Health Technician - Audiology

Summary

The Health Technician Audiology (HTA) works under the supervision of the Chief & Assistant Chief of Audiology & Speech Pathology. They are responsible for planning and carrying out assignments - resolving most of the conflicts that arise - coordinating the work with others as necessary and interpreting policy on own initiative in terms of established objectives. The duties and responsibilities are carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology service.

• 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: HTA - HTSLP or HTASLP candidates must be proficient in spoken & written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f)
• Experience and/or
  
  Education:
  
  Must have six months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills & abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled
• OR 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 Have an equivalent combination of experience & education
• An example of a combination of experience/education is three months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills & abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled & one year above high school with a minimum of 6 semester hours related to the health care industry
• 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-4
  
  Experience:
  
  None beyond the basic requirements
• Assignment:
  Entry level developmental position
• The HTA at this level works independently under the direction of a licensed audiologist
• The assignment includes but is not limited to assisting the audiologist with patient assessment & treatment
• Adheres to the audiology clinic policy & standard operating procedures for infection control & cleaning - sterilization & disposition of reusable medical equipment (RME)
• Maintains a comprehensive supply & equipment tracking system to include monitoring stock of RME & consumable items
• ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks
• prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies & equipment with regard to date of expiration
• maintaining proper levels of mailing/shipping supplies
• preparing mailing/shipping requests for items including but not limited to hearing aid & hearing assistive technology repairs - ear mold orders & return for credit items
• & maintaining loaner hearing aid inventory
• GS-5 Experience or
  
  Education:
  
  Must have one year of experience comparable to the GS-4 grade level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills & abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled
• OR 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
• GS-5 Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA's):
  In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level - the candidate must fully demonstrate the following 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
• Assignment
• Developmental position
• The HTA at this level works independently under the direction of a licensed audiologist
• Assignments include - but are not limited to answering & screening calls from patients regarding audiology needs
• assisting the audiologist with patient assessment & treatment
• assisting with walk-in appointments
• processing incoming devices from patients with concerns related to their hearing aids or hearing assistive technology
• preparing & charging (if required) hearing aids & assistive devices for delivery
• Adheres to the audiology clinic policy & standard operating procedures for infection control & cleaning - sterilization & disposition of RME
• Maintains a comprehensive supply & equipment tracking system to include: monitoring stock of RME & consumable items
• ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks
• prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies & equipment with regard to date of expiration
• maintaining proper levels of mailing/shipping supplies
• preparing mailing/shipping requests for items including but not limited to: hearing aid & hearing assistive technology repairs - ear mold orders & return for credit…