Health Technician (Audiology)

Summary The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is hiring for (1) Health Technician (Audiology) for their Fort Sill VA Clinic located in Lawton - OK. Qualifications 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 PolicyEnglish Language ProficiencyHTA - HTSLP or HTASLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C.7403 (f)Experience and Education(1) ExperienceSix 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 filledOR (2) EducationSuccessful 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 positionOR (3) Experience/Education CombinationEquivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifyingAn 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 industryMay 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: Health Technician (Audiology) - GS-04 ExperienceNone beyond the basic requirementsHealth Technician (Audiology) - GS-05 ExperienceOne 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 filledOR EducationSuccessful completion of 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 occupationDemonstrated Knowledge - Skills - AbilitiesIn addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level - the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck(b) Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing(c) Knowledge of basic hearing assistive technologies(d) Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines(e) Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories(f) Skill in using basic computer software such as email - spreadsheet and word processingHealth Technician (Audiology) - GS-06 ExperienceCompletion of one year of progressive experience and/or experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filledDemonstrated Knowledge - Skills and AbilitiesIn addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy(b) Knowledge of hearing physiology and function to educate patients and families(c) Knowledge of hearing aids - hearing assistive technology - hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software(d) 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(e) Ability to prepare patients for testing procedures(f) Ability to document and code patient proceduresReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/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 physical demands of work require light lifting/carrying under 20 lbs.reaching above shoulderuse of fingerswalkingstandinghearing aid permittedmental & emotional stabilityworking around machineryProlonged sitting and/or standing (6-8 hours) and the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneouslySome stressful situations may occur when communicating with patients and their families who may have multiple physical - mental and/or psychosocial problems and needs. Duties Primary responsibility is for patient care - supporting diagnostic and treatment procedures - patient charting and patient education - which do not require a full professional audiology education or knowledge and skills represented by audiology licensureSupport functions include both direct patient care and administrative dutiesDirect patient care duties may include - but not limited to the following: Greeting and escorting patientsPatient instruction and counseling on hearing loss or hearing aids either on an individual basis or in a group settingConducting hearing pass/fail screenings without interpretationNon-diagnostic otoscopyCerumen managementTaking earmold impressionsHearing aid troubleshooting and repairProviding basic hearing aid information for patients and caregiversPerforming listening checks on hearing aidsElectroacoustic analysis of devicesPairing hearing aids and accessories via Bluetooth technologyProgramming previously stored settings into hearing aidsActivating remote controlsThe incumbent is responsible for ensuring timely and accurate documentation of all interactions in the medical records and that all encounters are correctly documented using electronic medical record and computerized tracking and ordering functions via ROESAdministrative duties may include - but not limited to the following: Managing office supplies - Tracking loaner stock hearing aid inventoryElectronic ordering - verifying orders upon arrival to ensure components are present and working correctlyScheduling appointmentsPackaging and mailing hearing aids and accessoriesProcessing ROES transactions (e.g. - certifying and issuing hearing aids - entering orders and repairs)Responding to routine inquiries from patients - including determining nature of hearing aid inquiry and responding to administrative questionsAssisting patients - visitors - and others requesting informationManagement of infection control - patient safety - and clinical supplies for the audiology clinicMaintenance of clean - disinfected instrumentation - equipment - and work surfaces in the audiology clinic - Reprocessing reusable medical equipment based on facility policy according to Medical Center infection control procedures and reusable medical equipment policiesWork Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:00a-4:30p Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: PD51982-A - PD51983-A - and PD51984-A