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. This position is situated in the Audiology Section of Geriatrics, Rehabilitation and Extended Care Services and is located at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic located in Wenatchee, Washington.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. (1) Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from an audiology program recognized by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The CAA is the only accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit entry-level audiology programs. HR office staff and management officials may verify the program accredited from CAA at www.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 USDE. 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. 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 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). Grade Determinations: Audiologist, GS-11. (1) Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (2) 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. (1) 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. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the KSAs required at the full performance level, the following KSAs are required: (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. 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: Light carrying (under 15 pounds), use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, and hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental factors include closely with others.
At the GS-12 (full-performance level) grade level of this assignment, responsibilities include: Technical Skills: Uses 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. Develops coherent treatment strategies. Applies knowledge of clinical services and the ability to perform them independently. Conducts assessments, provides treatment interventions; hearing aid evaluation and fitting; hearing aid follow-up and repair; aural rehabilitation; tinnitus counseling. Provides consultation to other health care professionals. Has knowledge of contemporary Audiology practice. Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary Audiology practice. Critical Thinking: Able to integrate procedural changes rapidly and flexibly. Demonstrates flexibility when collaborating with administrative staff and is creative when considering approaches to correct inefficiencies. Demonstrates ability to initiate patient referral and triage process for ear conditions. Demonstrates 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. Demonstrates application of informed consent, HIPP A rules on privacy and protecting patient rights. Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates 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: Participates in developing new patient programs. Maintains patient records and other data required by the clinic, service, and medical center. Responsible for planning, delivering, and monitoring the effectiveness and clinic outcomes of patient centered treatment and rehabilitative services. Maintains supplies, equipment and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency. May be requested to serve on service-level committees or task forces or to represent the Audiology service/section on medical center committees. Follows applicable informed consent, HIPP A rules on privacy and protecting patient rights. Attends regular staff meetings and inter-disciplinary health care team meetings as appropriate. Reviews policies and procedures and attends 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: Assists in orientation and training of new staff. Assists in the training and supervision of students, trainees and externs providing feedback on progress toward established educational goals. Keeps current with theory and practice through continuing education programs, journals, textbooks, and other literature, and in-service programs. Provides patient and family education including informed consent. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized