This position is located in the Audiology Service at Alaska VA Health Care system in Anchorage, Alaska. The duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology service.

Duties

This position supports the function of the clinical programs in Audiology. The purpose of the work should focus on overall work outcomes. This may involve the conclusions reached and decisions or recommendations made; treatment or service provided; results of test or research performed; or approvals or denials made. Location of the work should cover where the position is in the organization and work unit. The duties include, but are not limited to: Perform non-diagnostic otoscopy including proper bracing techniques and making appropriate referrals for abnormalities and cerumen management. Recheck air-conduction pure tone threshold testing to assist the audiologist in modifying the treatment plan during hearing aid repair appointments. Provide patient care in hearing aid repair appointments, consistent with the audiologist's treatment plan. Complete visual and auditory checks with listening stethoscope of hearing aids prior to and following repair of device. Process incoming devices from patients with concerns related to their hearing aids or hearing assistive technology. Prepare and charge hearing aids and assistive devices for delivery. Receive devices and restore settings of hearing aid/hearing assistive technology after repair or replacement from manufacturer. Maintain proper levels of mailing/shipping supplies. Adhere to audiology clinic policy and standard operating procedures for infection control and cleaning, sterilization, and disposition of reusable medical equipment (RME). Complete documentation per medical center policy for timeliness for each episode of care and code procedures as appropriate in the patient record. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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 candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 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. 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. 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): 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)(2)(B). Non-board certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a licensed audiologist. Non-board certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until board certification is obtained. 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: GS-5 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic anatomy of the head and neck. (b) Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines. (c) Skill in using basic computer software to complete tasks such as using email, creating spreadsheets and word processing. (d) Ability to communicate orally and in writing. (e) Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. (f) Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories. GS-6 Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy. (b) Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software. (c) Skill in documenting patient procedures and patient devices. (d) Skill in providing patient education for hearing aid use, to include assisting patient with hearing aid insertion, removal and hygiene (cleaning and disinfection). (e) Ability to provide patient education and training regarding hearing loss and communication strategies for various listening situations. (f) 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. (g) Ability to prepare patient, equipment, and/or environment for audiology procedures. (h) Ability to provide triage of patient telephone calls or audiology requests. REFERENCES: VA Handbook 5005/149 Part II Appendix G73. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Light lifting (under 15 pounds),reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, specific visual requirement (able to see computer screen), depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, and hearing (aid permitted). Environmental factors include working closely with others and working alone.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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: http://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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Anchorage VA Medical Center 1201 North Muldoon Road Anchorage, AK 99504 US
• Name: Randi Tran
• Phone: 509-434-7000 X6680
• Email: [email protected]