The Staff Audiologist position is located in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Service of the VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS), on five campuses: Chico, Martinez, Mather, McClellan and Redding. Service delivery is in person and via telehealth. The audiologist at this level plans, conducts, and coordinates aspects of diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic and rehabilitative services for Veterans with hearing loss and hearing disorders. 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. Education. Master's degree or its equivalent in audiology or hearing science from an accredited college or university is required. ["Accredited" means a college or university accredited by a regional accreditation organization and an audiology program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE) and/or the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).] NOTE: [Effective] January 1, 2007, the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of ASHA [accredits] only doctoral degree programs in audiology or hearing science. Licensure. For those grades that require licensure (GS-12 and above), [ ] the incumbent must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. NOTE: Non-licensed audiologists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate audiologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c). Failure to obtain licensure during appointment as a graduate audiologist is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. Individuals appointed as graduate audiologists may not be promoted to the GS-12 level without being fully licensed. This may result in termination of employment. 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). All audiologists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: [(1)] Such employees [ ], may be reassigned, promoted [up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or (changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions]. [(2)] Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. [(3)] Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. [(4)] If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Audiologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determinations: GS-09 Education and Experience None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment Employees at this level serve in an audiologist career development position. GS-11 Education and Experience Completion of 1 year of professional experience as an audiologist equivalent to the next lower level; or 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree; or doctoral degree in audiology, hearing science, or a directly related field. For positions involved in research audiologist assignments involving no direct patient care, no additional education or professional experience is required beyond those identified at the GS-9 level. Assignments Staff audiologists at this grade level perform audiology assessment and treatment intervention. If unlicensed, the individual must function under the supervision of a licensed audiologist. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) identified for the assignment: a.] Knowledge of contemporary audiology practice; [b.] Ability to communicate orally and in writing. [c. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, acoustics, applied acoustics, communication, psychoacoustics, and auditory/vestibular pathophysiology; [d. Knowledge of principles and techniques in the assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders; [e.] Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice; and [f.] Ability to interact with patients, families, and other health care professionals. GS-12 Licensure The incumbent must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Education and Experience In addition to the requirements at the GS-11 level, completion of 1 year of professional experience comparable to the next lower level and possession of a full, current and unrestricted license to practice audiology. For positions involved in research audiology assignments involving no direct patient care, completion of a doctoral degree in audiology, hearing science, or a related field is fully qualifying. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs identified for the assignment. a.]. Ability to develop coherent treatment strategies. [b.] Knowledge of clinical services, and the ability to perform them independently. [c.] Ability to conduct assessments and provide treatment interventions. [d.] Ability to provide consultation to other health care professionals. [e.] Knowledge of contemporary audiology practice. [f.] Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice. Assignments Audiologists at this grade level are independent licensed practitioners and are considered to be at the full performance level. Staff audiologists at this grade level must demonstrate professional knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of theories, principles, and methodologies of the practice of audiology to a wide range of populations. Individuals may perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of work is not substantial [(less that 25% of the time). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/38, PART II, APPENDIX G29. AUDIOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD, GS-0665, Veterans Health Administration dated August 24, 2010. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The incumbent's work is moderate. Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over); Moderate Carrying (15-44 lbs.); Straight Pulling, Pushing, reaching above shoulder, Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of color; Hearing aid (permitted). ["Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Conduct, plan, and coordinate clinical and administrative aspects of a full range of services associated with contemporary audiology practice. Audiology services include comprehensive hearing testing, hearing aid prescription and management, and Compensation and Pension hearing examinations. Independent diagnostic assessment and evaluation of cases that are referred to the Audiology Section without limitation as to difficulty or complexity. The incumbent will be responsible to conduct interviews with the patients and appropriate family members or friends; and to select, administer and interpret the diagnostic test results necessary to detect and evaluate the presence of a hearing disorder. Assessing patient conditions from examination, observation and consultation with other members of an interdisciplinary health care team. Utilizing diagnostic and evaluative procedures and techniques consistent with contemporary audiology practice. Developing an appropriate plan of care and delivering treatment as designed and consistent with principles of evidence-based practice. Documenting evaluation and treatment actions and outcomes in appropriate formats in a timely manner, in accordance with facility policy, and completing all related patient care tasks. Reporting the findings to Veterans and their families, and to professional colleagues; and (6) optimizing clinical safety and efficiency by maintaining supplies, equipment in good working order. Serves as a consultant to other facility personnel involving the most difficult and complex cases and is a recognized subject matter expert on matters related to audiology and hearing disorders. Attend staff meetings and inter-disciplinary health care team meetings as appropriate, review policies and procedures, and attend in-service training. May participate in research activities pertinent to audiology. Although limited research is conducted in the clinical setting, the use of carefully executed procedures may be a part of a research design. The incumbent may be requested to assist in gathering clinical research data. Perform ancillary assignments, including program management duties on an occasional basis, where the complexity and amount of the work is not substantial. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]