The Surgical Health Technician works under the supervision on the Chief of Podiatry and is assigned to the Podiatry Outpatient Clinic in Chico, California, which is part of Department of Surgery.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician/00748A Promotion Potential GS-7: May be promoted to the full performance level without competition only when all regulatory/qualification/performance requirements are met. Promotion is not guaranteed.
Summary
The Surgical Health Technician works under the supervision on the Chief of Podiatry and is assigned to the Podiatry Outpatient Clinic in Chico, California, which is part of Department of Surgery.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician/00748A Promotion Potential GS-7: May be promoted to the full performance level without competition only when all regulatory/qualification/performance requirements are met. Promotion is not guaranteed.
Provides direct patient care to a selected patient population requiring wound care dressing changes, casts, braces, and splints in the OPC treating locations (Surgical Clinics and Surgical Procedure rooms);
Works under the general supervision of the Chief, Podiatry Section, which has in-excess of 28,000 patient encounters per year, to include direct and indirect support;
Provides assistance of a technical, specialized, or support nature to health and medical personnel in the diagnosis and treatment of patient illnesses or medical conditions and procedures;
Sets up and assists Podiatric surgeons and other providers in the performance of treatments and procedures following aseptic technical to include minor surgical procedures;
Reviews patient charts for verification of identity and proper documentation including surgical consent following site and procedure verification process;
Setups of equipment for all procedures including excisional biopsies, tissue removal, incisions and drainage of abscesses, and amputations;
During these procedures, incumbent is responsible for the proper functioning of the equipment used during the process and through procedure completion;
Demonstrates familiarity with routine clinic and departmental procedures and performs certain basic nursing functions.
Performs standard diagnostic tests or procedures;
Assures proper stock levels and care of all instruments used in the Podiatry clinic;
Cleans and replaces all surgical equipment;
Notifies appropriate staff of test/procedure results and ensures they are made part of the medical record;
Ensures proper cleanup and disposal after contaminated procedures.
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
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Individual Occupational Requirements, Health Aid and Technician Series, 0640 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.
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.
AND
GS-6 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:
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and tissue characteristics in order to recognize physiological abnormalities;
Knowledge of OSHA safety standards for blood borne pathogens and universal precaution techniques to protect patient and self from infections;
Knowledge of sterilization procedures used to clean instruments to prevent the spread of infectious and contagious diseases;
Ability to maintain/clean reusable medical equipment (RME) according to manufacturer's instructions;
Knowledge of methods, techniques and the sequence undertaken in the development of casts and braces, a thorough knowledge of materials and their applications and a high level of skill in the use of tools and equipment;
Ability to distinguish between normal and abnormal results to recognize and report obvious abnormalities during procedures;
Knowledge of proper body mechanics to ensure safety of self and patients;
Knowledge of use of safe patient handling equipment;
Knowledge of Windows NT, the use of compatible personal computer systems and specific knowledge of electronic medical records.
OR
Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-6 level. Successful completion of one-half year of graduate education (9 semester hours) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques, etc. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Note: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.
OR
Applicants may also combine education and experience as described above, to qualify at the GS-6 level. Note: 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-6. 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.
Note: 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: This position requires physical exertion such as regular and recurring walking, stooping, bending, reaching and lifting of equipment and supplies, lifting and positioning of patient limbs and/or patients (average 150 pounds adult male) with assistive devices, such as patients' lift for transfers. Hand-eye coordination to apply casts and braces and to assemble and maintain DME and reusable surgical equipment.
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 or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, 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.
Documents will not be accepted after the announcement has closed. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Documents Required:
Resume - Must include: Employer, Supervisor, Job Title(For federal jobs include Grade level), Dates employed(Month and Year), Hours worked per week, job duties with details.
Transcript - if substituting for specialized experience.
Documents Accepted:
Cover Letter
Misc. Document
Separation Notice (RIF)
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 08/26/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11173118.
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.
VA Northern California Health Care System
10535 Hospital Way
Mather, CA 95655
US
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
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.
Documents will not be accepted after the announcement has closed. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Documents Required:
Resume - Must include: Employer, Supervisor, Job Title(For federal jobs include Grade level), Dates employed(Month and Year), Hours worked per week, job duties with details.
Transcript - if substituting for specialized experience.
Documents Accepted:
Cover Letter
Misc. Document
Separation Notice (RIF)
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 08/26/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11173118.
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.
VA Northern California Health Care System
10535 Hospital Way
Mather, CA 95655
US
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
