Duties

Summary

The audiologist plans, conducts, and coordinates all aspects of diagnostic evaluation and treatment of hearing impairment and/or balance disorders. The incumbent must demonstrate professional knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies of the practice of audiology to a wide range of populations.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

NOTE: This is a TEMPORARY appointment (not-to-exceed 1 year). This appointment may be renewed for additional service in accordance with Agency needs for 1 additional year. Temporary positions offer health insurance (if the employee is expected to work at least 130 hours per month for at least 90 days) but do not offer life insurance or retirement benefits and may be terminated at any time before the expiration date. The appointment to a Temporary position does not confer eligibility for promotion or reassignment to other positions or the ability to be non-competitively converted to permanent employment.

Major duties are as follows:
Independently evaluates auditory system function and provides appropriate diagnosis using standardized and non-standardized audiologic procedures.
Independently evaluates cochlear, auditory nerve and brainstem function; and interprets test results to determine site of lesion using a battery comprised of auditory evoked potentials and otoacoustic emissions.
Independently evaluates the vestibular system through the use of videonystagmography (VNG) and interprets VNG test results to diagnose site of lesion for vertigo.
Independently assesses candidacy for use of amplification including hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing aids, assistive listening devices and related technologies.
Independently conducts real ear/probe microphone measurements are completed on 90% of initial hearing aid fittings to verify appropriate amplification at time of hearing aid issuance.
Independently conducts hearing aid orientation and follow-up including hearing aid care and troubleshooting, battery care and replacement, use and adjustment to amplification, effective communication and coping strategies.
Assesses accommodation to situational needs for the patient and families.
Independent in managing a full caseload.
Conducts, plans, and coordinates clinical and administrative aspects of a range of services associated with contemporary audiology practice.
Responsible for planning, delivering, and monitoring the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of patient-centered treatment and rehabilitative services for patients with significant physical and psychological complicating conditions.
Responsible for selection and fitting of all types of hearing aids; programming of digital hearing aids; issuance of hearing protection devices for prevention of acoustic trauma for those individuals working in a noisy environment.
Responsible for selection and fitting of assistive devices and assistive listening devices such as personal and FM amplifiers, telephone amplifiers, radio or TV magnetic induction devices for special communication problems.
Responsible for the inspection, modification, and repair of amplification devices and ear molds.
Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
PCS Expenses: Not authorized

Travel Required

25% or less - Audiologist will be required to travel at least 2 days/week between Washington, DC clinic and satellite clinics (Ft. Belvoir/Prince Georges/Montgomery County).

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
12

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Temporary appointment not to exceed 1 year.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/22/2019.
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).] English Language Proficiency. Audiologists must be proficient in spoken and written English
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining grades.

GS-9
Education and Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment. Employees at this level serve in an audiologist career development position.

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. For positions involved in research audiologist assignments involving no direct patient care, no additional education or professional experience is required beyond those identified at the GS-9 level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) identified for the assignment.
Staff audiologists at this grade level perform audiology assessment and treatment intervention. If unlicensed, the individual must function under the supervision of a licensed audiologist.

Staff Audiologist. Staff audiologists at this grade level perform audiology assignment and treatment intervention.
The following KSAs are required:
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. The incumbent must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Must submit a copy of the license.
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. For positions involved in research audiology assignments involving no direct patient care, completion of a doctoral degree in audiology, hearing science, or a related field is fully qualifying. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs identified for the assignment.
Staff audiologists at this grade level must demonstrate professional knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies of the practice of audiology to a wide range of populations. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial [(less that 25% of the time). The following KSAs are required:
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

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-09 to GS-12.

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching and lifting (under 15 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers and both hands required; repeated bending (.5 hours); good vision with corrective glasses or contacts; or hearing with aid. Applicants must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Applicants for this position must pass a pre-employment medical examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will recommend grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes the following required documents:
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations - (form must be completed, links to the form are not accepted) can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.
Resume-Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: Job title, Duties (be as detailed as possible), Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Salary or current/former governmental grade held (example - GS-7)

Transcripts

Copy of License - If you are applying as a GS-12 (MUST BE CURRENT)

SF 50 - If you are applying as a current, permanent employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs, you must submit a copy of your latest SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), that verifies your career or career-conditional status, This form may be obtained at https://eopf.opm.gov/va/ You must submit the SF-50 obtained through eOPF. Applicant-generated SF-50s are not allowed. If you have previously held a higher or same grade and are applying based on that grade, you must provide a copy of the SF-50 showing you held the higher grade IN ADDITION to your last or most recent SF-50 indicating proof of status. You are required to submit as many SF-50 as needed to show you meet at least one year of specialized experience/time-in-grade. If proof of meeting specialized experience/time-in-grade is not provided at the time of application, you will be found not qualified.
If you do not submit the required documents listed above AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, you will be disqualified. Late, additional, or edited forms are not permitted after the closing date of the announcement.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's, etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• VA Form 10-2850c - mandatory
• Resume
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.