Details
Posted: 29-Jul-22
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin
Salary: Open
Categories:
Allied Health
Internal Number: 666951200
The Health Technician (Audiology - HTA) position is located in the Audiology Service which is a part of the Tomah, Wisconsin VA Medical Center with a duty location of the Wausau VA Clinic located at 515 S 32nd Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401 BASIC REQUIREMENTS: The following are the basic requirements and qualifications for this position at the GS-4 grade level. English Language Proficiency Basic Experience: Six (6) months of creditable experience in a health care industry comparable to the next lower level (GS-3) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. --OR-- Basic 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. Transcripts Required. --OR-- Basic Combination Education and Experience: Combination of creditable experience and education which are qualifying for meeting the basic requirements. 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. Transcripts Required. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements above the following is the amount of experience required to qualify for this position at the GS-4, GS-5 or GS-6 grade levels. GS-4 Entry Level: None beyond the basic requirements as per the above. GS-5 Developmental Level: At least 1 year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-4) or successful completion of four (4) academic years of education above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in courses related to the health care industry or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study related to the health care industry. In addition, I can demonstrate the following KSAs: (1) Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck; (2) Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing; (3) Knowledge of basic hearing assistive technologies and speech-language pathology needs; (4) Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines; (5) Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories; (6) Skill in using basic computer software such as email, spreadsheet and word processing. None beyond the basic requirements above. GS-6 Full-Performance Level: At least 1 full year of progressive experience and/or experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) that is directly related to the Health Technician (Audiology) and which demonstrates the KSAs related to the duties of the position to be filled. Creditable experience typically includes but is not limited to: completing visual and auditory checks of hearing aids and hearing assistive technology; repairing or returning hearing aids to the factory; restoring hearing aid or hearing assistive technology settings after repair or replacement; and ordering, registering, certifying, issuing and tracking prosthetic devices. In addition, demonstrate the following KSAs: (1) Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy. (2) Knowledge of hearing physiology and function to educate patients and families. (3) Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software. (4) 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. (5) Ability to prepare patients for testing procedures. (6) Ability to document and code patient procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/143, Part II, Appendix G70, Health Technician (Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology) Qualification Standards, 5/13/2021 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-04 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients. The work requires above average agility and dexterity. ["Full performance level of a Health Technician (Audiology) is a GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to a GS-6. The major duties described below are at the full-performance level of a GS-6. The Primary responsibility is for patient care, supporting diagnostic and treatment procedures, patient charting and patient education. Support functions include both direct patient care and administrative duties as per the below: Direct Patient Care Duties: Greets and escorts patients; provides patient instruction and counseling on hearing loss or hearing aids either on or individual basis or in a group setting; conducts hearing/immittance screenings without interpretation, non-diagnostic otoscopy and cerumen management; takes earmold impressions; performs hearing aid troubleshooting and repair; provides basic hearing aids and electroacoustic analysis of devices; pairs hearing aids and accessories via Blue tooth technology; restores hearing aid or hearing assistive technology settings after repair or replacement; and activates remote controls. Administrative Duties: Manages office supplies; tracks loaner stock hearing aid inventory; electronically orders and verifies orders upon arrival; schedules appointments; packages and mails hearing aids and accessories; processes ROES transactions; responds to routine inquiries from patients, including determining nature of hearing aid inquiry and responds to administrative questions; assists patients, visitors and others requesting information. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday - 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM\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"]