This position is in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at (TVHS) CBOC in Chattanooga , Tennessee. The duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout all clinical and other patient care areas involved with Audiology service at TVHS. This position serves as an Audiologist (Clinical Specialist -Tinnitus and Cochlear Implant) has special clinical program responsibilities in a unified audiology and speech-language pathology service (ASPS).
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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 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 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. English Language Proficiency. Audiologist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f) 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: Experience At least two years of experience as a professional audiologist, with at least one year comparable to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (a) Advanced knowledge in a focused area of contemporary audiology practice to provide oversight of a specialty program. (b) Skill to evaluate the specialty program to ensure deadlines and goals are met. (c) Skill to coordinate initiatives and build consensus among interdisciplinary team members. (d) Ability to monitor and report on work progress in the specialty program to adjust workload and processes. (e) Ability to serve as the SME and provide education relating to the specialty program. Preferred Experience: Experience with cochlear implant workups, activations, follow-ups and tinnitus management of patients with moderate to severe tinnitus. 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-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers and both hands required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Mental and Emotional Stability; works outside and inside; works closely with others; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted).
For all assignments above the full performance level the audiologist at this level is engaged in advanced clinical practice and special program responsibilities. The incumbent demonstrates advanced clinical practice in coordination of/performance in highly specialized tinnitus management and hearing implant assessment and rehabilitation programs. At least 25% of their duty time is spent in the evaluation and management of patients with tinnitus and/or hearing implants. Duties include, but not limited to: Provides leadership and directs oversight in the design, development, implementation, planning and management of the specialty program. Serves as a coach or facilitator for an interdisciplinary team and is responsible for training all support staff and trainees as it relates to the specialty program. Exercises independent clinical judgment and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate age-specific and unique patient conditions, needs, and expectations. Evaluates patients to determine nature, type, and severity of hearing and balance disorders using a full range of diagnostic tests and techniques, past, family, and social history, record review, and consultation with family and other health care practitioners. Provides hearing aid evaluations, assessments, selection, fitting, orientation, training, and follow-up services. Conducts verification measurements to determine function of hearing, provides medical opinions. Evaluate candidacy for Cochlear implantation, candidacy for Osseo-integrated bone anchored implants. Perform device selection, provide pre- and post-surgical assessment, counseling, and all aspects of audiologic treatment including auditory training, rehabilitation, initial device activation, implant programming (mapping), and on-going maintenance of the cochlear implant speech processing system. Design and implements Group Education activities for management of tinnitus. Coordinate these activities as needed across the ASPS service and with other specialists. Supervises a full range of audiology evaluations, assessments, and treatment services to young adult (18-40 years), middle adult (41-64 years), and older adult (65+ years) Veterans. Monitors and reports on work progress in the specialty program to adjust workload and processes. Works independently, exercises clinical judgment in dealing with complex clinical decisions and daily problems, and coordinates with other disciplines concerning total patient care using professional knowledge and skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles, and methodology. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:30- 4:00 pm (compressed tour may be authorized) Telework: Ad-hoc Functional Statement #: 71229-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized