Qualifications

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.

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
• 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)
• Exceptions 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 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 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 Determinations: GS-5 Health Technician (HIS) Experience
• None beyond the basic requirements
• 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 Health Technician (HIS) Experience
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSA Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy
• Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and 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
• Ability to prepare patient, equipment, and/or environment for audiology procedures
• Ability to provide triage of patient telephone calls or audiology request
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)
• For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• 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.