Health Technician (Audiology)

Duties The duties for the Health Technician-Audiology duties include, but are not limited to the following: GS-4 duties: Manages scheduled appointments & incoming devices from Veterans w/ complaints about hearing aids or assistive listening devices Performs troubleshooting checks of hearing aids to determine if problems can be corrected in-house Cleans earmolds & hearing aids, changes earmold tubing & makes minor shell & component repairs Routes outside repairs Determines patient's need for extra components to VA-issued hearing aids & initiates ROES (Remote Order Entry System) orders for additional features w/ audiologist approval Identifies patient education needs & provides instruction appropriate to patient.
Recognizes need cerumen management, otologic care, or audiological services & makes appropriate referrals Initiates ROES orders to VA Denver Acquisition & Logistics Center (VADALC) national hearing aid database.
This includes transactions for patient demographic updates, assistive listening device, hearing aid registration, clinic stock, hearing patient hearing aid battery orders, remove authorized hearing aids upon turn-in, & loaner issue from VADALC stock Manages hearing aid orders in ROES database Monitors timeliness of new custom or repaired hearing aids orders to assure hearing aids are available for scheduled hearing aid evaluation appointments & issuance Monitors Audiology staff's orders for accuracy & timeliness.
Communicates w/ Audiology staff regarding order inaccuracies & initiates adjustment from patient Audiology clinic records & consultation w/ staff Certifies electronic invoices for new & repaired custom-made hearing aids according to VADALC guidelines Maintains loaner & stock hearing aid inventories for Audiology Clinic & reconciles stock inventory monthly w/ VADALC report Assists Audiology staff in maintaining the Assistive Listening Device inventory & independently monitors & initiates stock level requests from PSAs Monitors & maintains inventories for supplies for ear molds, hearing aid repairs, Audiology Clinic diagnostics & cerumen management purposes Maintains clean instrumentation, equipment, & work surfaces according to Infection Control and Audiology Section Procedures Knowledgeable of VA policies & regulations pertaining to patient procedures, broad knowledge of duties, priorities, commitments, goals & policies of Audiology Clinic to perform assignments Knowledgeable of functions & procedures of related services w/in medical center, especially ENT, Prosthetics, & Nursing Performs other duties as assigned GS-5 duties: In addition to GS-4 duties Manage & prioritize all duties consistent w/ timeliness & quality of care Manages unusual problems through experience, ability & resourcefulness & exercises sound judgement & makes appropriate referrals or seeks assistance Identifies patient education needs & provides instruction appropriate to patient.
Recognizes need for cerumen management, otologic care, or audiological services Providers ancillary services for routine ancillary services for routine clinical appointments as follows: screening for impacted cerumen; makes ear impressions including deep impressions for completely-in-the-canal aids; orders replacement hearing aids & earmolds through ROES; tracks orders & repairs Measures, fits, & modifies all types of custom-made hearing appliances for patients that may be complicated by several physical, mental, &or medical conditions.
This work requires: 1) a high degree of skill in working w/ tools & materials, 2) a thorough grasp of Medical Center, Prosthetic, eligibility & Service-level policies & procedures, 3) a thorough knowledge of prosthetic materials, & 4) understanding of normal & disordered auditory anatomy, physiology, & external ear tissue characteristics.
Performs other duties as assigned GS-6 duties: In addition to GS-4 & GS-5 duties Utilizes proper equipment to exam patients & fabricate/modify earmolds; equipment sand purposes also include, but is not limited to: brushes, clot & modified dental tools to examine, clean & repair hearing aids; chemical mixtures to repair hearing aid shells & produce impression of external ear, otoscope to inspect & demonstrate factors of external ear; operating speculum, curettes for limited management of cerumen; electronic & air-powered devices to test, clean & rejuvenate prosthetic devices & batteries; buffer-grinder & drilling power tools to modify hearing aid shells; hot air units to bend plastic prosthetic devices Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Full time, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 51982-A, 51983-A, 51984-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for highly qualified candidates Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.
S.
Citizen to apply for this job.
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications 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: US Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it's not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance w/ VA Policy.
English Language Proficiency: Health Technicians-Audiology appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in spoken & written English.
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 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 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.
Grandfathering Provision.
All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/trademark/registration/certification.
For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
If an HTA, HTSLP or HTASLP who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee will lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
HTAs, HTSLPs or HTASLPs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
Foreign Education.
To be creditable, education completed outside the U.
S.
must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.
S.
programs.
Grade Determinations: Grade determination requirements GS-4 Experience.
None beyond the basic requirements.
Grade determination requirements GS-5 Experience.
One year 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 Education.
Successful completion of four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in courses related to the position or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to the functions of the occupation.
In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, KSAs: 1) Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck.
2) Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing.
3) Knowledge of basic hearing assistive technologies 4) Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines.
5) Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories.
6) Skill in using basic computer software such as email, spreadsheet and word processing.
Grade determination requirements GS-6 This is the full performance grade for this occupational series.
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.
In addition to meeting the experience requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: 1) Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy.
2) Knowledge of hearing physiology and function to educate patients and families.
3) Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software.
4) Ability to solve problems or make decisions regarding hearing aid, hearing assistive technology and patient care, consistent with the documented and co-signed plan of care under the supervision of an audiologist.
5) Ability to prepare patients for testing procedures.
6) Ability to document and code patient procedures.
References: VA Handbook 5005/3, Part II, Appendix G70.
The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-6.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of a GS-4 to a GS-6.
Physical Requirements: The work requires above average agility and dexterity.
High degree of eye-hand coordination when working with the small components associated with hearing aids and ear molds.
Long periods of sitting, standing, bending and walking.
Patient transport requires pushing wheelchairs.
Lifting/carrying light items up to 30 pounds on a frequent basis.
Occasional heavy lifting of equipment or patients, within the technician 's capability.
Occasionally a piece of equipment would need to be moved.
Must be able to work at a desk in front of a monitor/screen several hours per day.
Some stressful situations may occur when communicating with patients and their families who may have multiple physical, mental and psychosocial problems and needs.
Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Transcripts must include your name, the school's entire name, can be unofficial transcripts, must have the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, (if applicable), (name of degree received, (if applicable).
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.
You can verify your education here: https://ope.
ed.
gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://www.
ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
html.
Additional information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.
01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.
e.
, medical, religious or pregnancy).
VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.
If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.
The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, resume, C.
V.
, and/or supporting documentation will be verified.
Please follow all instructions carefully.
Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.
g.
, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.
g.
, professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.
g.
, on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.
Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.
You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU USE THE FEDERAL RESUME BUILDER ON USA JOBS AS IT PROMPTS YOU TO ADD REQUIRED INFOMATION NEEDED TO DETERMINATION ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: REQUIRED: Resume or CV.
Your resume must have the following information for each position you have held, job title, duties, dates of employment including month and year start/end dates, and full-time or part-time status with the number of hours worked each week.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
REQUIRED if APPLICABLE: Copy of transcripts is required with conferred degree stated.
Unofficial copy is acceptable for application purposes, however official copy will be confirmed prior to appointment.
REQUESTED: VA-FORM 10-2850c Application Associated Health Occupations.
The VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.
va.
gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.
pdf REQUIRED: Copy of SF-50 Notice of Personnel Action.
Please submit your most current SF-50.
It must show your job title, series, current grade and step and appointment type to verify status.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) VAF 10-2850c Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference.
For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time) on 12/08/2023 to receive consideration.
To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.
usastaffing.
gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12118065.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.
usajobs.
gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position.
The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.
You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information Jason Luper Phone (405) 421-2158 Fax (405) 456-5943 Email Jason.
Luper@va.
gov Address Oklahoma City VA Health Care System 921 Northeast 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104 US Next steps Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email.
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.
After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview.
All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications.
Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.
Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.
HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.
VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.
HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.
HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students.
HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU USE THE FEDERAL RESUME BUILDER ON USA JOBS AS IT PROMPTS YOU TO ADD REQUIRED INFOMATION NEEDED TO DETERMINATION ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: REQUIRED: Resume or CV.
Your resume must have the following information for each position you have held, job title, duties, dates of employment including month and year start/end dates, and full-time or part-time status with the number of hours worked each week.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
REQUIRED if APPLICABLE: Copy of transcripts is required with conferred degree stated.
Unofficial copy is acceptable for application purposes, however official copy will be confirmed prior to appointment.
REQUESTED: VA-FORM 10-2850c Application Associated Health Occupations.
The VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.
va.
gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.
pdf REQUIRED: Copy of SF-50 Notice of Personnel Action.
Please submit your most current SF-50.
It must show your job title, series, current grade and step and appointment type to verify status.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) VAF 10-2850c Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference.
For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help This job is open to Federal employees - Competitive service Current or former competitive service federal employees.
Federal employees - Excepted service Current excepted service federal employees.
The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.
Veterans Clarification from the agency This announcement is open to the public.
If you are a current Internal Department of Veterans Affairs Employee or Past/Current/Upcoming Health Professional Trainee, please apply to Announcement #CBSU-12118064-23-JL.