Launch Your Clinical Career as a Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) at the VA
Are you a dedicated Hearing Instrument Specialist looking to transition your career into a mission-driven environment? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is currently seeking a highly skilled Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) to support our Audiology and Speech Pathology Service. This position offers the unique opportunity to provide direct care to America's Veterans, ensuring they receive the high-quality hearing health support they deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician (HIS), you will work closely with licensed audiologists to deliver comprehensive hearing healthcare. Your daily duties will include:
- Device Maintenance: Troubleshooting, cleaning, and repairing hearing aids and accessories.
- Patient Support: Educating Veterans on device usage, connectivity, and communication strategies.
- Clinical Procedures: Performing otoscopy, fabricating earmold impressions, and ensuring equipment is properly calibrated.
- Administrative Care: Documenting patient interactions accurately in electronic medical records and managing inventory of clinical supplies.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following federal requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a current, unrestricted license or registration as a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS).
- Possess active board certification from the NBC-HIS.
- Have completed either an approved apprenticeship program or two years of relevant post-high school education.
- Ability to pass background and physical screenings.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-06 level with a salary range of $58,446 to $75,980 per year. The VA provides regular salary increases and recognizes the value of experienced professionals, offering the potential to set pay above the minimum rate based on your unique qualifications.
Compensation Comparison Table
| Benefit Type | Federal Offering | Private Sector Average |
|---|---|---|
| Paid Time Off | 37-50 Days | 15-20 Days |
| Health Insurance | Comprehensive Federal Plans | Varies by Employer |
| Retirement | Pension + 401k Matching | Usually 401k Only |
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides an unparalleled benefits package, including:
- Exceptional leave accrual and 11 paid holidays.
- Robust health, vision, and dental insurance options.
- Access to the Federal pension system and a 5% agency-matched retirement plan.
- Parental leave, childcare subsidies, and continuous professional development opportunities.
Application Tips
Success in federal hiring depends on clarity. We strongly recommend using the VA's standard clinical resume template to ensure your experience is highlighted correctly for human resources reviewers. Be specific about your clinical hours, types of hearing aids you have serviced, and any experience with specialized audiology software.
If you are a passionate professional looking to utilize your skills to support Veterans, this position at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is an ideal fit. Apply today to help us continue the vital mission of caring for those who have served.
Why This Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) Job Matters
Transform lives by restoring the gift of sound to those who served our nation. Join the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System as a Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) and become a vital part of a team dedicated to clinical excellence and compassionate Veteran care.
Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Health Technician specializing in Hearing Instrument science to join the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service. In this role, you will work under the supervision of a licensed audiologist to provide essential support services, including hearing aid troubleshooting, device maintenance, patient education, and technical clinical support. This position plays a critical role in helping Veterans manage their hearing health, aiding in their successful reintegration into independent living. You will serve the Middle Tennessee region, contributing to a high-performing healthcare system committed to innovation and comprehensive care.
Requirements for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument)
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered if no qualified citizens are available).
- Current, full, and unrestricted license or registration to practice as a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) in a state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS).
- Completion of a Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists OR two years of related academic education.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument)
- 2-5 years of direct experience working as a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS).
- Demonstrated ability to document complex clinical encounters in electronic medical records.
- Experience in high-volume, multi-disciplinary healthcare environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
- ✓Childcare subsidy programs for qualifying families.
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) Job
- Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare your resume using the required Clinical Resume document provided by the VA.
- Review the job questionnaire to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Upload all required documentation, including your professional license and board certification.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview invitations.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template to ensure your application meets formatting standards.
- Be detailed and specific about your past clinical experience; do not assume the hiring panel knows your duties.
- Double-check that your license and NBC-HIS certification are active and uploaded clearly.
- The announcement remains open until filled, but initial referrals happen on a rolling basis; apply as soon as possible for the best opportunity.
- Ensure your contact information is current in your USAJOBS profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) at the VA?
You will serve as a technician under the guidance of an audiologist, handling hearing aid repairs, patient fittings, earmold impressions, and providing essential education to Veterans regarding their communication devices.
Is this a remote or virtual position?
No, this is an in-person clinical role located at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in either Murfreesboro or Nashville, Tennessee.
Are there any vaccination requirements for this role?
Yes, as a Department of Veterans Affairs health care professional, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment.
What is the trial period?
New federal employees are required to serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and alignment with agency standards.
Can I apply if I am not currently a U.S. citizen?
While U.S. citizens are prioritized, non-citizens may be considered if a search for qualified citizens is unsuccessful.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is a premier integrated health network serving more than 146,000 Veterans across Middle Tennessee, southern Kentucky, and northern Georgia. Comprised of two major medical centers and 21 outpatient clinics, TVHS is a leader in clinical innovation, research, and whole-health care. Working with the VA means joining a supportive community where your professional expertise directly impacts the well-being of those who have served our country.