Launch Your Career as a Health Technician in Audiology at the Durham VA
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for helping others regain their hearing? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering an exceptional opportunity for a Hearing Instrument Specialist to join the team at the Durham VA Medical Center. This position is perfect for those who want to combine their technical skills in audiology with a mission-driven career that honors those who served in our nation's military.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician, your role is pivotal in the smooth operation of the Audiology department. You will:
- Provide counseling and instruction to patients regarding hearing loss and the use of hearing aids.
- Perform essential technical checks, including listening tests and basic troubleshooting of hearing devices.
- Maintain and reprocess reusable medical equipment according to strict infection control policies.
- Handle administrative tasks such as scheduling, processing incoming devices, and coordinating with manufacturers.
- Pair hearing aids with Bluetooth technology and accessories to optimize the patient experience.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet several core requirements:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Licensure: A current, unrestricted state license as a Hearing Instrument Specialist.
- Certification: Active board certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS).
- Proficiency: Fluency in both written and spoken English.
- Medical Requirements: Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Grade Level Comparison
| Feature | GS-05 | GS-06 |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Entry/Basic | 1 year equivalent experience |
| Core Knowledge | Basic Anatomy & Infection Control | Advanced Troubleshooting & Patient Education |
| Scope of Duties | Administrative Support | Clinical Device Management |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range between $42,538 and $61,643 per year. The VA also offers the potential for step increases based on performance and qualifications, providing a clear path for professional financial growth.
Benefits
Choosing a career with the Federal Government comes with an industry-leading benefits package, including:
- Generous Leave: Up to 50 days of combined annual, sick, and holiday leave per year.
- Retirement: A dual-track retirement system consisting of a traditional pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidy programs.
- Insurance: A robust selection of health, dental, and vision insurance options that can follow you into retirement.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your experience in hearing aid fitting, cleaning, and repair is explicitly stated.
- Documentation: Have your license and NBC-HIS certification ready to upload, as these are non-negotiable requirements.
- Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to the specific questions in the USAJOBS assessment to ensure you are accurately representing your background.
If you are a qualified Hearing Instrument Specialist, this position at the Durham VA is a meaningful way to advance your career while making a direct, positive impact on the lives of Veterans. Apply today and become part of a team where your expertise is truly valued.
Why This Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career in audiology support where your daily work directly improves the quality of life for those who served our nation.
Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Job Overview
The Durham VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) to join its Audiology Service. In this vital role, you will play a key part in the clinical support team, assisting Veterans with hearing aid maintenance, patient education, and device troubleshooting. This is an open continuous announcement, allowing qualified candidates to be considered as new vacancies emerge over the next year.
Requirements for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- 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)
- Successful completion of a Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program OR two years of post-high school education in relevant fields
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Must complete a security background investigation
- Requirement to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist)
- Experience performing non-diagnostic otoscopy and cerumen management
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair various hearing aid models
- Proficiency in manufacturer-specific programming software
- Strong interpersonal skills for patient counseling and education
- Experience in maintaining clinical supply inventories and infection control
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs
- ✓Federal 401K (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service
- ✓Childcare subsidy eligibility for qualifying families
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Hearing Instrument Specialist) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a long-form resume that clearly details your experience.
- Gather supporting documents such as your state license, NBC-HIS certification, and transcripts.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the provided portal.
- Submit your application package before the deadline.
- Monitor your email for potential USA Hire assessment invitations.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed for the grade level you are applying for.
- Don't leave gaps in your work history; include volunteer experience if it is relevant to the position.
- Review all attachments before submitting to ensure licenses and certifications are current.
- Submit your application well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full performance level of this position?
The full performance level for this Health Technician role is GS-06.
Can I substitute education for experience?
No, the basic requirements regarding state licensure and board certification are mandatory, and there is no combination of education and experience that replaces these requirements.
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this is an on-site, clinical support position requiring physical presence at the medical facility.
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: No, this position does not offer relocation assistance.*
What is the work schedule?
*A: The schedule is a standard Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM shift.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is committed to a "Whole Health" approach. Working at the Durham VA means joining a supportive, multidisciplinary team focused on providing compassionate, high-quality care to our Veterans.