Health Technician – Telehealth Clinical Technician

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, non-citizen personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405, without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned. Experience and Education. (1) Experience. One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical assistant (or technician) or health technician. OR (2) Education. Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree with courses related to the occupation. OR (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as, biological science, surgical technician courses, nursing assistant or other courses related to the position; or an associate’s degree in a health care related field. OR (b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, or medical service specialists given by the U.S. Armed Forces. Certification. None English Language Proficiency. A candidate will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. 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). Grade Determinations: Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical), GS-5 (Entry Level) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical), GS-6 (Full Performance Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (must be telehealth or equivalent experience). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. a) Comprehensive knowledge of computer systems and programs to perform a variety of tasks. b) Ability to communicate, consult, and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. c) Ability to provide and receive guidance and technical direction. d) Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. e) Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions. f) Knowledge of general clinical policies and procedures in a healthcare environment. g) Skilled in the use of telehealth technologies for the facilitation of telehealth clinical encounters. Preferred Experience: Supporting clinical telehealth encounters for both the patient and provider locations by serving as the tele presenter per scope of practice, functioning as an imager and data manager for telehealth store and forward applications, managing real time clinical telehealth events, providing patient education, and providing technical and administrative support of telehealth operations. Additionally providing technical support to end-users, scheduling simple and complex intra-facility and inter-facility telehealth appointments, installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting technology, and performing a variety of program support duties as assigned. References: VA Handbook 5005/96, Part II, Appendix G50, February 7, 2018. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: The work requires light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); reaching above the shoulder; both hands are required; use of fingers; walking (1-2 hours); standing (1-2 hours); both eyes; and the ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Must have mental and emotional stability. There will be prolonged sitting, prolonged use of a computer, and prolonged looking at screens. Working Conditions: There will be exposure to dry atmospheric conditions, radiant energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, and possible exposure to infectious disease. Must be able to work closely with others and work alone.
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) supports the provision of patient care using telehealth technologies which increase a Veterans access to care and support a Veterans self-management. This includes developing and delivering virtual and digital technologies which help Veterans communicate synchronously and asynchronously with their health care teams and coordinate, track and manage their health care.