Summary The Audiologist (Clinical Specialist) works within the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS), a High Complexity Level 1a VHA facility. The duties of the position are to perform independently a full range of audiological activities for the care of inpatients and outpatients presenting with the most difficult and complex hearing disorders. Responsibilities Engages in the differential diagnosis of the full range of hearing problems associated with functional, mixed, conductive, sensory, neural, sensorineural, and central hearing loss. In diagnosing these problems, the incumbent conducts and interprets the complete range of specialized and refined audiologic test procedures currently available. Included also is the ability to deal professionally with patients who present with inconsistent behavior, conflicting test results, and multiple handicaps that inhibit the utilization of normal audiologic test procedures. Demonstrates competence in the operation and maintenance of diverse and specialized audiometric equipment, including computer facilities and adjunct components. Utilizes patient records, patient performance, family interviews and counseling as they contribute essential data in the diagnostic process and appropriate patient care. Organizes clinical data systematically for effective retrieval for clinic and investigational requirements. Responsible for analyzing problems that occur in the delivery of services, collection of related data and information, and implementing solutions and follow-up plans to assure that the actions were appropriate. These activities must be reported to the section and service chiefs. Responsible for evaluation and management of ototoxicity. Exercises independent clinical judgment and adapts clinical procedures and techniques to accommodate age-specific and unique patient conditions, needs, and expectations. Plans, coordinates, and implements a full range of patient-focused treatment services designed to optimize function. Serves as the Audiology Subject Matter Expert (SME) for vestibular evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation for the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service and dedicates no less than 25% of all clinical contact to this pursuit. Provides leadership and directs oversight in the design, development, implementation, planning and management of the specialty program Advanced Vestibular Assessment and Rehabilitation). Serves as a coach or facilitator for an interdisciplinary team and is responsible for training all support staff and trainees as it relates to the specialty program. This individual serves as the SME in matters regarding the specialty program. Assists in developing and drafting service level SOPs related to management of vestibular disorders. Determines success of interventions based on outcome measures and determines need for modifications to strategies as needed. Collects, monitors, and analyzes outcome measures. Reports on program progress and outcomes to the Service Chief or Supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 - 4:00p.m. Telework: Ad-hoc and determined by Agency policy. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications 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. (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). HR office staff and management officials may verify a program's accreditation from ACAE at acaeaccred.org and CAA at caa.asha.org. 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). Grade Determinations: Audiologist (Clinical Specialist), GS-13. Experience. At least two years of experience as a professional audiologist, with at least one year comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-12). Examples of GS-12 experience may include: At this level, audiologists are licensed to practice independently in the provision of audiologic services, consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate. Audiologists serve as consultants to other health care professionals and are recognized subject matter experts (SME) on matters related to hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders. The supervisor may assign staff audiologists to any VHA program and setting, such as inpatient or outpatient medicine, primary care, surgery, hearing health, neurology, rehabilitation medicine, geriatrics, compensation, and pension. Audiologists diagnose audiologic disorders, conduct audiologic, or neuro-audiologic assessments; treat auditory disorders through various modalities; and provide adjunctive interventions for the treatment of medical disorders. Audiologists consult with medical center staff on various patient care issues. Staff audiologists may be involved in program evaluation, teaching, training, and research activities. Among the modalities provided are individual, family, and group audiologic rehabilitation. And must demonstrate all Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) in their resume. The following KSAs are required: Advanced knowledge in a focused area of contemporary audiology practice to provide oversight of a specialty program. Skill to evaluate the specialty program to ensure deadlines and goals are met. Skill to coordinate initiatives and build consensus among interdisciplinary team members. Ability to monitor and report on work progress in the specialty program to adjust workload and processes. Ability to serve as the SME and provide education relating to the specialty program. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Audiologists (Clinical Specialists) provide leadership and direct oversight in the design, development, implementation, planning, and management of the specialty program. They serve as coaches or facilitators for the interdisciplinary team and are responsible for training all support staff and trainees as it relates to the specialty program. These individuals serve as the SME in matters regarding the specialty program. Preferred Experience: 1. Subject matter expert for Vestibular evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation. 2. Experience in program development and establishing vestibular protocols. 3. Doctorate in Audiology. 4. Experience with VA systems, CPRS, ROES, Message Manager and Secure Messages. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the GS-13. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Moderate lifting and carrying, 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (1 hour); Standing (1 hour); Kneeling (1 hour); Repeated bending (1 hour); Ability to distinguish basic colors; Emotional and Mental Stability; Good manual dexterity; Small object manipulation; and fine object manipulation. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Accreditation Information: HR office staff and management officials may verify a program's accreditation from ACAE at acaeaccred.org and CAA at caa.asha.org. 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 (USDE). Verification of accreditation may be obtained from DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov). NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
