Career Center

This position is located in Inpatient Geriatric Services, Office of the Nurse Executives located at the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, IL. The FHCC is larger than just a single facility, but rather a system of facilities throughout Northeastern Illinois which provide medical and dental services to U.S. military Veterans, Recruits, Active Duty and eligible beneficiaries. The incumbent will provide (the residents) assistance with activities of daily living, To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 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: Observing patients physical and emotional response to medical care to recognize deviations from the normal aging process and applies knowledge of basic first-aid principles in responding to situations. Labeling and arranging completed food items following HACCP guidelines for receiving, preparing, storing, and transporting food as needed. Performing cleaning tasks such as washing walls, doors, door frames, baseboard corners and edges; sweeping, moping, and vacuuming. GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 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: Experience utilizing direct patient care techniques, including ADLs, ambulating patients, infection control, and emergency response, using appropriate safety precautions. Preparing and serving food for consumption; performing a range of cooking to include but not limited to roasting, braising, and boiling. Using modified diet and correct food portions to serve patients and answer routine questions concerning patient diet. Documenting patient treatment and goals such as medical history, vital signs, chief complaints, allergies, pertinent health problems, current medications for the purpose of communicating with the staff nurses and patient families. Using appropriate cleaning agents and germicidal solutions to remove stains from a wide variety of surfaces to provide bacteriological safe environment. 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. ["This position is for the \"Green House\" homes. The Green House home is organized around the needs and lives of elders who live there. The constant companion of the elder is the Shahbaz (a specially trained universal worker, with core training as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The duty of the Shahbaz is to protect, to nurture, and to sustain the elder, to maintain the safety and cleanliness of the environment and for providing high quality care. The Shahbazim will rotate the roles of coordinator duties in such areas as Team Coordinator, Scheduling Coordinator, and Care Coordinator, etc. Provides resident-centered care to Veterans in a manner conducive to the comfort and safety of those in the small homes. Acts as a liaison between the team and families, volunteers, community members and other members of the staff including clinical support team and the Guide. Arranges the House Council Meetings, take minutes, and ensure follow-up as needed. Plans menus with the residents for regular and modified diets (utilizing cycle menus) and special events taking into consideration factors such as nutritional requirements, patient satisfaction, budget allocation, viable manpower, and equipment limitations. Consults with the Administrative Dietician as needed. Forecasts usage requirements and prepares orders for food and expendable supplies for one week out from service date. Provides orders to Food Service Supervisor in defined schedule. Maintains inventory control. Conducts physical inventory of food and supplies on a weekly basis which should be prior to submission of required food and supplies. Ensures all areas of the residence, indoors and outdoors, are clean and presentable. Coordinates housekeeping, sanitation, and laundry duties. Collaborates with the Clinical Support Team and others to ensure care planning meetings are held in a timely manner and are scheduled so that all appropriate individuals (including resident, family and universal worker) are present. Ensures that care has been provided and that documentation has been completed as outlined in the residents' care plans. Initiation and upkeep of simple gardens (flowering and vegetable), indoor foliage and other horticultural activities that are therapeutic and Veteran appropriate. Organization and implementation of off station field trips (i.e. lunch/dinner, shopping, entertainment) that are safe, promote the principles of independency, individuality and the concepts of a homelike environment. Continuously solicit the residents' interest and participation in recreational activities with enthusiastic and engaging dialogue and use multiple media avenues to publicize recreation therapy programs. Perform comprehensive nursing care for medical, long term care, and/or dementia residents in the rehabilitative process. Assists with activities of daily living including dental and mouth care, bathing, dressing and grooming, hair care, nail care, shaving, bowel and bladder care, other personal and hygiene care. Identifies reports, appropriately intervenes, and/or assists with interventions in potential/actual psychiatric emergency situations. Explains, interprets, and encourages residents to follow and participate in plan of care. Responsible for transporting residents to various appointments and/or events. Responsibilities include ensuring the safety of all passengers, observing medical center, FHCC, local, state and federal traffic regulations. Work Schedule: Days and Nights- WITH ROTATION TO WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS\nPosition Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Home Health)/PD06386A\nPhysical Requirements: Duties require extensive periods of standing and walking. Workings with residents require regular and recurring bending, lifting (not to exceed 40 pounds), and stooping, stretching and similar activities.\nPromotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level."]