Health Technician (Audiology)

Summary

The Health Technician position is designed to provide the Audiologists with assistance in meeting the clinical needs of the Veteran population served in the Audiology Clinic. The position combines patient care activities with technical support functions for the staff audiologists. These support functions are comprised of both clinical and administrative duties.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

06/28/2024 to 07/10/2024

• Salary

$36,209 - $57,879 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 00

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Indianapolis, IN

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

25% or less

• You may be expected to travel for this position.

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

6

• Job family (Series)

0640 Health Aid And Technician

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Not Required

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

National security

• Announcement number

CBSR-12459966-24-RBW

• Control number

797771000

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This job is open to

• Federal employees

• Excepted service

Current excepted service federal employees.

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Richard L. Roudebush applicants will be considered first

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Duties

• Assists audiologist with patient assessment and treatment, which may include rooming the patient, history taking, non-diagnostic otoscopy and preparing the patient for routine tests

• Cleans hearing aids, their accessories, or assistive listening devices, and change any routine maintenance parts as needed; completes in house hearing aid repairs as possible; sends hearing aids to the manufacturer for repair if they cannot be repaired in house

• Prepares hearing aids, their accessories, or assistive listening devices for shipment, including proper documentation in the Remote Order Entry Systems (ROES)

• Maintains hearing aid loaner inventory, including tracking in the ROES system

• Maintains assigned levels of hearing aid repair parts, and re-order as needed through the ROES system

• Monitors clinic stock, including ordering items through Central Medical Supply, such as infection control products; and monitor clinic supply cabinet stock, alerting supply chain staff as necessary

• Enters notes into electronic health records in accordance with guidelines and VHA requirements. Confirms patient identifiers

• as required

• Manages other data to include VISTA, scheduling software packages, or other VHA systems

• Checks and uses other standard software programs, to include word documentation programs, messaging programs, and email

• Schedules patients into scheduling package if/when front office staff are not available

• Answer calls regarding hearing aids issues, knowing when to transfer the call to the triage audiologist

• Opens incoming mail aid packages, determining where products should be routed, and properly marking anything in the electronic health record or ROES with regard to such packages

• Prepares hearing aids, their accessories, and assistive listening devices, for hearing aid fittings, including charging aids as needed;

• Restores hearing aid settings after repair or replacement

• Completes non-diagnostic otoscopy, limited cerumen removal, limited foreign body removal

• Completes earmold impressions as needed for hearing aid orders, re-orders, earmold orders, or earmold re-orders

• Educates patients and caregivers on the care of hearing aids, their accessories, and assistive listening devices

• Completes entry into the electronic medical records, with encounter or episode of care information, in preparation for co-signature by the audiologist

Work Schedule: Monday

• Friday 7:30am

• 4:00pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Functional Statement #: 91395,91396,91397

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.

• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

• You may be required to serve a probationary period.

• Subject to background/security investigation.

• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.

• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.

• Experience and Education

• 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. 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. 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

• Certification: None Required

• Physical Requirements: Outlined Below

• English Language Proficiency: HTA, HTSLP or HTASLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f).

• Grandfathering Provision: 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:

To qualify for the GS-4 grade level, you must meet the basic experience and/or education requirements of having 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. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid or non-paid employment as a health technician in the health care field;

OR

Have successfully completed two academic years above high school leading to an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the position;

OR

Have a combination of both experience and education.

To qualify for the GS-5 grade level, you must have one year 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. Examples of experience include but is not limited to the following: assisting the audiologist with patient assessment and treatment; adhering to the audiology clinic policy and standard operating procedures for infection control and cleaning, sterilization and disposition of reusable medical equipment (RME); maintaining a comprehensive supply and equipment tracking system to include monitoring stock of RME and consumable items; ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks; prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies and equipment with regard to date of expiration; maintaining proper levels of mailing/shipping supplies; preparing mailing and shipping requests for items including but not limited to hearing aid and hearing assistive technology repairs, ear mold orders and return for credit items; and maintaining loaner hearing aid inventory.

OR

Have successfully completed four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in courses related to the position or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to the functions of the occupation.

OR

Have a combination of both experience and education.

In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, you must fully demonstrate the following Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck.

• Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing.

• Knowledge of basic hearing assistive technologies.

• Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines.

• Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories.

• Skill in using basic computer software such as email, spreadsheet and word processing.

To qualify for the GS-6 grade level, you must have one year of progressive experience and/or experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being held. Examples of experience include: answering and screening calls from patients regarding audiology needs; assisting the audiologist with patient assessment and treatment; assisting with walk-in appointments; processing incoming devices from patients with concerns related to their hearing aids or hearing assistive technology; and preparing and charging (if required) hearing aids and assistive devices for delivery; maintaining a comprehensive supply and equipment tracking system; monitoring stock of RME and consumable items; ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks; prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies and equipment with regard to date of expiration, etc.

In addition to the experience listed above, you must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy.

• Knowledge of hearing physiology and function to educate patients and families.

• Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software.

• Ability to solve problems or make decisions regarding hearing aid, hearing assistive technology and patient care, consistent with the documented and co-signed plan of care under the supervision of an audiologist.

• Ability to prepare patients for testing procedures.

• Ability to document and code patient procedures.

References: VA Handbook 5005/143, Part II, Appendix G70

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-4 to GS-6.

Physical Requirements: The work requires a combination of sitting, walking and bending over, consistent with patient care. There will be some carrying of light to moderate items. The need to push wheelchairs and transfer patients is not frequent but will be required.

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.

Additional information

The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Whole Health Statement

"VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being."

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• Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window

Learn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

USA Hire Assessments include a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.