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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, California, United States, 94029

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Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Pay Information This role provides a salary range of $56,205.00/yr - $73,063.00/yr, based on skills, experience and recruiter guidance.

Summary This position is located in the Audiology/Speech Pathology Service (ASPS) at the Palo Alto VAHCS with the duty station located at the Menlo Park Division. The duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and other patient care areas within the ASPS. The health technician supports the function of the clinical programs in Audiology.

Qualifications

United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy

Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists

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

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

Active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC‑HIS)

Grade determination: Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) - GS‑06 Experience; one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade

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 – assisting patient with 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 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 requests

Full performance level under the supervision and direction of a licensed audiologist

Responsibilities

Perform visual and auditory checks of hearing aids and hearing assistive technology, including all hearing aid accessories and alerting devices.

Fabricate earmold impressions with proper otoscopy; order earmolds based on plan of care through prosthetics or DLC and fit and modify earmolds as needed.

Assist patients with hearing aid repair appointments consistent with the audiologist’s treatment plan; provide counseling and realistic expectations.

Maintain comprehensive supply and equipment tracking systems, monitor stock of RME and consumable items, and prioritize acquisition of supplies based on expiration dates.

Assist patients with hearing aid connectivity, including downloading applications, pairing devices, Bluetooth® pairing, and pairing hearing aid accessories.

Support the set‑up and delivery of face‑to‑face and telehealth visits by preparing equipment for patient evaluation and other audiology procedures, including daily biometric listening calibration and real‑ear equipment calibration.

Provide triage of phone calls and audiology requests regarding priority and urgency following the audiologist’s plan of care.

Physical requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – Employee Occupational Health Service.

Employment Details

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Health Care Provider (Industry: Government Administration)

Apply today to join the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and make a difference in veteran care.

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