Hearing Instrument Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists, or successful completion of two academic years above high school including related coursework such as hearing science, human anatomy and physiology, hearing instrument science, gerontology, psychology, or other general health care areas. Education and experience cannot be combined to substitute for this basic requirement.
• A full, current, and unrestricted license or registration to practice as a Hearing Instrument Specialist 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).
• For GS-5: knowledge of basic head and neck anatomy and infection control procedures; basic computer software skills, including email, spreadsheets, and word processing; oral and written communication; ability to follow verbal and written instructions and maintain stock and supply inventories.
• For GS-6: one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade; knowledge of normal and abnormal ear anatomy, hearing aids, hearing assistive technology, manufacturers, and manufacturer software; skill documenting patient procedures and devices and educating patients on hearing aid use, insertion, removal, and hygiene.
• For GS-6: ability to educate and train patients about hearing loss and communication strategies; solve hearing aid, assistive technology, and patient care problems consistent with the documented, co-signed plan of care under audiologist supervision; prepare patients, equipment, and environments for audiology procedures; and triage patient calls or audiology requests.
• Valid driver's license; driving and travel are required.
• Must complete the application and online assessment, applicable pre-employment screening and onboarding, background/security investigation, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Must meet Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959, and serve a one- or two-year trial period as specified.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair hearing aids; perform visual and auditory checks of hearing aids and hearing assistive technology, including accessories.
• Fabricate ear-mold impressions using proper non-diagnostic otoscopy; order ear molds through prosthetics or the Denver Logistic Center based on the plan of care; fit and modify ear molds as needed.
• Provide patients and caregivers with basic hearing aid information consistent with the audiologist's treatment plan.
• Prepare equipment and assist with delivery of face-to-face and telehealth visits for patient evaluations and other audiology procedures.
• Assist patients with hearing aid connectivity, including downloading applications and pairing devices with apps or Bluetooth.
• Ensure timely, accurate documentation of interactions and encounters in medical records, including electronic medical records and computerized tracking and ordering functions via ROES.
• Perform pure-tone air-conduction testing under an audiologist's direction without interpretation, and perform hearing aid adjustments under the direction of a licensed audiologist.
• Maintain supply and equipment tracking systems, monitor reusable medical equipment and consumable items, ensure appropriate inventory levels, and prioritize acquisition based on expiration dates; may maintain loaner hearing aid inventory.
• Triage patient telephone calls and audiology requests by priority and urgency, following the audiologist's plan of care.
• Communicate and treat patients, visitors, volunteers, and medical center staff courteously, tactfully, and respectfully, and provide consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
• Travel to other outlying Community Based Outpatient Clinics and mobile vans as required; driving may involve up to 75% travel.

Benefits

• The announcement states that federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive federal benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility and are not detailed.