This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
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. English Language Proficiency: Audiologist must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education and/or Experience: 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).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. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. 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. 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. 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). Grandfathering Provision. All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements of this standard but previously met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Audiologists may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level or changed to a lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Audiologists who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation. (3) Audiologists who are appointed temporarily prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) Audiologists initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for appointments at grade levels specified. Lead Audiologist, GS-13 Lead audiologists spend at least 25% or more of their time performing lead duties. Lead audiologists provide comprehensive clinical services, coordinate special projects, as well as oversee the day-to-day core clinic operations. These individuals ensure the work assignments of the clinical team are completed and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities. Audiologist clinic coordinators and lead audiologists collect, analyze, and incorporate data to monitor and evaluate the efficiency, utilization, quality, and effectiveness of clinic services. (1) Experience. At least two years of experience as a professional audiologist, with at least one year comparable to the next lower grade level. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to lead a diverse clinical team on work methods, practices, and procedures. (b) Ability to coordinate assignments, special projects, and objectives to lead work. (c) Ability to monitor work, evaluate programs, and adjust to accomplish the workload. Preferred Experience: Minimum 5 years as a licensed audiologist Currently Telehealth Certified within VA (or equivalent in private sector). Minimum 3 years of experience in Tele Audiology Proficient in the use of the Aurical Free fit for hearing testing and hearing aid fittings. Documented experience precepting /mentoring graduate students in audiology Documented experience in leadership and /or management role(s) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 13. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.
In addition to clinical duties of a staff audiologist at the full practice level, incumbent provides patient care within the VANCHCS Tele Audiology program with responsibilities including: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of contemporary audiology practices; Perform under the general direction of the Tele Audiology Section chief with in-depth understanding of telehealth principles, practices and application of telehealth to audiology practices; Works toward accomplishing tele Audiology program goals. Provide input for annual competency assessments for the Tele Audiology technicians for which the clinician works with regularly; Communicates regularly and effectively with Tele Audiology team; Updates and advised tele Audiology Section Chief and administrative staff of Tele Audiology clinic appointment access issues , such as clinic delays, cancellations, and reschedules; Provides out patient appointments consistent with scheduling directives and documentation requirements; Maintains professional relationships with distant patient site primary care and specialty clinics to facilitate smooth transition for Veterans when additional medical evaluation or treatment is recommended; Responsible for set-up and maintenance of Tele audiology equipment, hearing aid programming software, and other related items all telehealth locations for which clinicians work with regularly. Work Schedule: M-F 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM PST Telework: Not Available -- NOTE: Space will be located for the selectee in a location nearest to them. Firm offer cannot be issued until space has been identified. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 05732F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Susan.Bringel@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized