Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

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
• Kansas City, MO
• Poplar Bluff, MO (West Plains CBOC)
• Saint Louis, 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.Qualifications: BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.).
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).
Exceptionsfor Non-Board-Certified Health Technician (HIS).

1. 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).
2. Non-board-certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a licensed audiologist.
3. Non-board-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until board certification is obtained.
4. 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 DETERMINATION:
Health Technician (HIS), GS-05.Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
KnowledgeSkills and Abilities GS-5. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

1. Knowledge of basic anatomy of the head and neck.
2. Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines.
3. Skill in using basic computer software to complete tasks such as using email, creating spreadsheets and word processing.
4. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
5. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
6. Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories.

Health Technician (HIS), GS-06.Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities GS-6. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSA

1. Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy.
2. Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software.
3. Skill in documenting patient procedures and patient devices.
4. Skill in providing patient education for hearing aid use, to include assisting patient with hearing aid insertion, removal and hygiene (cleaning and disinfection).
5. Ability to provide patient education and training regarding hearing loss and communication strategies for various listening situations.
6. 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.
7. Ability to prepare patient, equipment, and/or environment for audiology procedures.
8. Ability to provide triage of patient telephone calls or audiology request.

References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Health Technician Hearing
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-5 to GS-6.
Physical Requirements: Able to meet the physical demands for the position, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must have a good manual dexterity. Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken or written word. Must be able to view and read information on computer screens.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.Employment Type: FULL_TIME