Audiologist GS-0665-11/12-Public/VHA Employee

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Education: The individual must meet at least one of the following requirements below. NOTE: all applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts.
  • Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from an audiology program recognized by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The CAA is the only accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit entry-level audiology programs. OR;
  • Other doctoral degree in hearing science or a directly related field from an institution accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the USDE.
• NOTE: Effective January 1, 2007, the CAA in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology of ASHA accredits only doctoral degree or AuD programs in audiology.
• Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs.
• Licensure Requirement: Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license to practice audiology at the doctoral level in a United States state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia. NOTE: all applicants must provide a copy of their licensure with their application.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements.

Audiologist, GS-11: Employees at this grade level serve in audiologist entry-level developmental positions. Audiologists perform audiology assessment and treatment intervention, exercise clinical judgment, adapt clinical procedures and techniques and document in the medical record appropriate information related to patient care.

Education Requirement: None beyond the basic requirements

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of principles and techniques in the assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders.
• Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice as defined by the American Academy of Audiology or the ASHA.
• Ability to interact with patients, families, and other health care professionals.

**NOTE: all applicants must demonstrate the possession of KSA's in their resume. KSA's must be detailed and must be reflected in the duties related to previous or current employments.

Audiologist, GS-12: This is the full performance level for staff audiologists. At this level, audiologists are licensed to practice independently in the provision of audiologic services, consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate. Audiologists serve as consultants to other health care professionals and are recognized subject matter experts on matters related to hearing, tinnitus and balance disorders.

Experience. In addition to the requirements at the GS-11 level, completion of one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower grade level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Skill in applying research methods and statistical analysis to document findings
• Ability to execute research independently
• Knowledge of contemporary audiology practice
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, acoustics, applied acoustics, communication, psychoacoustics, and auditory/vestibular pathophysiology
• Knowledge of principles and techniques in the assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders
• Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice
• Ability to interact with patients, families, and other health care professionals in person and via telehealth.
• Ability to develop coherent treatment strategies

**NOTE: all applicants must demonstrate the possession of KSA's in their resume. KSA's must be detailed and must be reflected in the duties related to previous or current employments.

Preferred Experience:

• Must have earned a doctorate degree(Au.D.) in Audiology prior to entry date.
  • Knowledge of principles and techniques in the assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders.
  • Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice.
  • Knowledge of clinical services, and the ability to perform them independently.
• Expectation is that the incumbent be proficient and effective working independently to achieve goals, tasks and exercise independent judgment.
• Highly organized and ability to multi-task effectively.
• Ability to interact with patients, families, and other health care professionals successfully.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Knowledge and application in basic computer programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.
• The incumbent will report directly to the Section Chief of Audiology
• The incumbent will follow and support all VA initiatives and missions.

References: VA Handbook 5005/152 PART II APPENDIX G29, Audiologist Qualification Standard, dated March 18, 2024The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 or GS-12.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.