Launch Your Career as a Hearing Instrument Specialist with the VA
Are you a skilled Hearing Instrument Specialist looking to transition into a career where your expertise directly benefits the men and women who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a dedicated Health Technician to join the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service within the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. This position offers a unique blend of technical diagnostic support and direct patient care.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist), you will be the bridge between technology and patient comfort. Your day-to-day duties will include:
- Device Management: Performing visual and auditory checks of hearing aids and assistive devices.
- Clinical Support: Fabricating earmold impressions and assisting in equipment calibration for audiologists.
- Patient Education: Teaching Veterans how to use modern hearing technology, including Bluetooth pairing and smartphone applications.
- Triage: Managing incoming patient requests and phone calls according to clinical priority.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Skill Set | Junior Technician | Full Performance Level (GS-06) |
|---|---|---|
| Earmold Impression | Learning | Proficient/Independent |
| Troubleshooting | Basic | Advanced/Diagnostic |
| Patient Education | Minimal | Comprehensive/Counseling |
| Equipment Maint. | Supervised | Independent Calibration |
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must be U.S. citizens, hold a current and unrestricted license to practice, and maintain an active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS).
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $58,446 to $75,980 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the federal benefits package is one of the best in the nation, including 37-50 days of paid time off, federal health insurance, and a robust retirement plan with employer-matched contributions.
Application Tips
Ensure your application package is complete. Use the designated Clinical Resume document provided by the VA and be descriptive regarding your clinical experience. Always double-check your license and certification documentation to avoid delays.
If you are a certified Hearing Instrument Specialist who thrives in a team-oriented environment, the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is the perfect place to grow your career. Apply today and start your journey of service.
Why This Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) Job Matters
Transform lives and ensure our nation's heroes hear the world clearly as a specialized Health Technician with the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System.
Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) Job Overview
Join the Audiology and Speech Pathology Service at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. We are seeking a dedicated Hearing Instrument Specialist to play a pivotal role in our clinical teams. In this capacity, you will provide vital support to audiologists, manage sophisticated hearing technology, and directly improve the quality of life for our Veterans. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide compassionate, high-quality care in a collaborative, mission-driven environment across Murfreesboro and Nashville, Tennessee.
Requirements for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument)
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions may apply per VA policy).
- Current and unrestricted license or registration to practice as a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS).
- Active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS).
- Completion of the DOL Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists OR two academic years of post-high school education in a related field.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument)
- 2-5 years of professional experience as a Hearing Instrument Specialist.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot and maintain hearing assistive technologies.
- Experience with electronic medical record systems and patient documentation.
- Strong interpersonal skills for patient counseling and education.
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.
- ✓Federal retirement pension and 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% employer matching.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
- ✓Regular salary increases and potential for higher step-rate entry based on qualifications.
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume document from the VA Careers website.
- Prepare your full resume/CV and any required supporting documents such as transcripts, licensure, and professional certifications.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package, including all required documentation, before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and confirmation notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions about your previous experience.
- Ensure your current licensure and board certification are clearly stated and valid.
- Follow the document upload instructions precisely, especially regarding the use of the required standard resume template.
- Check your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Prepare for a background investigation and pre-employment physical early in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Health Technician in this department?
You will assist audiologists by troubleshooting hearing devices, performing ear impressions, conducting basic equipment calibration, and educating patients on device connectivity and care.
Can I work remotely for this position?
No, this is an onsite position requiring daily interaction with patients and clinical equipment within the VA facilities.
Is a background check required?
Yes, all federal employees must undergo a security and suitability investigation.
What is the trial period for this job?
You will be required to serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate your performance and fitness for the role.
Is there a requirement for vaccinations?
Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza program is a mandatory condition of employment for VHA clinical personnel.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) operates with a mission to provide world-class, compassionate care. Serving over 146,000 Veterans across Tennessee and southern Kentucky, the TVHS is a hub for innovation, research, and high-quality clinical care. Working here means more than just a job; it means joining a community that values the service of others.