The Health Technician (Audiology) (HTA) provides assistance to the audiologists in meeting the clinical needs of the patients served in the VA Iowa City Health Care System Audiology and Speech Pathology Service (ASPS) and reports to the Chief, ASPS. The duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the Audiology service. The HTA supports the function of the clinical programs in ASPS. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and Education Experience. Six 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. OR Education. 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 Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. An 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 industry. Certification. Certification by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) as a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) is required for the HTA, GS-08 assignment only. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. HTA, HTSLP or HTASLP candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. HTA, GS-04 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements HTA, GS-05 Experience. One 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 filled. OR Education. Successful 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 occupation. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, Abilities. 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. HTA, GS-06 Experience. Completion of one year of progressive experience and/or experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. Demonstrated 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 physiology and function to educate patients and families. Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software. 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. Ability to prepare patients for testing procedures. Ability to document and code patient procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/143 Part II Appendix G70 May 13, 2021The 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: moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds, light lifting under 15 pounds, moderate carrying 15-44 pounds, light carrying under 15 pounds, pushing up to 1 hour, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, walking up to 6 hours, standing up to 6 hours, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted) ["The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Duties include but are not limited to the following: The Health Technician (Audiology) (HTA) provides support in eight functional areas. These are: 1, patient education, patient care and hearing aid evaluation; 2, hearing aid repair and programming and assistive listening device troubleshooting and repair; 3, new hearing aid certification and tracking and earmold tracking; 4, management of clinic supplies and equipment; 5, clinic and patient data management; 6, management of clinical infection control procedures; and,7, telehealth diagnostic and treatment encounters. Greeting and escorting patients Patient instruction and counseling on hearing loss or hearing aids either on an individual basis or in a group setting Conducting hearing pass/fail screenings without interpretation Non-diagnostic otoscopy; Cerumen management; Taking earmold impressions; Hearing aid troubleshooting and repair Providing basic hearing aid information for patients and caregivers Performing listening checks on hearing aids; Electroacoustic analysis of devices Pairing hearing aids and accessories via Bluetooth technology Programming previously stored settings into hearing aids; Activating remote controls. The HTA is responsible for ensuring timely and accurate documentation of all interactions in the medical record and that all encounters are correctly documented using electronic medical record and computerized tracking and ordering functions. ordering and stocking of office supplies tracking loaner stock hearing aid inventory Electronic ordering, verifying orders upon arrival to ensure components are present and working correctly Packaging and mailing hearing aids and accessories Processing 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 questions assisting patients, visitors, and others requesting information Management of infection control, patient safety, and clinical supplies for the audiology clinic and mobile audiology clinic truck Maintenance of clean, disinfected instrumentation, equipment, and work surfaces in the audiology clinic and mobile audiology clinic truck participating in the facility purchase card program and maintaining appropriate records for same Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday between 7:30am-4:30pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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