Launch Your Career as a Health Technician: Helping Veterans Hear Better
Are you a dedicated professional looking to blend your technical expertise with a mission-driven career? The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System is currently recruiting for a Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) to join our Audiology and Speech Pathology Service. This position offers more than just a job; it is an opportunity to directly improve the lives of our nation’s heroes.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician, your role is multifaceted. You will serve as the first line of technical support for Veterans needing auditory care. Your primary duties include:
- Device Management: Troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining a wide array of hearing aids and assistive listening devices.
- Clinical Support: Preparing equipment for audiologists, calibrating diagnostic tools, and ensuring the clinical environment is ready for patient care.
- Patient Care: Educating patients on the use of their devices, including cleaning, hygiene, insertion, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Logistics: Managing inventory for hearing aid accessories and ensuring critical supplies are always in stock.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several fundamental criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education/Training: Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists or an associate-level degree in a related field.
- Licensure: You must hold a current, unrestricted state license to practice as a Hearing Instrument Specialist.
- Certification: Active certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) is required for the full-performance GS-6 level.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $40,736 - $59,031 per year |
| Pension | Traditional Federal Pension (5-year vesting) |
| Insurance | Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and Life |
| Paid Leave | Up to 50 days annually (including sick and holidays) |
| Additional Perks | Childcare subsidies & Parental Leave |
Why Join the VA?
Working for the VA provides unparalleled stability and benefits. Unlike private practice, our employees benefit from a structured career progression, extensive retirement planning, and a community focused on professional development. You are not just an employee; you are a vital member of a multidisciplinary team committed to "Whole Health" care for our Veterans.
Application Tips for Success
When applying for a federal position, your resume is your most important tool. Ensure that you:
- Use the VA-specific clinical resume format provided in the job announcement.
- Clearly list all relevant skills, specifically mentioning your proficiency with hearing aid software and patient counseling.
- Include the number of hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Attach all required documents, including transcripts and your professional license, at the time of submission.
If you are a passionate professional looking to serve those who have sacrificed for our nation, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. Apply today to help us ensure that every Veteran in Arkansas has access to the best auditory care available. Your technical skills combined with our mission create the perfect environment for a fulfilling and stable career.
Why This Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Job Matters
Transform lives by providing expert auditory care to our nation's Veterans at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.
Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) to join the Audiology and Speech Pathology team in Little Rock, Arkansas. This vital role supports Veterans across the Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, and Hot Springs campuses by ensuring seamless hearing instrument maintenance, patient education, and technical support. You will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for those who have served our country through direct patient care and diagnostic assistance.
Requirements for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists OR two years of post-high school education in a related field
- Current, unrestricted state license or registration as a Hearing Instrument Specialist
- Active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS)
- Must pass a pre-employment physical and annual TB screening
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)
- Previous experience within a clinical audiology setting
- Proficiency in hearing aid software and manufacturer connectivity tools
- Strong interpersonal skills for patient counseling and education
- Technical aptitude for troubleshooting assistive listening devices
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting
- ✓Federal 401K (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%
- ✓Generous paid leave (13-26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees
- ✓Childcare subsidies for qualifying families
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and salary increases
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.
- Prepare your resume according to the specific VA guidelines provided.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including licenses, certifications, and transcripts.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM ET closing date on August 25, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume specifically to the KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) section of the announcement.
- Ensure your resume includes month and year for all employment dates and average hours worked per week.
- Use the suggested VA clinical resume template to streamline your application.
- Double-check that all uploads, such as your board certification and state license, are clear and readable.
- Follow the status of your application via the USAJOBS portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am not currently board-certified?
Non-board-certified applicants may be hired under a temporary appointment at the GS-5 level, provided they meet all other qualifications. These individuals work under the supervision of a licensed audiologist and must obtain board certification within a two-year timeframe.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite role based in Little Rock, Arkansas, requiring daily attendance at clinical facilities.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing world-class healthcare to those who have served in our military. The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) is a premier facility that serves as a cornerstone of health in the region. With campuses in Little Rock and North Little Rock, as well as several Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), our staff works in a collaborative, supportive environment designed to deliver the best outcomes for our patients.