Health Technician

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/29/2024. Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): An IOR is a basic requirement that must be met in order to qualify for entry into this job series, and it is something that can’t be waived. 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. In addition, to the Individual Occupational Requirement above the follow is the experience or education required to qualify for this position at the GS-6 grade levels. GS-06 Specialized Experience: One (1) full year of specialized experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skill, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the Health Technician position, and that is in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service to qualify at the Grade-6. Examples of specialized experience include (but are not limited to): Proficient in performing phlebotomy; experience taking and recording vital signs; proven ability to operate specialized equipment and instruments such as pulse ox meter, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, scale, height, EKG, etc.; collecting and recording sputum or urine samples; working with equipment, diagnostic, and treatment procedures commonly used in the nursing service; experience in positions that required knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology; performing a variety of procedures that include collecting, labeling, and recording for proper analysis; using aseptic and sterilization techniques to prevent cross contamination and spread of infection; providing competent educational instructions to patients; and communicates and assists customers, visitors and staff in a courteous and professional manner. Note: As a general rule education is not qualifying in this occupation at the GS-6 grade level. Graduate level education or an internship may meet the specialized experience required above the GS-5 grade level only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the Health Technician position. If utilizing education or internship to qualify for this position, transcripts and or certification of internship must be provided with your application package. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: 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: The work involves periods of standing as well as considerable walking, bending, stooping, stretching, lifting (not to exceed 20 lbs.), moving of equipment and assists with positioning of patients. The work also requires agility and d3exeterity to handle complex medical instruments. Work Environment: Involves regular and recurring exposure to infections and contagious diseases, as well as working with infectious substances, irritant reagents, and potentially emotionally disturbed patients. The technician is required to follow infection control policies relating to the use of universal precautions and posted isolation practices. These policies may require the wearing of protective gowns, gloves, masks, and eyewear. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management’s website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
This position is assigned to the Nursing Service at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL and provides a varied range of supportive and direct care duties at the ward level in support of patient activities.