Health Technician (Audiology)

Veterans Health Administration • Iron Mountain, MI

30d • Onsite

About The Position

The Health Technician (Audiology) (HTA) provides assistance to the Audiologist in meeting the clinical needs of the patient population served in the Audiology Department of the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center. Duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in all clinical and patient care areas involved with the Audiology service. Primary responsibility is for patient care, supporting diagnostic and treatment procedures, patient charting and patient education.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Six (6) months of creditable experience in a health care industry comparable to the next lower level (GS-3) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the Health Technician Audiology -OR- Successful completion of two academic years above high school leading to an associate degree or a bachelor's degree with at least 12 semester hours in courses related to the health care industry. Transcripts Required. -OR- Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education which are qualifying for meeting the basic requirements.An example of a combination of experience/education is three months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled and one year above high school with a minimum of 6 semester hours related to the health care industry. Transcripts Required.
• Knowledge of anatomy of the head and neck.
• Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of basic hearing assistive technologies.
• Knowledge of basic infection control procedures and guidelines.
• Ability to maintain stock and supply level inventories.
• Skill in using basic computer software such as email, spreadsheet and word processing.
• Knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy.
• Knowledge of hearing physiology and function to educate patients and families.
• Knowledge of hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, hearing aid manufacturers and manufacturer software.
• Ability to solve problems or make decisions regarding hearing aid, 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 patients for testing procedures.
• Ability to document and code patient procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Safe and effective cerumen removal
• Hands on work with hearing aid fittings and adjustments
• Familiarity with clinical documentation, scheduling and patient education
• Strong communication skills
• Prior work in hospital, clinic, or VA settings

Responsibilities

• Greeting and escorting patients
• Patient instruction and counseling on hearing loss or hearing aids
• Conducting hearing pass/fail screenings without interpretation
• Taking earmold impressions
• Hearing aid troubleshooting and repair
• Performing listening checks on hearing aids and electroacoustic analysis of devices
• Pairing hearing aids and accessories via Bluetooth technology and programming previously stored settings into hearing aids
• Documentation of interactions into medical records using electronic medical record and computerized tracking and ordering functions
• Tracking hearing aid inventory and electronic ordering
• Scheduling appointments
• Packaging and mailing hearing aids and accessories
• Assisting patients, visitors, and others requesting information
• Management of infection control, patient safety, and clinical supplies for the audiology clinic
• Maintenance of clean, disinfected instrumentation, equipment, and work surfaces in the audiology clinic

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree