Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

• Applies, adjusts, and removes casts, assembles traction apparatus, and fits strappings and splints for orthopedic patients using protective materials such as stockinette bandages, gauze, or rubber pads, preparatory to cast application.
• Utilizes the proper application of aseptic techniques in dressing changes and setting up surgical fields.
• Assists Orthopedic Surgeons in reduction of fractures, trims plaster, removes whole and broken casts and alters position of cast to change setting of patients' limb or body part as directed.
• Apply apparatus that are specifically required for the post vascular surgery patient and must be particularly conscious of extremity circulatory functions for successful recuperation.
• Assist Podiatry and know the Diabetes Warning Signs such as skin color changes, swelling of the foot or ankle, numbness or tingling in the feet or toes, open sores on the feet that are slow to heal, ingrown and fungal toenails, bleeding corns and calluses, dry cracks in the skin/heel to provide treatment and education to the patient.
• Developing, implementing, and updating of all cast room infection control policies including orientating new staff, consultants and residents on such policies.
• Instructing all Orthopedic residents and to assist them when required on procedures such as orientation to the various orthopedic materials and techniques of application including splints, wound vacs, fiberglass cast.
• Ordering and maintaining supplies and equipment, including a variety of specialty items, maintaining supplies and equipment, including a variety of specialty items, and maintaining the cast room in antiseptic orderly manner.
• Assign responsibility for regularly scheduled surgery, conferences, clinics, cast room and ward duties and scheduling patients for cast and traction work.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with variances
Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/PD13068A
Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion. Involves walking, frequent bending, reaching and stretching to set up and take apart equipment; lifting and positioning patients for testing; and carrying, pushing or pulling moderately heavy objects. Duties require above average dexterity to operate and maintain various equipment. Technicians are required to work in several areas within the Medical Center. Works in the operating suite as well as the clinic setting. The majority of the work time is spent in direct contact with patients. Work is performed in a setting involving regular and recurring exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, orders and other risks which require special health and safety precautions such as wearing protective clothing such as gloves, masks, or goggles.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• 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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 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:performing a variety of medical functions including bandage changes, wound debridement, cast application, traction application, splints, orthotic fitting and other procedures for patients in Orthopedic clinic, hand plastic surgery clinic, vascular surgery clinics, PAVE clinics, podiatry clinic, and Spinal Cord Injury; assists the provider with routine and advanced orthopedic and orthopedic surgical procedures; provides written instructions for patients in the use of various orthopedic devices; sets up and maintains supplies and equipment; provides technical training for physician residents and medical students; and provides patient consultation, evaluation, treatment, and instruction for preventative care.

OR

Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-07 level. Must havesuccessfully completed one year of progressively higher-level graduate education, leading to such a degree, in a major field of study related to the work of the position such health technician and a related allied health care field with courses which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position. TRANSCRIPT(S) MUST BE SUBMITTED IF EDUCATION IS BEING USED TO QUALIFY

OR

Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-07 level.

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-XX. 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.

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 the order in which they were received.