Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

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: Dental assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Education and/or Experience:
  • 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.
• 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.
• Provisions for Certification Board Certification. Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS).

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:GS-5

Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
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
Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.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.

Preferred Experience: Minimum 1 year licensed hearing aid Specialist.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/46, PART II, APPENDIX G73

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.