items and communication devices.
• Prepare supplies and equipment for speech, language, voice and/or swallowing evaluations and treatments.
• Document and code patient procedures.

Skills

Anatomy knowledge

Medical terminology

Prosthetic items & devices

Supply/equipment prep

Documentation & coding

Education

Associate degree or higher with related coursework

Bachelor's degree with 12 semester hours in related courses

Job description

This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service within the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. The duties and responsibilities are carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Speech Pathology Service. The health technician supports the function of the clinical programs in Speech Pathology. 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.
• Experience and Education. (1) 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 (2) 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 (3) 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.
• English Language Proficiency. HTA, HTSLP or HTASLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

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

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 (KSAs).

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• (a) Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck and oral structures and functions.
• (b) Knowledge of medical terminology as it relates to speech-language pathology for communication and swallowing impairments.
• (c) Knowledge of prosthetic items and communication devices often prescribed by speech-language pathology staff and assist with ordering and tracking process.
• (d) Ability to prepare supplies and equipment for speech, language, voice and/or swallowing evaluation and treatment.
• (e) 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.

Physical Requirements:

The incumbent must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; perform light lifting up to 15 lbs; reach above shoulder level; bend repeatedly; and frequently push or pull equipment. The position also requires assisting with safe patient positioning during procedures and transfers.