This position is in the Audiology Service at the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. The duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology service service, and throughout the Medical Center. The Health Technician (Audiology) supports the function of the clinical programs in Audiology. This position works under the supervision of a GS-12 Audiologist or above.

Duties

The Health Technician (Audiology) primary responsibility is for patient care, supporting diagnostic, and treatment. The Health Technician (Audiology) duties include, but are not limited to: Answers and screens calls from patients regarding audiology needs. Assists Audiologist with patient assessment and treatment. Provides the evaluation of hearing aid function and fit through listening checks, visual inspection, changing of batteries, cleaning of electrical contacts, removal of impacted cerumen from the aid replacing earmold tubing, inspecting and replacing components, and counseling the veteran in optimal use and proper methods of care for the hearing aids. Responsible for repair of hearing aids that are delivered or mailed tot he Audiology clinic. Meets with veterans on a one-on-one basis to solve hearing aid problems. Provides primary level troubleshooting and repairs for veterans who are experiencing problems. Pairs hearing aids and accessories via Bluetooth technology. Takes ear impressions and demonstrates advance skill of making ear impressions on veterans with surgically altered mastoid bowls. Completes electronic ordering, verifying orders upon arrival to ensure components are present. Responds to routine inquiries from patients, determines the nature of hearing aid inquiry, and responds to administrative questions. Utilizes CPRS, ROES, Vista, and other VA computer software to access patient charts to communicate patient needs to the treatment team, and other appropriate VA staff. Maintains a comprehensive supply and equipment tracking system to ensure monitoring of stock of RME and consumable items, ensuring proper inventory levels to complete daily tasks, prioritizes the acquisition of all supplies and equipment, and maintains proper levels of mailing and shipping supplies. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00960F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Requirements

Qualifications

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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Experience and/or Education: Must possess: 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. ( Make sure experience is detailed in your resume.) 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. ( Make sure to include a copy of your transcripts with your application package.) 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. (Make sure experience is detailed in your resume, and include a copy of your transcripts with your application package.) 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: Health Technician (Audiology) GS-0640-07 Experience. Completion of one year of progressive experience and/or experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) directly related to the position being filled. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to mentor and train new HTAs. Ability to prepare patients for advanced testing procedures performed by the audiologist, such as evoked potentials. Ability to develop and implement the technician role for a program in a focused area of Audiology. Preferred Experience: At least one year experience as a Health Technician (Audiology) or Audiologist Assistant. At least one year experience performing otoscopies, earmold impressions, and cerumen management. At least one year experience troubleshooting and repairing hearing aids or other amplification devices. General experience in adult direct patient care recommended. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G70 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: Light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers and both hands required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Mental and Emotional Stability; works outside and inside; works closely with others; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address GV Sonny Montgomery VAMC 1500 East Woodrow Wilson Drive Jackson, MS 39216 US
• Name: Stacy Cole
• Phone: 909-683-8155
• Email: [email protected]