Clarification from the agency

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until August 8, 2025. Open to Current, Permanent Employees of the San Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs Employees. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be May 31, 2025, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

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Duties and responsibilities of the Telehealth Special Programs Lead LVN/LPN include:

• Manages and implements special Telehealth programs from inception to completion, obtains and maintains Telehealth Program Preceptorship and Leads other staff in the implementation of daily duties, program management and maintenance.
• Performs Store and Forward (SFT) imaging, to include; Tele-Eye screening; Tele-Dermatology; Tele Spirometry: Tele-Wound care; and any other required consultations.
• Appropriately prioritizes patient care needs for Telehealth clinics, including ensuring Telehealth clinics are adequately covered during staff shortages and/or staff call-outs for Connected Care and may assist with coverage for Telehealth clinics in Primary Care and Specialty Care services. Provides patient and clinical staff education regarding the SFT imaging process.
• Maintains proper records for quality control reports and workload reporting.
• Facilitates the clinical, business, scheduling, and technical aspects for real-time Telehealth applications.
• Uses specialized equipment and video-conferencing technologies. Coordinates and connects staff, resources, patients and providers to services, patient care, education, and training.
• Performs a range of direct care duties that may include testing or physical assessment of the patient within the scope of practice, such as neurological tests Manages complex equipment malfunctions, either independently, or guided by the national telehealth help desk. Serves as a telehealth subject matter expert; trains and certifies all clinical staff in telehealth (Tele-presenting, store-and-forward) palpitation, auscultation, collecting vital signs.
• Using professional standards of care regarding test results determination by elevation of abnormal tests and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD/DO. Recognizes deviations from patient's baseline. Demonstrates ability to respond to patient's immediate and long-term needs.
• Utilizes knowledge of physical, social, and emotional factors when planning patient care, and uses this knowledge effectively in day-to-day interactions with patients and families.
• Applies knowledge of Medical Center Policies and Procedures to his/her daily clinical functions and responsibilities. Ensures actions and interactions are within the guidelines of VHA and Office of Community Care directives and policies- focusing on patient driven outcomes for Veterans.
• Using clinical pathways to promote staff involvement in the team environment for patient centered care.
• Using professional standards of care, Telehealth Conditions of Practice, scientific evidence, and practice to evaluate programs and/or service activities.
• Communicate a plan with the patient and/or caregiver and referring and accepting provider.
• Operate in an interactive way with all members of the clinical and administrative staff.
• Perform consult review, consult routing, and completion of consults and RTC orders.
• Applies the nursing process to systems or processes at the unit/team/work group level to improve care. Demonstrates leadership by involving others in improving care.
• Identifies and assesses resource utilization and safety issues, taking appropriate action.
• Acquires knowledge and skills to maintain expertise in area of practice. Participates in educational activities to improve clinical knowledge and enhance role performance.

Work Schedule: Hours may vary on patient care and department needs
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

EDRP Authorized ONLY FOR THE SANTA ROSA LOCATION: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact Susan.Bringel@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All 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.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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.
• Education - Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Exceptions include health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN.
• Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met for the grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.

GS 7: Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent. AND

• Possesses the knowledge and skills to carry out more specialized patient care activities. This knowledge base includes the use of veteran care data to initiate active contributions to the veteran's overall health plan. Observations of veteran's present status are made and interventions implemented to improve, restore or maintain the optimal function of the veteran.
• Has knowledge of program regulations and is able to carry out objectives of the Nursing program. In doing this, follows the guidelines to meet and maintain program requirements.
• Contributes to the development of the plan of care for assigned veterans outlining program modalities and updates per policy and as changes occur. This plan of care is completed with general review and co-signature by the RN or MD, utilizing a broad knowledge base and expertise to develop and modify treatment plans to meet the veteran and the family's expectations.
• Promotes and demonstrates nursing concepts in the Medical Center. Works in collaboration with the Registered Nurse (RN), and or Health Care Provider (HCP).
• Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, Intramuscular, and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. The LPN/LVN observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's health condition, which may include prescribed medications/treatments, to promptly and accurately documenting identified changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN/HCP.
• Takes appropriate actions based upon communications, observations, veteran care reports, provider/staff discussion. Reports changes to provider and demonstrates the knowledge and ability to effectively intervene and recommend and implement strategies that assure optimal, safe and effective care.
• Assists other staff to prioritize the overall veteran care needs and adjusts the plan of care as needed. Has astute assessment skills, which allow for observation of obvious and subtle changes in the veteran health condition. Responds diligently to the veteran changes and deteriorating condition in emergent situations, notifying appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
• Accurately and consistently reports and records significant veteran information received from other team members and can analyze and implement modifications based on these reports.
• Is adept at encouraging and communicating with challenging psychological and physical behaviors to promote optimal functioning. Uses treatment modalities and implements appropriate practices and procedures with complex patients. Utilizes skills to influence and communicate with difficult and challenging veterans and families
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently without the need for readily available supervision and communicates effectively with the veteran, families, caregivers, professionals, and other supportive staff.
• Demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform treatments, procedures and the use and reprocessing of reusable medical equipment appropriate to assigned duties.
• Exhibits skill, creativity, and initiative by contributing to the overall veteran care delivery, and improving satisfaction, through active participation on committees, task forces and groups.
• Utilizes sustainable practices to eliminate, minimize, or mitigate adverse environmental impacts. Familiarizes self with how work activities impact VA's goal to implement sound stewardship practices that are protective of the air, water, land, and other natural and cultural resources. Shall be a good steward of the environment by preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and continually improving environmental programs.
• Supports the team in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing staff or non-medical staff to ensure safe patient care delivery.

ACCOUNTABILITY:
The LPN/LVN GS-7 Nurse reports directly to the Nurse Manager or assigned supervisor. The incumbent works independently, with readily available guidance from an RN/HCP. Completed work requires only a general review by an RN/HCP for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy and accepted nursing standards.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: The population of male and female patients served ranges from the adult, age 18, to the elderly adult, age 65 and over. The San Francisco VA Health Care System is a health care facility, providing acute medical, surgical, behavioral health, physical medicine and rehabilitation, geriatric, and primary care services predominately to veterans, but in special cases, includes active duty military and civilian populations. This position requires visual acuity (Correctable to 20/40), hearing clear distinctive speech (correctable to 20db), and manual dexterity to perform prescribed procedures/computer usage. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to wear protective clothing in isolation situations or during patient operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and is able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

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 MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.