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Summary The Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist - HIS) position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL and serves as a member of the audiology service and hearing health care team. Responsibilities Full performance level of a Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) is a 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. The major duties described below are at the full-performance level of a GS-6. The Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) works under the supervision and direction of a licensed audiologist. Assignments associated with the full-performance level include, but are not limited to: completing visual and auditory checks of hearing aids and hearing assistive technology-including all hearing and accessories, as well as altering devices (troubleshoots performance); registering, certifying and tracking prosthetic devices (hearing aids, hearing aid accessories and assistive devices); and assisting in set up and delivery of face-to-face and telehealth visits by preparing the equipment for patient evaluation and other audiology procedures, including, but not limited to daily biologic listening calibration of audiometric equipment and calibration of real-ear equipment. The Health Technician (HIS) provides patient care in hearing aid repair appointments consistent with the audiologist's treatment plan and provides counseling including, but not limited to realistic expectations, communication strategies nd/or aural rehabilitation. The Health Technician (HIS) maintains a comprehensive supply and equipment tracking systems to include monitoring stock of RME and consumable items; ensuring proper inventory levels to complete the daily tasks; prioritizing the acquisition of all supplies and equipment with regard to date of expiration; and may maintain a loner hearing aid inventory. The Health Technician (HIS) assists patients with hearing aid connectivity including, but not limited to downloading applications (or apps), pairing devices in the app, Bluetooth pairing and pairing hearing aid accessories. The Health Technician (HIS) assists patients through triaging phone calls and audiology requests with regards to priority and urgency following the audiologist's plan of care Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Work schedule will be discussed at interview Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENTS: The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for this position: English Language Proficiency Experience: Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists. Copy of document verifying program completion required. OR Education: Successful completion of two academic years above high school that includes course work related to the field such as hearing science, human anatomy and physiology, hearing instrument science, gerontology, psychology or other general healthcare areas. Transcripts Required. Licensure or Registration: Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license or registration to practice as a Hearing Instrument Specialist in a state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia. Copy of licensure or registration required. Board Certification: Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (HBC-HIS). Copy of board certification required Exception 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 of a GS-5 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 (2) years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements above the following is the criteria that must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-5 Entry Level: Experience: None beyond the basic requirements above. 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 Full-Performance Level: Experience: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) in the occupation. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy. Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers nd 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/149, Part II, Appendix G73, Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Qualification Standards, 3/18/2022. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.