The VA New Jersey Healthcare System is recruiting (3) GS-0640-6 Health Technicians (Mental Health) at the East Orange, NJ campus. The primary purpose of the position is to perform routine clinical procedures and tasks for which the incumbent has been deemed competent that do not require the judgement of a licensed health care professional. The incumbent functions under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and is responsible to the Nurse Manager in the assigned clinical area.

Duties

The incumbent functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team in the acute inpatient psych setting. The incumbent may be trained in new procedures within scope and then assume duties as required to support clinical operations and patient care. Duties include, but are not limited to: Patient Centered Care: The employee collaborates in a team-oriented, customer-driven, professional environment to develop new models of care that emphasize prevention, improve access and coordination of care; educate and empower patients and their families; enhance the customer experience with positive human interactions and therapeutic alliances; and promote the coordination, continuity, and integration of care. The employee demonstrates flexibility, integrity, and accountability with a work ethic that emphasizes excellence and quality. Customer confidence is enhanced by professional dress and demeanor. Other Major Duties: Clinical Activities: 90% Plans and conducts therapeutic groups including but not limited to health teaching, coping skills, and recreational activities. Utilizes therapeutic alliances and PMDB techniques to prevent and de-escalate crisis situations. Collects and reports vital sign monitoring. Collects routine and urgent specimens as directed by the Registered Nurse. Monitors behavioral patterns and reports immediately deviations from the norm which may indicate dangerous or unsafe behavior. Participates in planning and implementation of individual treatment plans with the interdisciplinary care team. The HT recognizes emergency mental health situations such as suicidal ideation and intervenes by utilizing techniques to keep the patient safe while awaiting assistance per protocol. The HT performs constant observation for high-risk patients and follows procedures to ensure safety of room environment, maintaining line of sight visual surveillance, and reporting changes in patient behavior to the RN. Escorts patients to procedures and appointments as needed. Performs video surveillance monitoring (TMO) for up to 12 veterans. Performs other duties as assigned. Administrative Activities: 10% Schedules procedures, provider evaluations, and coordinates appointments with other services. Documents treatments and procedures that they have conducted in the electronic medical record. Orders and maintains specialized supplies needed for equipment and instruments used in assigned unit. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30PM. Tour/Schedule to be determined by Supervisor. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Mental Health)/PD38930F Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary but also requires some standing, walking, bending, lifting and carrying of light items. The work requires above average agility and dexterity. The work may require heavy lifting of reagents. The work requires the handling of moderately heavy contaminated waste up to 40 lbs. The incumbent will utilize all safety practices and equipment required by accrediting and regulatory agencies for purposes of ensuring compliance with occupational safety observance.

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

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-06 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 basic anatomy and physiology Skill taking vital sign measurements, documenting deviations, and reporting results and recovery-oriented care Knowledge of behavioral crisis situations and how to assist in the performance of rescue measures Ability to assist patients safely, including patient handling Knowledge of infection control practices Knowledge of behavioral restraints, including application and safety considerations Knowledge of Direct Line of Sight procedures knowledge of electronic medical records, patient identification procedures, and information security There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level. 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

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 New Jersey Health Care System 385 Tremont Avenue East Orange, NJ 07018 US
• Name: Allysa Getman
• Phone: 680-322-5685
• Email: [email protected]