This is an open continuous announcement and applications submitted prior to April 23, 2023 will be pulled and rated for referral. Further ratings will occur every two weeks thereafter until position is filled. Once a selection has been made, no further candidates will be rated/referred unless further vacancies occur. This announcement may be canceled at any time. 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: Master's degree or its equivalent in audiology or hearing science from an accredited college or university is required. "Accredited" means a college or university accredited by a regional accreditation organization and an audiology program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE) and/or the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). NOTE: Effective January 1, 2007, the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA accredits only doctoral degree programs in audiology or hearing science. Licensure: For those grades that require licensure (GS-12 and above). Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. English Language Proficiency: Audiologist must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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). All audiologists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees, may be reassigned, promoted [up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees 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. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-11 Education and Experience. Completion of 1 year of professional experience as an audiologist equivalent to the next lower level; or 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree; or doctoral degree in audiology, hearing science, or a directly related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) identified for the assignment. [a.] Knowledge of contemporary audiology practice; [b.] Ability to communicate orally and in writing. [c.] Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, acoustics, applied acoustics, communication, psychoacoustics, and auditory/vestibular pathophysiology; [d.] Knowledge of principles and techniques in the assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders; [e.] Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice; and [f.] Ability to interact with patients, families, and other health care professionals. GS-12 Licensure, Education and Experience. In addition to the requirements at the GS-11 level, completion of 1 year of professional experience comparable to the next lower level and possession of a full, current and unrestricted license to practice audiology. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs identified for the assignment. [a.] Ability to develop coherent treatment strategies; [b.] Knowledge of clinical services, and the ability to perform them independently; [c.] Ability to conduct assessments and provide treatment interventions; [d.] Ability to provide consultation to other health care professionals; [e.] Knowledge of contemporary audiology practice; and [f.] Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/38, PART II, APPENDIX G29. AUDIOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD , GS-0665, dated August 24, 2010 ["Salaries are based in geographical areas: Eureka, CA; Fresno, CA; $82,830 - $107,680 San Francisco, CA; Santa Rosa, CA; Palo Alto, CA; Menlo Park, CA; Livermore, CA; San Jose, CA; Monterey, CA; Martinez, CA - $102,489 - $133,236 Honolulu, HI - $86,151 - $111,996 Las Vegas, NV - $84,437 - $109,769 Reno, NV - $110,203 - $143,265 Clinical The incumbent is responsible for providing audiological services to patients who reside in a large geographical area and assesses the Degree and Nature of Hearing Loss. Identifies and evaluates individuals with disorders in the reception and perception of speech, language and other acoustic signals. Performs complex testing for very difficult cases. Adjusts testing strategies to adverse conditions affecting the evaluation process. Administers the full range of tests including the testing of vestibular nerve function, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), tympanometry and cerumen management. Evaluates the type and degree of hearing loss for patients who are normally unable to provide consistent and reliable reaction to diagnostics. Consults with patient care team members to assess patient status. Recommends Remedial Measures to Mitigate Hearing Loss. Determines need for mechanical devices, develops rehabilitation and training programs and counsels' patients on lifestyle strategies to conserve hearing resources. Develops treatment plans for most difficult and complex cases. Recommends aural rehabilitation programs for patient with significant physical and psychological complicating conditions. Recommends and programs appropriate hearing devices such as cochlear implants, traditional hearing aids, FM systems and other assistive listening devices (ALD). Conducts verification of hearing device settings with use of tests such as Real-Ear testing and sound field testing. Designs training plans to assist patient and caregivers to assist in utilizing available hearing resources. Evaluates Vestibular and Balance Function. Conducts full battery of vestibular tests including Videonystagmography (VNG), rotary chair, Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP) and Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP). Adapts test procedures for age-specific needs and for difficult-to-test patients. Consults with and refers to health care specialists for treatment and/or rehabilitation. Administrative Participates in developing guidelines and protocols, new patient programs, and evaluation of existing programs. Works with Tripler Army Medical Center to develop joint programs. Maintains patient records and other data required by the clinic, service, and medical center. 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 service/section on medical center, network, or national committees. May perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties in an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial. Follows applicable informed consent, HIPAA rules on privacy and protecting patient rights. Educational Functions Provides orientation/training of medical staff. Assists in the training and supervision of students, trainees, externs, and fellows, 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 to Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized 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 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
