Health Technician; Hearing Instrument Specialist

Summary

The VA Heartland Network is currently recruiting for one Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) at each facility within the network:
Leavenworth - KS Topeka - KS Marion - IL (Evansville - IN CBOC) Wichita - KS Columbia - MO Poplar Bluff - MO (West Plains CBOC) Saint Louis - MO Kansas City - MO This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available.

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:

• 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
• 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
• Certification
• Individuals must hold active board certification from the National for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS)
• Exceptions 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 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 years or converted to a new temporary appointment
• Foreign Education
• To be creditable - education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials
• Language Proficiency
• Health Technician (HIS) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• Grade Determinations: GS-5 Health Technician (HIS) Experience
• None beyond the basic requirements
• 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 Health Technician (HIS) Experience
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade
• Knowledge
  - Skills and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSA Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy
• Knowledge of hearing aids - hearing assistive technology - hearing aid manufacturers and 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
• Ability to prepare…