Health Technician – Podiatry

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to a practical knowledge of podiatric medicine and systemic disorders related to the feet and lower legs; familiarity with common podiatric surgical procedures at a level sufficient to educate and prepare patients for surgery; basic knowledge of the pathophysiology of diabetes and specifically how it affects the lower extremities; ability to perform diabetic and general foot exams and use technical equipment such as hand held doppler for blood flow, Weinstein monofilament and various other neurological instruments for neuropathy and skin exams; knowledge necessary to case for orthotics, make modifications, and fit and order diabetic shoes, braces and splints; and a knowledge of sterile technique for gowning, gloving setting up and passing instruments for podiatric procedures. Education: Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position. 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-06. 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.
This position is located within the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center in the Patient Care Service Line. The primary purpose of the Health Technician is to provide technical support to the staff podiatrist so that optimal podiatric care can be given to Veterans.