Heath Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Johnson City (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off: 37–50 days

Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks paid

Child Care Subsidy: Up to 25% of costs

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. In this role, you will support clinical programs and provide patient care in audiology and speech-language pathology.

Key responsibilities include patient charting, hearing aid troubleshooting, and assisting with audiologist treatment plans. The position offers competitive salary, generous leave, and benefits including a traditional federal pension and 401(k) plans.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen; non-citizens only if no qualified citizens are available.
• Full, current and unrestricted license to practice as a HIS.
• Active certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care for diagnostic and treatment procedures.
• Perform hearing aid troubleshooting and repairs.
• Prepare and maintain equipment and supplies.

Skills

Knowledge of basic anatomy of the head and neck

Knowledge of infection control procedures

Skill in basic computer software

Ability to communicate orally and in writing

Knowledge of hearing aids and assistive technology

Problem-solving and decision making regarding aids

Education

Completion of Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program

Two academic years above high school in related courses

Active certification from NBC-HIS

Job description

Summary

Position located in the Audiology and Speech‑Language Pathology Service (ASPS) at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Mountain Home, TN. The Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) supports clinical programs and patient care across all ASPS areas.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care supporting diagnostic and treatment procedures, including patient charting and education.
• Perform hearing aid troubleshooting, repair, visual and auditory checks, and accessory compatibility.
• Fabricate and fit earmold impressions, order and modify earmolds as needed.
• Provide basic hearing aid information and patient education aligned with audiologist treatment plans; assist with device insertion, hygiene, and connectivity.
• Prepare and maintain equipment and supplies, ensuring accurate documentation in electronic medical records.
• Assist in setting up face‑to‑face and telehealth visits, including equipment calibration and patient evaluation support.
• Triage patient telephone calls and audiology requests per audiologist plan of care.
• Maintain inventory systems for RME, consumables, and loaner devices; prioritize acquisition based on expiration dates.

Qualifications

Applicants who have not yet completed all required education or certification may be tentatively selected but cannot be hired until requirements are met.

Basic Requirements

• United States citizenship; non‑citizens only if no qualified citizens available.
• 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 related healthcare areas.
• Licensure or Registration
  • Full, current and unrestricted license or registration to practice as a HIS in a state, territory, commonwealth or DC.
  • Failure to maintain licensure results in removal and possible termination.
• Board Certification
  • Active certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC‑HIS).
  • Non‑board‑certified applicants may receive a temporary appointment as graduate HIS under 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B) and can practice only under licensed audiologist supervision, at entry level (GS‑5), for up to two years.
  • Board certification must be achieved within two years, or employment may be terminated.
• English Language Proficiency – spoken and written as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Grade Determinations – GS‑05.
• Experience – none beyond basic requirements for GS‑05.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

For GS‑05 and GS‑06 levels respectively.

GS‑05

• Knowledge of basic anatomy of the head and neck.
• Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines.
• Skill in basic computer software (email, spreadsheets, word processing).
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing; follow instructions; maintain stock and supply inventories.

GS‑06

• Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy.
• Knowledge of hearing aids, assistive technology, manufacturers, and software.
• Skill in documenting patient procedures and devices.
• Skill in patient education for hearing aid use, insertion, removal, hygiene.
• Ability to instruct on hearing loss and communication strategies.
• Problem‑solving and decision making regarding aids and patient care under audiologist supervision.
• Prepare patient equipment and environment for audiology procedures.
• Provide triage of patient telephone calls or audiology requests.

Reference: https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑6; applicants may be selected in the GS‑5 to GS‑6 range.

Duty Schedule and Benefits

• Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 7:30 am‑4:00 pm.
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): May be authorized for highly qualified applicants.
• Relocation Assistance: Not authorized.
• Pay: Competitive salary; higher step rate may be considered for extraordinary qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days, including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks paid after 12 months employment.
• Child Care Subsidy: Eligible employees may receive up to 25 % of childcare costs up to $416.66 monthly.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and 401(k) with up to 5 % VA contributions.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, life, long‑term care; many programs carry into retirement.
• Telework: Not available; position is on‑site.
• PCS: Not authorized.