Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)

Quick Facts

• Role: Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) in an audiology service
• Primary focus: Supporting audiology diagnostic/treatment workflows and hearing aid repair appointments
• Work schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm (subject to change)
• Telework/virtual: Not available

Description

Provide patient care support in an audiology clinic, including preparing patients and equipment for audiology visits, assisting diagnostic and treatment procedures, and educating patients and families on hearing aid care and use. Support hearing aid repair and troubleshooting activities, non-diagnostic otoscopy, earmold impression workflows, and ensure all interactions are accurately documented in the electronic medical record.

Responsibilities

• Assist with face-to-face and telehealth visit setup by preparing equipment for patient evaluation and audiological procedures
• Perform non-diagnostic otoscopy and refer abnormalities; support cerumen management
• Recheck air-conduction pure tone thresholds to help the audiologist modify treatment plans during hearing aid repair appointments
• Provide patient care during hearing aid repair appointments consistent with the audiologist’s plan
• Perform visual and auditory checks of hearing aids and listening accessories before and after repairs; troubleshoot performance
• Follow clinic infection control policies for cleaning, sterilization, and proper disposition of reusable medical equipment
• Instruct patients, family, and staff on hearing aid and hearing assistive technology care, maintenance, use, and operation
• Document all interactions accurately and timely in the medical record using ROES electronic medical record/computerized tracking and ordering functions
• Troubleshoot hearing aids and hearing assistive technology, including accessories and alerting devices
• Fabricate earmold impressions using proper (non-diagnostic) otoscopy
• Order earmolds based on the audiologist’s plan of care
• Complete other duties as assigned by management

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Proficient in written and spoken English
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Successful completion of VA onboarding and pre-employment requirements; pass pre-employment physical
• Seasonal influenza vaccination required
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Hold a full, current, unrestricted HIS license/registration
• Hold active board certification from NBC-HIS
• Meet basic requirements via either DOL Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists OR two academic years above high school with relevant coursework
• For GS-06: 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade and ability to demonstrate required KSAs
• Ability to perform physical requirements (standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items)

Benefits

A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on the type of position.