The audiologist conducts audiological assessment to determine a patient's need for amplification, to predict effectiveness of amplification, to determine need for and type of aural rehabilitation, counseling of the veteran with hearing loss/tinnitus and their family, determine a patient's need for vestibular assessment and rehabilitation. 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. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. Education. Master's degree or its equivalent in audiology or hearing science from an accredited college or university is required. "Accredited" means a college or university accredited by a regional accreditation organization and an audiology program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE) and/or the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). NOTE: Effective January 1, 2007, the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA accredits only doctoral degree programs in audiology or hearing science. Licensure. For those grades that require licensure (GS-12 and above), the incumbent must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. NOTE: All audiologists who perform compensation and pension (C&P) examinations are considered to be performing direct patient care duties, and must possess a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice audiology (38 CFR 4.85). The audiologist must maintain full, current, and unrestricted licensure/registration. Non-licensed audiologists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate audiologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c). Failure to obtain licensure during appointment as a graduate audiologist is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. Individuals appointed as graduate audiologists may not be promoted to the GS-12 level without being fully licensed. This may result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency. Audiologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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: GS-9 Education and Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-11 Education and Experience. Completion of 1 year of professional experience as an audiologist equivalent to the next lower level; or 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree; or doctoral degree in audiology, hearing science, or a directly related field. For positions involved in research audiologist assignments involving no direct patient care, no additional education or professional experience is required beyond those identified at the GS-9 level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the [knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) identified for the assignment. Staff Audiologist. Staff audiologists at this grade level perform audiology assessment and treatment intervention. If unlicensed, the individual must function under the supervision of a licensed audiologist. The following KSAs are required: Knowledge of contemporary audiology practice; Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, acoustics, applied acoustics, communication, psychoacoustics, and auditory/vestibular pathophysiology; Knowledge of principles and techniques in the assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders; Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice; Ability to interact with patients, families, and other health care professionals. GS-12 Licensure. The incumbent must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Education and Experience. In addition to the requirements at the GS-11 level, completion of 1 year of professional experience comparable to the next lower level and possession of a full, current and unrestricted license to practice audiology. For positions involved in research audiology assignments involving no direct patient care, completion of a doctoral degree in audiology, hearing science, or a related field is fully qualifying. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs identified for the assignment. Staff Audiologist. Staff audiologists at this grade level must demonstrate professional knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies of the practice of audiology to a wide range of populations. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial [(less that 25% of the time). The following KSAs are required: Ability to develop coherent treatment strategies; Knowledge of clinical services, and the ability to perform them independently; Ability to conduct assessments and provide treatment interventions; Ability to provide consultation to other health care professionals; Knowledge of contemporary audiology practice; Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice. Preferred Experience: This position is for an outpatient clinic where incumbent will be the sole audiologist therefore should have at least 1 year independent audiology experience. Proficiency with VA computerized record systems preferred. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/38 PART II APPENDIX G29 II-G29-1 APPENDIX G-29. AUDIOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-665 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Use of fingers; Both hands required; See computer screen; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Working closely with others; Working alone ["In carrying out the clinical duties and responsibilities of this position, the incumbent: Identifies and evaluates individuals with hearing disorders in the reception and perception of speech, language, and other acoustic signals. Evaluation includes identification of nature, type, and severity of hearing and balance disorders, past family and social history, record review, and consultation with family and other health care practitioners. Administers the full range of tests including audiological evaluations, acoustic immittance, fitting of hearing aids and other prosthetic devices, special auditory tests, and otoacoustic emissions (OAE). Administers compensation and pension examinations including detailed past family, social, military, and occupational history and provides opinions on the relationship between conditions and military service when requested. Provides remedial and preventative services including use of hearing aids, selection of hearing aids appropriate to severity of loss and abilities of patient (monaural/binaural/CROS/BiCROS), recommendations for special ear molds when necessary due to severity of hearing loss/allergies/other factors, recommends special instruments such as amplifiers for telephone/radio/TV or other personal listening devices, routine hearing aid inspection and repair, cerumen management. Has knowledge of contemporary audiology practices and keeps current with theory and practice through continuing education programs, journals, textbooks, other literature, and in-service programs. Applies advanced theories, current literature, and techniques to special 2 patient populations, provides professional advice and counseling, and provides consultation in specialized areas of audiology. Exercises independent clinical judgement and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate needs, expectations, age-specific and unique patient conditions, and difficult and complex cases. Consults with physicians and other health care practitioners related to diagnostic evaluation and treatment. Incumbent has advanced skill required for providing recommendations for evaluation and treatment of patients with vestibular pathology and all other audiologic related services. Documents in the medical record: evaluation, diagnosis and clinical opinion, treatment plans, outcomes of treatment, changes in functional status, and patient/family education. Attends interdisciplinary team meetings when necessary, participates with other health care professionals to address the global needs of the patient, advises on diagnosis and treatment. Incumbent has skill set requiring knowledge of effects of TBI. Recommends rehabilitation programs for patients with significant physical and psychological complicating conditions. Designs training plans to assist patients and caregivers in utilizing available hearing resources. Assists in planning and coordinating the implementation of all audiology services to include consults, schedules, equipment, and computer-based activities within the audiological service. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8AM - 4:30PM\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]