Hearing Instrument Specialist (Health Technician)

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

Job summary

A prominent organization is seeking a Health Technician (HIS) to support clinical programs in the Audiology Section. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate proficiency in hearing aid technology and possess appropriate licensure and certification. This role mainly involves troubleshooting, repairing hearing aids, and assisting patients with audiology services. The position is open until filled, offering an excellent opportunity in the healthcare field.

Qualifications

• Must hold an unrestricted license to practice as a HIS.
• Active board certification from the NBC-HIS is required.
• Preferred: 1 year licensed hearing aid specialist experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform hearing aid troubleshooting and repair.
• Assist in setup and delivery of audiology services.
• Document all interactions in medical records.

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Knowledge of head and neck anatomy

Education

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

Successful completion of coursework in hearing science or related fields

Job description

Summary

The position of Health Technician (HIS) is located in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Service (ASPS) - Audiology Section - in the VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS). The duties are carried out in all clinical and patient care areas involved with the Audiology Section. The health technician supports the clinical programs in Audiology. This is an open continuous announcement until 03/25/2024 or when a selection is made.

Qualifications

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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Experience and Education:
• Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists, OR
• Successful completion of two academic years above high school including coursework in hearing science, human anatomy and physiology, hearing instrument science, gerontology, psychology, or other healthcare areas.

Licensure or Registration:

• 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.

Certification:

• Active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS).

Additional Notes:

• Non-certified applicants who meet eligibility may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate Health Technician (HIS) under 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). They shall only provide care under supervision and may not be promoted until certification is obtained.
• Temporary appointments cannot be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment unless covered by the Grandfathering Provision.

Grade Determinations:

• GS-5: Experience beyond basic requirements and demonstrated KSAs including knowledge of head and neck anatomy, infection control, computer skills, communication, inventory maintenance.
• GS-6: One year of experience at GS-5 level, with additional KSAs including knowledge of ear anatomy, hearing aids, documentation skills, patient education, problem-solving, and preparation for audiology procedures.

Preferred Experience: Minimum 1 year licensed hearing aid specialist experience.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46 - PART II - APPENDIX G73

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Hearing aid troubleshooting and repair.
• Perform visual and auditory checks of hearing aids and assistive technology, including accessories and alerting devices.
• Fabricate earmold impressions with proper otoscopy and order earmolds based on care plans.
• Provide basic hearing aid information, including expectations, communication strategies, and aural rehabilitation.
• Assist in setup and delivery of face-to-face and telehealth visits, including calibration tasks.
• Assist patients with hearing aid connectivity, app downloads, Bluetooth pairing, and accessory pairing.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of all interactions, procedures, and encounters in the electronic medical record and tracking systems.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.