The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, is a 119-bed facility providing highly specialized medical, surgical, neurological, and psychiatric care, including transplant, cardiac, and geriatric care, as well as a full range of outpatient care and rehabilitation services. The facility's service area includes 84,000 Veterans in 15 counties in south-central Wisconsin and 4 counties in northwestern Illinois.

Duties

Full performance level of a Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) is a 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. The major duties described below are at the full-performance level of a GS-6. The Health Technician (Hearing Instrument specialist) works under the supervision of a GS-12 staff audiologist or above. This position is located in the Audiology Service at Madison VA hospital and all Madison VA Hospital Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). The duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology service. As members of the audiology service and hearing health care team, the Health Technician (HIS) possesses an active Hearing Instrument Specialist license, knowledge of basic ear anatomy and a broad knowledge of hearing aids and hearing assistive technology. The Health Technician (HIS) possesses the skills necessary to assist patients with concerns related to their hearing aids and/or hearing assistive technology, consistent with the treatment plan of the audiologist. This work may include the provision of a wide array of clinical rehabilitation services to support Veterans with disabilities reintegrate into community, employment and independent living. Employees at this grade level serve in a Health Technician (HIS) entry level developmental position and work under the supervision and direction of a licensed audiologist. Assignments associated with this level include, but are not limited to: Performing non-diagnostic otoscopy including proper bracing techniques and making appropriate referrals for abnormalities and cerumen management. Rechecking air-conduction pure tone threshold testing to assist the audiologist in modifying the treatment plan during hearing aid repair appointments. Providing patient care in hearing aid repair appointments, consistent with the audiologist's treatment plan. Completing visual and auditory checks with listening stethoscope of hearing aids prior to and following repair of device (troubleshoots performance). Processing incoming devices from patients with concerns related to their hearing aids or hearing assistive technology. Preparing and charging (if required) hearing aids and assistive devices for delivery; receiving devices and restoring settings of hearing aid/hearing assistive technology after repair or replacement from manufacturer, such as Denver Logistics Center (DLC); and maintaining proper levels of mailing/shipping supplies. Adheres to the audiology clinic policy and standard operating procedures for infection control and cleaning, sterilization and disposition of reusable medical equipment (RME). Completes documentation per medical center policy for timeliness for each episode of care and codes procedures as appropriate in the patient record in preparation for co-signature by the audiologist. Provides instruction to patients, family and staff on device topics including but not limited to hearing aid and hearing assistive technology care, maintenance, use and operation. Receives and completes incoming communications from Veterans (electronic and telephone), and facilitates follow-up based on audiologist's treatment plan to include ordering supplies through DLC. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 12;00pm Part time: 20 hours Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for this position: English Language Proficiency Prefered Experience: 2-5 years of experience working as a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with an active HIS licence. Copy of document verifying program completion required. OR Education: Successful completion of two academic years above high school that includes course work related to the field such as hearing science, human anatomy and physiology, hearing instrument science, gerontology, psychology or other general healthcare areas. Transcripts Required.Licensure or Registration: Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license or registration to practice as a Hearing Instrument Specialist in a state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia. Copy of licensure or registration required. Board Certification: Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (HBC-HIS). Copy of board certification requiredException 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 of a GS-5 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 (2) years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements above the following is the criteria that must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-5 Entry Level:Experience: None beyond the basic requirements above.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of basic anatomy of the head and neck. Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines. Skill in using basic computer software to complete tasks such as using email, creating spreadsheets and word processing. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories. GS-6 Full-Performance Level:Experience: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) in the occupation.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy. Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers nd manufacturer software. Skill in documenting patient procedures and patient devices. Skill in providing patient education for hearing aid use, to include assisting patient with hearing aid insertion, removal and hygiene (cleaning and disinfection). Ability to provide patient education and training regarding hearing loss and communication strategies for various listening situations. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/149, Part II, Appendix G73, Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Qualification Standards, 3/18/2022.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address William S Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital 2500 Overlook Terrace Madison, WI 53705 US
• Name: Jorge Guevara
• Phone: 9093759908
• Email: [email protected]