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This position is located within the Cheyenne VA Health Care System with duty location in the Northern Colorado VA Outpatient Clinic campus in Loveland Colorado. The duties are carried out in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Section at the Outpatient Clinic in support of clinical programs in Audiology service. 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. English Language Proficiency: Health Technician (HIS) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Experience and Education: (1) Experience: Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists; OR (2) 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. NOTE: There is no combination of education and experience which can be substituted for the basic requirements. 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. Board Certification: Individuals must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS). Exception for Non-Board Certified Health Technician (HIS): (a) 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). (b) Non-board certified individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a licensed audiologist. (c) Non-board certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until board certification is obtained. (d) Temporary appointments of non-board certified Health Technician (HIS) may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Grade Determinations Health Technician GS-05: (1) Experience: None beyond the basic requirements as stated above. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic anatomy of the head and neck. (b) Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines. (c) Skill in using basic computer software to complete tasks such as using email, creating spreadsheets and word processing. (d) Ability to communicate orally and in writing. (e) Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. (f) Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories. Grade Determinations Health Technician GS-06: (1) Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy. (b) Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software. (c) Skill in documenting patient procedures and patient devices. (d) Skill in providing patient education for hearing aid use, to include assisting patient with hearing aid insertion, removal and hygiene (cleaning and disinfection). (e) Ability to provide patient education and training regarding hearing loss and communication strategies for various listening situations. (f) 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. (g) Ability to prepare patient, equipment, and/or environment for audiology procedures. (h) Ability to provide triage of patient telephone calls or audiology requests. Preferred Experience: Experience working with Veterans in a clinical setting. References: VA Handbook 5005-Part II, Appendix G73. 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: The work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of sitting, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching and lifting moderately heavy items. Must be able to push a patient in a wheelchair and assist in transferring from wheelchair to exam chair. 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). ["Primary Functional Duties of The Position Include: Provide direct patient care in support of diagnostic and treatment procedures. Provide administrative support in patient charting and patient education. Professionally and respectfully greet and escort patients; provide instruction and counseling on hearing loss or hearing aids for individuals and in group settings. Conduct hearing pass/fail screenings without interpretation; non-diagnostic otoscopy; cerumen management; take earmold impressions; provide hearing aid troubleshooting and repair. Perform listening checks on hearing aids; electroacoustic analysis of devices; pair hearing aids and accessories via Bluetooth technology; program previously stored settings into hearing aids; activate remote controls. Ensure timely and accurate documentation of all interactions with use of the electronic medical record and the computerized tracking and ordering functions via ROES. Manage office supplies; track loaner stock hearing aid inventory; complete electronic ordering, verify orders upon arrival to ensure components are present and working correctly. Schedule appointments; package and mail hearing aids and accessories; process ROES transactions (e.g. certify and issue hearing aids, enter orders and repairs). Respond to routine inquiries from patients, determine nature of hearing aid inquiry and respond to administrative questions. Demonstrate respectful and articulate communication skills to assist a diverse patient population of various ages and with various physical limitations. Implement VA approved infection control protocol and established patient safety procedures while working with clinical audiology supplies. Maintain clean, disinfected instrumentation, equipment, and work surfaces in the audiology clinic. Reprocess reusable medical equipment based on facility policy according to Medical Center infection control procedures and reusable medical equipment policies. Assist in set up and delivery of face-to-face and telehealth visits; prepare the equipment for patient evaluation. Work Schedule: Full Time Clinic Hours Monday-Friday; 8 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. Telework: This is not a telework position. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 442-55560-O; 442-55561-O. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required ."]

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