Career Center

The Health Technician (HT), GS-5 assigned to the Emergency Department (ED) has education and skill necessary to provide clinical support for the clinical and clerical support of the adult and geriatric veteran. The HT may be assigned clinical and non-clinical duties. Work assignments may consist of clinical and environmental tasks. The HT possesses the personal qualities, desire and attitude necessary to adapt to rapidly changing demands on time. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes but are not limited to: Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) Preparing reports of findings, Technical support work in a closely related field, e.g. biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for the positions being filled; experience performing phlebotomy/blood draw procedures on human patients. Note Please ensure your resume detail the special experience needed for consideration. OR Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, if required OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of education and experience equivalent to the requirements for a GS-5.Note: Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to 1 year of specialized experience. Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-05 level. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Requirements: Rotation of tours of duty and/or overtime may be required. Requires pushing, pulling and lifting no greater than 20 pounds over a 12 hour period. Requires the ability to function in stressful situations. ["Major Duties and Responsibilities:\nPatient Care Tasks Ability to implement a full range of patient care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of an RN and/or LPN. Examples include tube feeding, tracheostomy care and suction, straight catheterizations, care of patients with complex medical and behavioral diagnoses, non-sterile dressings, etc. Performs direct care including bathing, grooming, and toileting. Demonstrates appropriate communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. HT teaches patients and families the necessity to continue the procedures for proper health care. Provides specific health information based on patient's condition, e.g. acceptance oflimited physical mobility, proper body mechanics, and pre- and postoperative breathing techniques, colostomy care and irrigations, etc. Keeps family informed of patient's progress. Knowledge and ability to serve as a preceptor to new health technician. Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient care situations and intervenes while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc. Demonstrates appropriate communication and interpersonal skills. Communicates pertinent information to team members regarding observations and interactions with patient/residents and/or significant others which may affect the plan of care. Supports the team concept and functions as a team player. Contributes to team initiatives and continuously strives to improve the effectiveness of the team. Performs sitter duties according to the Standard Operating Procedure (Nursing Policy A-22) in any area of this facility when needed Performs one to one direct observation for Residents expressing suicidal or homicidal ideation ( Center Memorandum No.460-111.01) in the ED or in other areas of this facility when needed. Serves as support for patients, families, visitors, staff, etc. providing guidance and direction on hospital policies and procedures. The individual will demonstrate sensitivity and compassion in interactions. Cleaning/Supply Technician Tasks: Maintains patient care supplies at appropriate levels in rooms and on assigned units as needed. Complies and adheres to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for reprocessing/precleaning reusable medical equipment (RME). Applies concepts/practices within the Holistic Approach to Transformational Change (HATCH) model. Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment. Removes defective equipment, reports hazards, observes safety regulations. They contribute to maintaining infection control by utilizing proper aseptic technique in performance of duties and standard precautions in the care of all patients, especially those with communicable diseases and those in isolation. liked duties/responsibilities into major job category. Attends planned in-services and completes mandatory reviews and CPR as directed. Provides support in the orientation of new Health Technicians/staff in the ED on Medical Center activities, policies, procedures, etc. Maintain a safe environment utilizing standard patient safety and infection control practices per VA Policy, this includes terminal disinfections of room, utilizing equipment in a safe manner and performing other assigned unit maintenance duties as assigned by Nurse Manager/RN Designee. Assist patients to develop progressive independence in performing activities of daily living including performing urinary catheterization. Work Schedule: Variable 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. every other holiday and weekend\nPosition Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/PD04142A"]