This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

The position of Health Technician provides clinical and administrative support in a wide variety of patient care and related activities in the Emergency Department (ED) at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. The purpose of this position is to be a productive team member carrying out and ensuring quality and timely delivery of care. Duties include but not limited to: Obtains and documents patients' vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight, oxygen saturation and postural vital signs). Initiates cardiac monitoring correctly, and is able to admit/discharge patients from monitoring system and print rhythms strips. Prepares patient for and obtains 12 lead ECGs using various types of ECG machines. Recognizes certain abnormalities in the ECG strip, e.g. premature ventricular contractions, tachycardia, bradycardia, ventricular fibrillation, etc., takes appropriate action, and notifies the RN or physician immediately. Performs venipuncture to obtain serum blood samples as ordered according to policy and procedures. Moves, lifts, transfers and transports patients as necessary using proper equipment and correct transfer techniques. Assists patients to ambulate and transfer safely. Observes changes in patient condition and reports signs and symptoms in such cases to the professional nurse. Recognizes emergency situations and responds to them appropriately. Assist with answering call lights, comfort measures, and provision of fluids/food to patients as needed. Provides support and reassurance. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients to achieve desired results. Greets and assists arriving patients/families/visitors/ambulances and directs them to the appropriate treatment area. Assists with maintaining charts/records, filing lab requisitions, placing lab results on correct charts and copying records as needed. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00pm - 7:00am or 11:00am -11:00pm Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (ED)/PD07398A Physical Requirements: The work requires the Health Technician to be mobile throughout the Emergency Department and medical center as needed, involving standing, walking, bending, pushing, and lifting (moderately heavy). The Health Technician should be capable of prolonged standing/walking and be physically capable of pushing equipment, wheelchairs and patient stretchers. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

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. 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: Knowledge of anatomy, first aid and basic patient care; the ability to establish rapport and interview patients to collect information and data about current health status and immediate needs; knowledge of medical terminology, drug terminology, and equipment/ supply terminology, and skills sufficient to identify and use equipment and supplies properly; knowledge of electrocardiograph (ECGs, cardiac monitoring) and vital sign measurement equipment. There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 or higher level, however, Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position. 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 Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 109 Bee Street Charleston, SC 29401 US
• Name: Isaiah Jones
• Phone: 210-992-4263
• Email: [email protected]