This position is aligned under the Portland VA Medical Center, Primary Care Division, Clinics and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). This is an open-continuous announcement. Positions will be filled as they become available. The first cut-off date to consider applications for referral to the selecting official will be September 25, 2023, the remaining cut-off dates will be at 2-week intervals.

Duties

Assists medical and nursing providers when performing medical & diagnostic examinations by assisting with duties such as monitoring vital signs, collecting biometrics, preparing and positioning the patient, completing the history and reminders, or by performing a variety of routine diagnostic tests. Takes and records measurements and vital signs. Reports deviations in vital signs and/or weight to the LPN/RN/MD. Measures and records height. Completes Health Promotion activities and asks reason for visit. Obtains and labels specimens to include clean catch urine specimens or sterile specimens. Draws and labels, and packages specimens for the laboratory. Transports specimens to the laboratory and calls the laboratory for reports. Reports/records results for the provider as appropriate. Performs routine diagnostic tests such as venipuncture, bladder scan, ultrasound, glucometer, pregnancy testing, urinary tract infection testing and electrocardiograms, as directed by the physician or professional nurse, for the purpose of diagnostic testing. He/she then calibrates and transmits data via electronic records. Performs patient care procedures such as collection of specimens, applying dressings, adjusting simple supportive equipment. Performs simple procedures such as collection of blood samples or other fluid samples from ambulatory patients and application of sterile dressings to uncomplicated wounds. Uses proper sterile techniques for collection of samples. Assists providers and nurses in the care and treatment of the ill receiving medical, surgical, psychiatric, or outpatient treatment. Observes and reports to the health professional changes in patient behavior, attitude, bodily complaints, and appearance. Performs simple treatment procedures such as changing sterile dressings; applying or removing binders, arm slings, dressing, and bandages; or applying hot and cold packs under the direction and supervision of the RN or Provider. Performs standardized treatment procedures requiring considerable training and experience such as, setting up and regulating the flow of oxygen, PPD testing, and administering a range of vaccines to include Hepatitis, pneumovax, influenza, and tetanus. Enters specific information into the patients' record. Enters patient information using commonly used medical terminology such as terms of tests, diet changes, or test results. Performs patient charting using standard medical terminology for the human body, physical and emotional reactions, nursing care, and contraindications to medications, etc. Provides general clerical/administrative support coordination work for the Clinic. Performs a variety of receptionist, record keeping, and miscellaneous duties in a general medical facility. Receives visitors, answers the telephone, and refers calls to appropriate staff or records messages. Schedules appointments and procedures. Plans, organizes and coordinates activities of the office. Communicates in a tactful and courteous manner with a wide variety of individuals with varying levels of understanding. Receives and directs patients, answers routing inquiries and makes referrals. Obtains all available medical documentation prior to patient's arrival for appointments, treatments, or test procedures. Reviews patient record at time of check-in for complete and accurate medical information (validates address and phone number). Completes the health promotion notes including clinical reminders as appropriate and documents accordingly. Uses techniques within scope of practice to appropriately de-escalate disruptive patients. Instructs patient on standard procedures required prior to visits and obtains medical release forms. Interviews new patients to the clinic to obtain identifying information. Work Schedule: Varies, Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 5:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/ PD20668A Physical Requirements: The work requires standing, walking, bending, lifting and carrying. The work may require heavy lifting of equipment or patients.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• 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
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet Specialized Experience within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. In addition to meeting the English language proficiency, the below specialized experience and/or education must be met in order to qualify for this position. You may qualify based on your specialized education and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-4 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience includes but not limited: knowledge of the variations in anatomy; knowledge of hospital materials and skill in their use; skill and precision in the use of tools, materials and equipment; knowledge of specialized terminology associated with the work in the facility; and knowledge of the terminology used in the specialized area of the facility where the work is performed.; OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed 4 years above high school in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. This education was obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond post high school education as described above that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. For the GS-05, only education in excess of 60 semester hours (2 years) is creditable. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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.

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.

Contacts

• Address VA Portland Health Care System 3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, OR 97239 US
• Name: Gabriella Granderson
• Phone: (281) 928-2981
• Email: [email protected]