The primary purpose of the position is to perform Staff Audiologist duties and apply a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies of the practice of audiology to a wide range of patient populations. BASIC REQUIREMENTS a. 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). b. Education. (1) 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 (2) 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. c. 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. (1) 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. (2) 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. (a) 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). (b) Non-Licensed individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a fully licensed audiologists at or above the full performance level. (c) 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. (d) Temporary appointments of non-Licensed audiologists may not be extended beyond two years or be converted to a new temporary appointment. d. Grandfathering Provision. 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). e. English Language Proficiency. Audiologist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Preferred Experience: Completion of the Doctor of Audiology program. Experience with audiological diagnostic procedures, cerumen removal, and hearing aid fittings and real ear verification. Grade Determinations: Audiologist, GS-11. (a) Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of principles and techniques in the assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders. (b) Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice as defined by the American Academy of Audiology or the ASHA. (c) Ability to interact with patients, families, and other health care professionals. Audiologist, GS-12. (a) 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. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Skill in determining nature, type, and severity of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders. (b) Skill in counseling patients and family members regarding management of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders. (c) Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional audiology to other health care professionals. (d) Ability to independently apply professional contemporary audiologic treatments to the full range of patient populations. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G29 dated March 18, 2024. 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. ["At the GS-9 entry level, the incumbent is a trainee and functions in a developmental capacity under the supervision of a licensed audiologist.Staff audiologist duties and functions include: Obtain a thorough audiological history from each patient including information on medical conditions that may affect hearing. Conduct a full range of audiological evaluations to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Determine need for medical referral. Determine patients' need for amplification and tinnitus management. Determine the need for a wide variety of assistive listening devices. Predict and measure the effectiveness of amplification using advanced analysis of acoustic signal processing algorithms. Perform cerumen management. Provide initial assessment for cochlear implant referral. Determine the need for and type of rehabilitation and counseling of the hearing-impaired patient and their family. Other duties may include: Specialized testing for vestibular disorders and retro-cochlear pathology. Conduct chart reviews, entering audiological data from external providers and process orders for hearing aids and assistive listening devices as requested from external providers (Choice program). Review patient test findings and discuss the need for further medical management. Work independently, exercise professional clinical judgment in dealing with complex clinical decisions and daily problems. Coordinate with other disciplines concerning total patient care using professional knowledge and skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles, and methodology. In carrying out the clinical duties and responsibilities of this position, the incumbent' s position will involve the following skills and competencies: Technical Skills: Use a wide range of knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies in the practice of Audiology to a wide range of populations. Develop coherent treatment strategies. Apply knowledge of clinical services and the ability to perform them independently. Conduct assessments, provide treatment interventions, hearing aid evaluation and fitting, hearing aid follow-up and repair, aural rehabilitation, and tinnitus counseling. Provide consultation to other health care professionals. Have knowledge of contemporary audiology practice and the ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology practice. Critical Thinking: Ability to integrate procedural changes rapidly and flexibly. Flexibility when collaborating with administrative staff and is creative when considering approaches to correct inefficiencies. Ability to initiate patient referral and triage process for ear conditions. Ability to consider or modify approaches to patients, families, and employees based on age-related changes that occur throughout the life span, and specific Veteran population-based needs. Demonstrate application of informed consent and HIPPA rules on privacy and protecting patient rights. Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrate the application of professional customer service principles in the work setting. Ability to communicate clearly with people of varying backgrounds to accommodate hearing and cognitive deficits, adjusting to their level of understanding. Ability to work closely with others in a clinic setting. Administrative: Participate in developing new patient programs. Maintain patient records and other data required by the clinic, service, and medical center. Plan, deliver, and monitor the effectiveness and clinic outcomes of patient centered treatment and rehabilitative services. Maintain supplies, equipment, and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency. May serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent the Audiology Service on medical center committees. Follow applicable informed consent, HIPP A rules on privacy and protecting patient rights. Attend regular staff meetings and inter-disciplinary health care team meetings as appropriate. Review policies and procedures and attend in-service trainings. May perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial. Education: Assist in orientation and training of new staff. Assist in training and supervision of students, trainees, and externs, providing feedback on progress toward established educational goals. Keep current with theory and practice through continuing education programs, journals, textbooks, and other literature, and in-service programs. Provide patient and family education including informed consent. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 7:30am to 4:00pm. Telework: Not Available. Functional Statement #: 0000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
