The Incumbent functions as the program manager of the cochlear implant program. The clinic receives inter-facility consults and referrals from within the service for cochlear implant evaluation, programming, and care coordination. Incumbent manages, directs, and oversees the cochlear implant program.

Duties

General Clinical Responsibilities: The audiologist at this level conducts, plans, and coordinates all clinical and administrative aspects of a full range of services associated with contemporary audiology practice. Clinical duties and responsibilities include direct patient care involving a full range of audiology and balance evaluation services. Identifies and evaluates individuals with hearing disorders in the reception and perception of speech, language and other acoustic signals to a full range of patient complexity. Administers the full range of tests; evaluates the type and degree of hearing loss for patients who may be unable to provide consistent and reliable reaction to diagnostics; performs cerumen management; provides initial assessment for tinnitus, cochlear implant, and vestibular referral. Plans, conducts, and coordinates auditory (aural) rehabilitation, tinnitus, and/or vestibular rehabilitation programs for patients; designs patient-centered treatment plans to assist patient and caregivers to maximize and restore to the greatest extent possible physical and social functioning. Serves as a consultant to other facility personnel involving the most difficult and complex cases and is a recognized subject matter expert on matters related to hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders. Responsible for supervising, evaluating, mentoring, and precepting student trainees in audiology and maintained a liaison with affiliated colleges and universities. Responsible for the proper maintenance and calibration of the specialized electro-acoustic instrumentation. Participates in research activities pertinent to clinical audiology. Special Clinic Responsibilities: Cochlear Implant Program: Involved in the administrative responsibilities of the Cochlear implant program, the direct clinical care of Veterans with severe to profound hearing loss, the training of students in managing patients in the cochlear implant program. Administers and provides evaluation, programming, repair, and follow up for cochlear implants. Requests and coordinates cochlear implant referrals with Otolaryngology; provides expert knowledge in the multi-disciplinary management of patients in conjunction with Otolaryngology, Polytrauma, and Neurology. Remains current with new developments in Cochlear Implants and will maintain professional competency by reading professional journals and engaging in continuing education and professional learning experiences and by communicating with other professionals in the profession and related professions. Provides guidance on the principles and procedures of management of cochlear implant patients to staff members and other facility personnel by serving as the Subject Matter Expert regarding the Cochlear Implant program. Determines success of interventions based on outcome measures and determines need for modifications to strategies as needed. Collects, monitor and analyzes outcome measures. Provides instruction to colleagues, and other medical professionals and academic affiliates via in-service trainings or presentations. Responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance and calibration of the specialized cochlear implant equipment. This audiologist will be the liaison between biomed and IT and the cochlear implant program. Education: In carrying out the education responsibilities of the position, they stay current with theory and practice through continuing education programs, journals, textbooks and other literature and in-service training programs. Provides education to patient and family regarding the nature and effects of haring loss and balance disorders, medical and non-medical modes of remediation and informed consent. Provides orientation/training to medical staff. Assists in the training and supervision of students, trainees, and felloes, providing feedback on progress toward established educational goals. Administrative: Participates in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs and evaluation of existing programs. Maintains patient records and other data required by the clinic, service, and medical center. Maintains supplies and equipment in the clinical areas to optimize clinic safety and efficiency. Maintains leadership of the Cochlear Implant Program and VAPSHCS. Maintains and monitors for currency all cochlear implant educational materials such as program brochures, manuals and PowerPoint presentations, and updates material as needed. Designs and implements templates for service-wide use in standard note layouts related to cochlear implant testing and management. Work Schedule: 7AM - 5:30PM, Tuesday - Friday Compressed/Flexible:Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 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. 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: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a). English Language Proficiency. Audiologist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education. (1) Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from an audiology program recognized by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The CAA is the only accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit entry-level audiology programs. HR office staff and management officials may verify the program accredited from CAA at www.caa.asha.org. OR (2) Other doctoral degree in hearing science or a directly related field from an institution accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the USDE. Licensure. Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license to practice audiology at the doctoral level in a United States state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia. 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: Audiologist (Clinical Specialist), GS-13. Experience. At least two years of experience as a professional audiologist, with at least one year comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-12). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the KSAs required at the full performance level, the following KSAs are required: (a) Advanced knowledge in a focused area of contemporary audiology practice to provide oversight of a specialty program. (b) Skill to evaluate the specialty program to ensure deadlines and goals are met. (c) Skill to coordinate initiatives and build consensus among interdisciplinary team members. (d) Ability to monitor and report on work progress in the specialty program to adjust workload and processes. (e) Ability to serve as the SME and provide education relating to the specialty program. Preferred Experience: Worked with cochlear implants as a specialty for at least 1 year. References: VA Handbook 5005/152, Part II, Appendix G29, September 22, 2022 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Light lifting and carrying (under 15 lbs.), use of fingers, both hands, and hearing (aid permitted).

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 VA Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Gabriel Johnson
• Phone: (503) 220-8262 X53014
• Email: [email protected]