Launch Your Career as a Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) with the VA
Are you a dedicated Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) looking to transition your career toward a mission that truly matters? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering an exceptional opportunity for a Health Technician to support the Audiology Department in Alexandria, Minnesota. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to honoring those who have served our country by providing them with the highest standard of auditory healthcare.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will work under the supervision of a staff audiologist to provide essential care and administrative support. Key duties include:
- Patient Support: Troubleshooting and repairing hearing aids and assistive devices.
- Clinical Procedures: Fabricating earmold impressions and ensuring equipment is calibrated and ready for patient care.
- Patient Education: Teaching Veterans and their caregivers how to effectively use hearing aids, manage Bluetooth connectivity, and implement communication strategies.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring all patient interactions are documented according to facility policies.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Full, current, and unrestricted license as a HIS.
- Active board certification (NBC-HIS).
- Proficiency in English.
- Successful completion of background and drug screening.
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be U.S. Citizen |
| Licensure | State HIS License Required |
| Certification | NBC-HIS Required |
| Schedule | Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm |
| Clearance | Non-sensitive / Low Risk |
Salary and Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust total rewards package. The salary for this position ranges from $40,736 to $59,031 per year, depending on qualifications. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, federal pension programs, generous paid leave, and parental leave options.
Application Tips
- Always use the required VA clinical resume format provided in the job announcement.
- Ensure your state license and board certification are current and clearly highlighted.
- Address the specific KSAs in a separate document if possible to stand out.
Serving our Veterans as a Health Technician is a rewarding career path. If you are a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist eager to make an impact, apply today and join our dedicated team in Alexandria.
Why This Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Job Matters
Launch a meaningful healthcare career in Alexandria, Minnesota, supporting those who served our nation by providing vital audiological care and support at the Veterans Health Administration.
Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a compassionate and skilled Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) to join the Audiology team in Alexandria, Minnesota. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide essential clinical and administrative support to Veterans. Working under the guidance of a staff audiologist, you will perform tasks such as hearing aid troubleshooting, earmold fabrication, and direct patient education, ensuring our Veterans receive the high-quality, whole-health care they deserve. This is a vital role for those passionate about improving the quality of life for our nation's heroes.
Requirements for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Current, full, and unrestricted state license or registration to practice 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 drug screening.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background and security investigation.
- Must comply with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)
- Prior experience working within a clinical audiology setting.
- Demonstrated ability to perform daily biological calibration of audiometric equipment.
- Strong technical skills regarding Bluetooth connectivity and mobile application pairing for hearing devices.
- Proven experience in electronic medical record (EMR) documentation and patient triage.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for patient education and communication strategies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Generous paid time off, including 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency match.
- ✓Childcare subsidy eligibility for qualifying families.
- ✓Regular salary increases and opportunities for career advancement.
💡 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.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
- Prepare your supporting documents, including your license and transcripts.
- Submit your full application package, including the questionnaire, through the USAJOBS portal.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Use the mandatory Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA rather than a generic resume for your primary application file.
- Be specific and detailed when describing your previous work experience; avoid vague summaries.
- Ensure your license and board certification documentation are current and easily accessible.
- Double-check that all required fields in the questionnaire are answered accurately before submission.
- Consider writing a separate document that addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am not yet board-certified?
Non-board-certified applicants may be eligible for a temporary appointment under supervision, provided they meet all other requirements. However, you must obtain board certification to be considered for permanent promotion or conversion.
Is telework available for this position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Alexandria, Minnesota, and is not eligible for telework.
Can I apply if my certification is pending?
You may be eligible for a temporary appointment, but full board certification is required for long-term placement.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, this position does not offer relocation incentives.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The St. Cloud VA Health Care System, which oversees the Alexandria clinic, has a long-standing tradition of excellence, providing compassionate, whole-health care to thousands of Veterans annually.