This position is located in the Audiology and Speech Pathology Services at Palo Alto VA Health Care System. Duties and responsibilities are carried out throughout the medical center including all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the service. The audiologist at this level plans, conducts, and coordinates all aspects of diagnostic evaluation and treatment of hearing impairment and/or balance disorders.
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. Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from an audiology program recognized by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). OR 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. 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. Non-licensed audiologists 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) for a period not to exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that these audiologists provide care only under the supervision of fully licensed audiologists. Individuals appointed as graduate audiologists may not be promoted to the GS-12 level without being fully licensed. 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 Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of principles and techniques in the assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders. Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice as defined by the American of Audiology or the ASHA. Ability to interact with patients, families, and other health care professionals. Audiologist, GS-12: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Skill in determining nature, type and severity of hearing/communication /vestibular disorders. Skill in counseling patients and family members regarding management of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders. Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional audiology to other health care professionals. Ability to independently apply professional contemporary audiologic treatments to the full range of patient populations. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G29 Audiologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.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: The physical demands of the position would require frequent sitting, walking short distances, standing and bending. It requires fine motor skills and dexterity for working with hearing aids and equipment. This position requires the ability to see fine detail with best corrected vision. Requires a large amount of personal interaction with patients and peers with strong interpersonal skills. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. 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.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required The Audiologist at this level is an independent licensed practitioner responsible for a comprehensive range of audiology services. Key duties include: Conducts and coordinates comprehensive audiology services, including planning and executing clinical and administrative aspects of contemporary audiology practice, and providing direct patient care for auditory and balance disorders. Performs diagnostic assessments by administering a full range of audiology tests, such as auditory evoked potential, central auditory processing, and vestibular nerve function tests, to evaluate hearing loss. Manages amplification and assistive devices, including the selection, fitting, programming, inspection, modification, and repair of hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and the issuance of hearing protection devices. Develops and implements rehabilitation programs, planning and conducting auditory (aural) rehabilitation, tinnitus, and/or vestibular rehabilitation programs, and designing individualized and group patient-centered treatment plans. Conducts medical-legal Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations for veterans. Manages hearing conservation programs by designing, monitoring, and conducting comprehensive programs for employees at risk for noise exposure. Provides expert consultation, serving as a recognized subject matter expert to other facility personnel on complex cases related to hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders. Engages in training and mentorship by supervising, evaluating, mentoring, and precepting audiology student trainees, and maintaining liaison with affiliated colleges and universities. Participates in research activities pertinent to clinical audiology and maintains professional competency through continuing education and staying current with new developments. Ensures compliance and safety by completing all documentation in accordance with facility policy and adhering to infection control, safety, and hazardous material protocols.