Asct
Summary
This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the Washington DC VA Medical Center - a tertiary care facility with 158 acute beds - 13 intermediate beds - and a 120 Nursing Home Care Unit - six Community Based Outpatient Clinics - and a Level II Polytrauma Center. The audiologist at this level plans - conducts - and coordinates all aspects of diagnostic evaluation and treatment of hearing impairment and/or balance disorders.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements: Citizenship
Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)
Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a)
English Language Proficiency
Audiologist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
Education
Doctor of Audiology (AUD) from an audiology program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE) or Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
HR office staff and management officials may verify a program's accreditation from ACAE at acaeaccred.org and CAA at caa.asha.org
OR Other doctoral degree in hearing science or a directly related field from an institution accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
NOTE: Effective January 1 - 2007 - the CAA in Audiology and Speech- Language Pathology of ASHA accredits only doctoral degree or AUD programs in audiology
Foreign Education
To be creditable - education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials
Such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs
Licensure
Individuals must hold a full - current - and unrestricted license to practice audiology at the doctoral level in a United States state - territory - commonwealth - or the District of Columbia
The Under Secretary of Health - or designee - may appoint a candidate without a license who will be assigned to a research - academic - or administrative position with no patient care responsibilities
In such instances - HR office staff can only appoint these candidates in exceptional circumstances where their credentials demonstrate high professional attainment or expertise in the specialty area
All audiologists who perform compensation and pension examinations perform direct patient care duties and must possess a full - current - and unrestricted license to practice audiology and must meet the experience requirements under Section 2
D
See 38 C.F.R
§ 4.85
Exception for Non-Licensed Audiologist
Non-Licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure - may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate audiologist at the GS-11 grade under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)
Non-Licensed individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a fully licensed audiologists at or above the full performance level
Non-Licensed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-12 grade level until licensure is obtained
Temporary appointments of non-Licensed audiologists may not be extended beyond two years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
Failure to Obtain Licensure
In all cases - the graduate audiologists must actively pursue obtaining the required licensure from the date of their appointment
HR office staff will provide unlicensed audiologists with written requirements to obtain licensure - the date by which the license must be acquired and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline
Written notices must be provided prior to the entrance on duty date
Failure to obtain the required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment
Loss of Credential
Management officials - in collaboration with HR Office staff must immediately relieve employees who fail to maintain the required Licensure of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation which may also result in separation from employment
GRADE DETERMINATION - Audiologist - GS-11
Education
None beyond the basic requirements
Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
In addition to the basic requirements - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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 as defined by the American Academy of Audiology or the ASHA
Ability to interact with patients - families - and other health care professionals
Assignment
Employees at this grade level serve in audiologist entry-level developmental positions
Audiologists perform audiology assessment and treatment intervention - exercise clinical judgment - adapt clinical procedures and techniques - and document in the medical record appropriate information related to patient care
GRADE DETERMINATION Audiologist - GS-12
Experience
In addition to the requirements at the GS-11 level - completion of one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower grade level is required for the GS-12
(Example of GS-11 Experience: perform audiology assessment and treatment intervention - exercise clinical judgment - adapt clinical procedures and techniques - and document in the medical record appropriate information related to patient care.) Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs)
In addition to the experience for the GS-12 - the following KSAs are required: Skill in determining nature - type - and severity of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders
Skill in counseling patients and family members regarding management of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders
Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional audiology to other health care professionals
Ability to independently apply professional contemporary audiologic treatments to the full range of patient populations
Assignment
This is the full performance level for staff audiologists
At this level - audiologists are licensed to practice independently in the provision of audiologic services - consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate
Audiologists serve as consultants to other health care professionals and are recognized subject matter experts (SME) on matters related to hearing - tinnitus - and balance disorders
The supervisor may assign staff audiologists to any VHA program and setting - such as inpatient or outpatient medicine - primary care - surgery - hearing health - neurology - rehabilitation medicine - geriatrics - compensation - and pension
Audiologists diagnose audiologic disorders - conduct audiologic - or neuro-audiologic assessments
treat auditory disorders through various modalities
and provide adjunctive interventions for the treatment of medical disorders
Audiologists consult with medical center staff on various patient care issues
Staff audiologists may be involved in program evaluation - teaching - training - and research activities
Among the modalities provided are individual - family - and group audiologic rehabilitation
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
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-11 to GS-12
Physical Requirements: The incumbent will be required to walk patient from the waiting room to exam room - stand while performing audiology testing as needed - carry small packages (1 to 2 lbs.) - have near vision correctable at 13" to 16" - and have functional hearing (aid permitted).
Duties
Duties include but are not limited to: The audiologist at this level conducts - plans - and coordinates all clinical and administrative aspects of a full range of services associated with contemporary audiology practice
Clinical duties and responsibilities include direct patient care involving a full range of audiology and balance evaluation and treatment services - including the selection and fitting of hearing aids and other amplification systems and devices - aural (auditory) rehabilitation - and counseling of hearing-impaired veterans and their family
The incumbent identifies and evaluates individuals with hearing disorders in the reception and perception of speech - language and other acoustic signals to a full range of patient complexity
Administers the full range of tests including the testing of vestibular nerve function
evaluates the type and degree of hearing loss for patients who may be unable to provide consistent and reliable reaction to diagnostics
The incumbent is responsible for planning - delivering - and monitoring the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of patient-centered treatment and rehabilitative services for patients with significant physical and psychological complicating conditions
Incumbent plans - conducts - and coordinates auditory (aural) rehabilitation - tinnitus - and/or vestibular rehabilitation programs for patients
Incumbent serves as a consultant to other facility personnel involving the most difficult and complex cases and is a recognized subject matter expert on matters related to hearing - tinnitus - and balance disorders
The incumbent will be responsible for supervising - evaluating - mentoring - and precepting student trainees in audiology and maintained a liaison with affiliated colleges and universities
The incumbent will be responsible for the proper maintenance and calibration of the specialized electro-acoustic instrumentation
The incumbent will participate in research activities pertinent to clinical audiology
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:30am - 4:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 688-25068-F - 688-25069-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
Physical Requirements: The incumbent will be required to walk patient from the waiting room to exam room - stand while performing audiology testing as needed - carry small packages (1 to 2 lbs.) - have near vision correctable at 13" to 16" - and have functional hearing (aid permitted).
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Qualifications
Basic Requirements: Citizenship
Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)
Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a)
English Language Proficiency
Audiologist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
Education
Doctor of Audiology (AUD) from an audiology program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE) or Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
HR office staff and management officials may verify a program's accreditation from ACAE at acaeaccred.org and CAA at caa.asha.org
OR Other doctoral degree in hearing science or a directly related field from an institution accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
NOTE: Effective January 1 - 2007 - the CAA in Audiology and Speech- Language Pathology of ASHA accredits only doctoral degree or AUD programs in audiology
Foreign Education
To be creditable - education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials
Such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs
Licensure
Individuals must hold a full - current - and unrestricted license to practice audiology at the doctoral level in a United States state - territory - commonwealth - or the District of Columbia
The Under Secretary of Health - or designee - may appoint a candidate without a license who will be assigned to a research - academic - or administrative position with no patient care responsibilities
In such instances - HR office staff can only appoint these candidates in exceptional circumstances where their credentials demonstrate high professional attainment or expertise in the specialty area
All audiologists who perform compensation and pension examinations perform direct patient care duties and must possess a full - current - and unrestricted license to practice audiology and must meet the experience requirements under Section 2
D
See 38 C.F.R
§ 4.85
Exception for Non-Licensed Audiologist
Non-Licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure - may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate audiologist at the GS-11 grade under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)
Non-Licensed individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a fully licensed audiologists at or above the full performance level
Non-Licensed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-12 grade level until licensure is obtained
Temporary appointments of non-Licensed audiologists may not be extended beyond two years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
Failure to Obtain Licensure
In all cases - the graduate audiologists must actively pursue obtaining the required licensure from the date of their appointment
HR office staff will provide unlicensed audiologists with written requirements to obtain licensure - the date by which the license must be acquired and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline
Written notices must be provided prior to the entrance on duty date
Failure to obtain the required credentials by the prescribed date will result in termination of employment
Loss of Credential
Management officials - in collaboration with HR Office staff must immediately relieve employees who fail to maintain the required Licensure of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation which may also result in separation from employment
GRADE DETERMINATION - Audiologist - GS-11
Education
None beyond the basic requirements
Knowledge - Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
In addition to the basic requirements - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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 as defined by the American Academy of Audiology or the ASHA
Ability to interact with patients - families - and other health care professionals
Assignment
Employees at this grade level serve in audiologist entry-level developmental positions
Audiologists perform audiology assessment and treatment intervention - exercise clinical judgment - adapt clinical procedures and techniques - and document in the medical record appropriate information related to patient care
GRADE DETERMINATION Audiologist - GS-12
Experience
In addition to the requirements at the GS-11 level - completion of one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower grade level is required for the GS-12
(Example of GS-11 Experience: perform audiology assessment and treatment intervention - exercise clinical judgment - adapt clinical procedures and techniques - and document in the medical record appropriate information related to patient care.) Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs)
In addition to the experience for the GS-12 - the following KSAs are required: Skill in determining nature - type - and severity of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders
Skill in counseling patients and family members regarding management of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders
Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional audiology to other health care professionals
Ability to independently apply professional contemporary audiologic treatments to the full range of patient populations
Assignment
This is the full performance level for staff audiologists
At this level - audiologists are licensed to practice independently in the provision of audiologic services - consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate
Audiologists serve as consultants to other health care professionals and are recognized subject matter experts (SME) on matters related to hearing - tinnitus - and balance disorders
The supervisor may assign staff audiologists to any VHA program and setting - such as inpatient or outpatient medicine - primary care - surgery - hearing health - neurology - rehabilitation medicine - geriatrics - compensation - and pension
Audiologists diagnose audiologic disorders - conduct audiologic - or neuro-audiologic assessments
treat auditory disorders through various modalities
and provide adjunctive interventions for the treatment of medical disorders
Audiologists consult with medical center staff on various patient care issues
Staff audiologists may be involved in program evaluation - teaching - training - and research activities
Among the modalities provided are individual - family - and group audiologic rehabilitation
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
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-11 to GS-12
Physical Requirements: The incumbent will be required to walk patient from the waiting room to exam room - stand while performing audiology testing as needed - carry small packages (1 to 2 lbs.) - have near vision correctable at 13" to 16" - and have functional hearing (aid permitted).
Duties
Duties include but are not limited to: The audiologist at this level conducts - plans - and coordinates all clinical and administrative aspects of a full range of services associated with contemporary audiology practice
Clinical duties and responsibilities include direct patient care involving a full range of audiology and balance evaluation and treatment services - including the selection and fitting of hearing aids and other amplification systems and devices - aural (auditory) rehabilitation - and counseling of hearing-impaired veterans and their family
The incumbent identifies and evaluates individuals with hearing disorders in the reception and perception of speech - language and other acoustic signals to a full range of patient complexity
Administers the full range of tests including the testing of vestibular nerve function
evaluates the type and degree of hearing loss for patients who may be unable to provide consistent and reliable reaction to diagnostics
The incumbent is responsible for planning - delivering - and monitoring the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of patient-centered treatment and rehabilitative services for patients with significant physical and psychological complicating conditions
Incumbent plans - conducts - and coordinates auditory (aural) rehabilitation - tinnitus - and/or vestibular rehabilitation programs for patients
Incumbent serves as a consultant to other facility personnel involving the most difficult and complex cases and is a recognized subject matter expert on matters related to hearing - tinnitus - and balance disorders
The incumbent will be responsible for supervising - evaluating - mentoring - and precepting student trainees in audiology and maintained a liaison with affiliated colleges and universities
The incumbent will be responsible for the proper maintenance and calibration of the specialized electro-acoustic instrumentation
The incumbent will participate in research activities pertinent to clinical audiology
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:30am - 4:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 688-25068-F - 688-25069-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.
Physical Requirements: The incumbent will be required to walk patient from the waiting room to exam room - stand while performing audiology testing as needed - carry small packages (1 to 2 lbs.) - have near vision correctable at 13" to 16" - and have functional hearing (aid permitted).
#J-18808-Ljbffr