Health Technicians will be assigned to interested facilities throughout VHA in support of COVID-19 operations and may be temporarily appointed (not-to-exceed 120 days) on an intermittent, part-time, or full-time schedule in support of the VA facilities across the Nation.
Please note: Applicants are limited to selecting no more than 3 duty locations at which they would like to be considered for employment.
Summary
Health Technicians will be assigned to interested facilities throughout VHA in support of COVID-19 operations and may be temporarily appointed (not-to-exceed 120 days) on an intermittent, part-time, or full-time schedule in support of the VA facilities across the Nation.
Please note: Applicants are limited to selecting no more than 3 duty locations at which they would like to be considered for employment.
Occasional travel - Health Technicians will be assigned to VA facilities within their local commuting area/self identified locations, unless need is expanded to other locations in which case Health Technicians will be provided lodging, meals, travel, and incidental expenses.
NOTE: This is a TEMPORARY appointment (not-to-exceed 120 days). This appointment may be renewed for additional service in accordance with Agency needs for 1 additional year. Temporary positions offer health insurance (if the employee is expected to work at least 130 hours per month for at least 90 days) but do not offer life insurance or retirement benefits and may be terminated at any time before the expiration date. The appointment to a Temporary position does not confer eligibility for promotion or reassignment to other positions or the ability to be non-competitively converted to permanent employment.
The position of Health Technician provides clinical and administrative support in a wide variety of patient care and related activities. The purpose of this position is to be a productive team member carrying out and ensuring quality and timely delivery of care. This position requires the personal qualities, desire, and attitude necessary to adapt to rapidly changing demands on time and workload and have necessary skills to perform specific tasks/tests/procedures to meet patient healthcare.
Major Duties and Responsibilities Include:
Obtains and documents patients' vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight, oxygen saturation, and postural vital signs) and recognizes and reports abnormal values to RN.
Initiates cardiac monitoring correctly and is able to admit/discharge patients form monitoring system and print rhythm strips.
Performs venipuncture to obtain serum blood samples as ordered, urine dipstick testing, finger stick blood glucose testing, point of care troponin testing, and foley catheter insertions and irrigations and documents and reports results according to policy and procedure and takes appropriate action for critical values.
Moves, lifts, transfers, and transports patients as necessary using proper equipment and correct transfer techniques.
Assis with answering call lights, comfort measures, and provision of fluids/food to patients as needed.
Performs sterile dressing changes, ace bandage application, boot application, suture removal, application of heat/cold as ordered.
Works with the RN staff to prioritize patients with acute medical needs and institute timely interventions.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Varies, based on the needs of the facility. Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Physical Requirements: The work requires the Health Technician to be mobile throughout the Emergency Department and medical center as needed, involving standing, walking, bending, pushing, and lifting (moderately heavy). The Health Technician should be capable of prolonged standing/walking and be physically capable of pushing equipment, wheelchairs, and patient stretcher.
The work environment is a specialty unit within the hospital where it is absolutely necessary that medical and technical aseptic techniques be strictly followed to prevent the exposure and/or cross contamination of potentially pathogenic organisms. Use of safety shoes (non-skid), goggles, mask, and gloves to avoid contact/exposure to blood/body fluids is expected. The work environment involves risk typically associated with exposure to blood/body fluids.
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
May serve a probationary period
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
All qualifications requirements must be met at the time of application.
EXPERIENCE: One (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-6, in the Federal service. 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. Specialized experience for this position includes: Knowledge of anatomy, first aid, and basic patient care; interviewing patients to collect information and data about current health status and immediate needs; knowledge of medical, drug, and equipment/supply terminology, and skills to identify and use equipment and supplies properly; and knowledge of electrocardiograph (ECGs, cardio monitoring) and vital sign measurement to monitor patients.
-OR-
EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION: Successful completion of one (1) year of graduate level education that is directly related to the work of the position to be filled. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended. (UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
-OR-
COMBINATION OF SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: An equivalent combination of creditable specialized experience and graduate level education as described above to meet the total experience requirements for the position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. (UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
AND
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of 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.
DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
Additional information
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in alphabetical order.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/30/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10780503.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCP that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA Servicing Human Resources Office
2402 Wildwood Ave Suite 301
Sherwood, AR 72120
US
Next steps
This is an open-continuous announcement. The announcement will remain open until there is no longer a need. The first cut-off date to consider applications for referral to the selecting official will be Monday, March 30, 2020. The second cut-off date will be Wednesday, April 1, 2020. The third cut-off date will be Friday, April 3, 2020.
We will accept application packets on an on-going basis. Applicants will be reviewed and referred for consideration every week after the initial cut-off date. Complete applications submitted prior to 11:59 p.m. EST on the established cut-off date will receive consideration for referral to the selecting official. Applications received after each cut-off date will be considered on the next cut-off date until the closing date of this announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/30/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10780503.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCP that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
VHA Servicing Human Resources Office
2402 Wildwood Ave Suite 301
Sherwood, AR 72120
US
Next steps
This is an open-continuous announcement. The announcement will remain open until there is no longer a need. The first cut-off date to consider applications for referral to the selecting official will be Monday, March 30, 2020. The second cut-off date will be Wednesday, April 1, 2020. The third cut-off date will be Friday, April 3, 2020.
We will accept application packets on an on-going basis. Applicants will be reviewed and referred for consideration every week after the initial cut-off date. Complete applications submitted prior to 11:59 p.m. EST on the established cut-off date will receive consideration for referral to the selecting official. Applications received after each cut-off date will be considered on the next cut-off date until the closing date of this announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
