Fee Basis Audiologist

About the role

This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the Dayton VAMC. The audiologist at this level plans, conducts, and coordinates all aspects of diagnostic evaluation and treatment of hearing impairment and/or balance disorders. The incumbent must demonstrate professional knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and coordinate all clinical and administrative audiology services
• Perform comprehensive audiological and vestibular (balance) evaluations and testing
• Diagnose hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders across a wide range of patient complexities
• Conduct Compensation & Pension (C&P) examinations and provide medical opinions related to military service
• Select, fit, program, and maintain hearing aids and other assistive listening devices
• Provide aural rehabilitation, patient education, and counseling to veterans and their families
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment and rehabilitation plans
• Repair, modify, and inspect hearing aids, ear molds, and amplification devices
• Serve as a subject matter expert and consultant on hearing, tinnitus, and balance-related cases
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate audiology students and trainees
• Maintain partnerships with affiliated colleges and universities
• Complete clinical documentation in accordance with facility policies
• Participate in staff meetings, interdisciplinary team activities, and required training
• Maintain professional competency through continuing education and professional development
• Ensure proper operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of specialized audiology equipment

Requirements

Basic Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a).
• Education: Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) from an audiology program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE) or Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of ASHA; OR other doctoral degree in hearing science or a directly related field from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting body. (Effective January 1, 2007, CAA accredits only doctoral/Au.D. programs in audiology.)
• Licensure: Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice audiology at the doctoral level in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
  • Exceptions: The Under Secretary of Health may appoint without a license for research, academic, or administrative positions with no patient care duties, only in exceptional circumstances demonstrating high professional attainment.
  • All audiologists performing compensation and pension examinations must possess a full, current, unrestricted license and meet experience requirements under 38 C.F.R. 4.85(4).
  • Non-licensed applicants meeting eligibility for licensure may receive a temporary appointment as a graduate audiologist at GS-11 under 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2), providing care only under supervision of a fully licensed audiologist at or above full performance level. Such appointments may not extend beyond two years or be converted to a new temporary appointment; promotion to GS-12 requires licensure.
  • Failure to obtain licensure by the prescribed deadline results in termination. Loss of credential requires immediate relief from duties and may result in separation.
  • HR must appoint according to VA Handbook Part II, Chapter 3, Section B, paragraph 16 for anyone who has had licensure revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or placed in probationary status.
• Grandfathering Provision: Employees in VHA under permanent, appropriate, legal placement on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all requirements for the grade/assignment held. Those not meeting current basic or assignment-specific requirements but who met qualifications at time of appointment may be reassigned, promoted up to full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond journey level or newly placed in supervisory/managerial positions. Temporary appointees prior to the effective date may not have appointments extended or be reappointed until fully meeting the standard. Employees leaving the occupation lose protected status and must meet full VA qualification standards upon re-entry. Grandfathered employees who subsequently obtain qualifying licensure must maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Foreign Education: Must have been submitted to a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. programs.
• Physical Requirements: Per VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).

GS-12 Full Performance Level Requirements

• Experience: At least one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Skill in determining nature, type, and severity of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders
  • Skill in counseling patients and family members regarding management of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders
  • Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional audiology to other health care professionals
  • Ability to independently apply professional contemporary audiologic treatments to the full range of patient populations
• Assignment: This is the full performance level for staff audiologists. Audiologists are licensed to practice independently in the provision of audiologic services, consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate, and serve as consultants.

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.

Work Schedule & Telework

• Work Schedule: No specific work schedule; as-needed basis.
• Telework: Not available.
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Additional Information

Functional Statement #: 552-91814-0. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.