Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Technician) - Make a Difference at the VA in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Are you a skilled and compassionate hearing healthcare professional seeking a rewarding career where you can directly impact the lives of our nation's heroes? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a dedicated Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Technician) to join the VA Caribbean Healthcare System in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. This vital role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the unparalleled satisfaction of serving the Veterans who have served us. If you are passionate about audiology support and patient care, this opportunity at the VA Caribbean Healthcare System might be the perfect next step in your career.

About the Agency: The Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stands as a testament to the nation's commitment to its Veterans. Its mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA provides a comprehensive range of healthcare services, benefits, and memorial programs, ensuring that those who have sacrificed for our country receive the highest quality care and support. The VA Caribbean Healthcare System, part of the VA Sunshine Health Care Network, serves Veterans across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering advanced medical care, training for future healthcare providers, and conducting crucial medical research. Joining the VA means becoming part of a dedicated team committed to honoring America's Veterans.

Job Responsibilities: Your Impact as a Health Technician

As a Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Technician) in the Audiology Service at the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, your primary focus will be on providing essential support for patient care, diagnostic procedures, and treatment plans. Your daily duties will encompass a range of critical tasks:

• Direct Patient Care: Assisting audiologists in providing comprehensive hearing healthcare services.
• Hearing Aid Support: Performing troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance on hearing aids and hearing assistive technology (HAT). This includes conducting visual and auditory checks to ensure optimal functionality.
• Earmold Management: Fabricating earmold impressions using proper otoscopy techniques and ordering/fitting custom earmolds based on established care plans.
• Patient Education: Providing basic, yet crucial, information to patients and their caregivers about hearing aid use, proper insertion and removal, cleaning, and hygiene, all within the framework of the audiologist's treatment plan.
• Documentation: Ensuring all patient interactions, procedures, and device information are meticulously documented in the electronic medical record. This includes accurately coding procedures and tracking patient data via established systems.
• Inventory Management: Maintaining comprehensive systems for tracking supplies and equipment, monitoring stock levels of both recurring and essential consumable items.
• Triage and Support: Assisting patients by triaging phone calls and audiology requests, assessing priority and urgency based on the audiologist's guidance.
• Administrative Duties: Supporting the Audiology Service with various administrative tasks necessary for efficient clinic operations.

Requirements: Qualifications for Success

To be considered for this Health Technician position, candidates must meet specific basic and specific requirements:

Basic Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens may be considered only if qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited.
• English Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Spanish Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken Spanish (this is a Selective Placement Factor).
• Licensure/Registration: Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license or registration to practice as a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Board Certification: Must hold active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS).
• Education/Experience: Meet ONE of the following:
  • Successful completion of two academic years of study above high school, including coursework in areas like hearing science, human anatomy and physiology, hearing instrument science, gerontology, psychology, or other general healthcare fields.
  • Completion of the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program for Hearing Aid Specialists.
• Foreign Education: If education was completed outside the U.S., it must be deemed equivalent to U.S. educational standards by a recognized credential evaluation service.
• Note: There is no combination of education and experience that can substitute for these basic requirements.

Additional Requirements:

• Background Investigation: Must successfully complete a background and/or security investigation.
• Drug Screening: Applicants tentatively selected for positions in drug-testing designated positions are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use.
• Trial Period: Selected applicants will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
• Identification: Acceptable identification must be provided for pre-employment requirements.
• Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications:

While not mandatory, candidates with the following experiences and skills will be highly regarded:

• In-depth clinical knowledge of hearing instrument technology.
• Proven skills in patient interaction and exceptional customer service.
• Demonstrated competence in following established clinical protocols and technical procedures.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate patient records and documentation.
• Technical expertise with clinical equipment and various computer systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary clinical teams.

Salary Overview

This position is graded under the General Schedule (GS) pay system. The selected candidate will be appointed at the GS-05 or GS-06 level, with a salary range of $40,736 to $59,031 per year. The exact grade and step will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the needs of the agency.

Benefits

Choosing a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a robust benefits package designed to support your professional and personal life:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) options.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual (vacation) leave and sick leave accrual, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
• Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) coverage.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, continuing education, and career advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: Predictable work schedule and supportive work environment.
• Serving Veterans: The profound reward of contributing to the health and well-being of those who have served the nation.

Application Steps

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please follow these steps carefully:

1. Create/Log In: Access your USAJOBS account. If you don't have one, create it.
2. Resume & Documents: Select your USA JOBS resume and upload any other required supporting documents.
3. Complete Application: Fill out the online application and the required questionnaire accurately and thoroughly.
4. Submit: Ensure all necessary documents are attached and submit your complete application package by December 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
5. Assessments: Be prepared to complete online assessments via USA Hire. You will receive an email with a unique link and deadline after submitting your application. Set aside at least 3 hours for these assessments.
6. Monitor Status: Regularly check your email and your USAJOBS account for application status updates and any communications from the hiring agency.

Application Tips

• Read Thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with every section of this announcement and all instructions.
• Detailed Resume: Your resume is crucial. Clearly detail your experience, duties, hours worked per week, and precise employment dates (month/year to month/year or present).
• Gather Documents: Have all required documents ready, including your license, NBC-HIS certification, and any transcripts or federal employment records (like SF-50s) if applicable.
• Prepare for Assessments: Utilize the practice assessments available through the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to prepare for the online evaluation.
• Timeliness: Submit your application and all required documents well before the closing date to avoid last-minute issues.
• Update Information: You can edit your application and supporting documents until the announcement closes. Do this via your USAJOBS account.

Q2: What is the salary range for this position?

A2: The salary falls between $40,736 and $59,031 per year, corresponding to the GS-05 and GS-06 pay grades.

Q3: Can individuals without NBC-HIS certification apply?

A3: While NBC-HIS certification is a basic requirement, individuals who meet other eligibility criteria may be offered a temporary appointment as a graduate Health Technician (HIS). However, they must obtain board certification to continue employment or be promoted.

Q4: What documentation must I submit?

A4: A comprehensive application includes your resume, proof of license, and NBC-HIS certification. Depending on your background and eligibility, you may also need to provide transcripts, SF-50s, DD-214, etc. Refer to the "Required Documents" section for a full list.

Q5: Is this a remote or telework position?

A5: No, this position is located in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and is not available for telework or remote arrangements. The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

This Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Technician) position with the VA Caribbean Healthcare System in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, presents an exceptional opportunity to dedicate your skills to serving Veterans. By ensuring the proper functioning and fitting of hearing instruments and providing essential patient education, you will play a critical role in improving the quality of life for those who have sacrificed so much. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to contribute to a mission-driven organization, we encourage you to apply and become part of the VA family.