Health Technician

About the role

The position works at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Nursing Service, SHBS, and works closely with nurses, physicians, and other members of the acute care team. The Health Technician provides clinical, programmatic, technical, and clerical support in the interdisciplinary inpatient setting.

The incumbent performs basic care for patients under the supervision of the Nurse Supervisor and/or designee, and in collaboration with medical providers.

What you will do

• Interview patients to complete basic health screening, as well as perform radiology procedures such as MRI and CT.
• Collects patient data specific to health care needs, including vital signs, pain level, weight, height, functional status, and observation of overall condition.
• Assists with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and exams by preparing patients, ensuring privacy, and applying aseptic principles.
• Works with Sterile Processing Service (SPS) and Biomedical Engineering on ongoing inventory of expired items and equipment maintenance.
• The incumbent will assist in data collection, patient scheduling, and consult recall, and comply with VA and National Patient Confidentiality and Privacy Guidelines and scheduling requirements.
• FACTOR 1: Knowledge Required by the Position: The incumbent must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the duties of the position, including those necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Must have academic and clinical training in the many techniques and tests utilized within acute care and radiology settings.
• Standardized training and tests will be provided to the incumbent for the AvaSys Telesitter System and will be measured in his/her annual performance.
• FACTOR 2: Supervisory Controls: Incumbent reports directly to the Nurse Manager or the Nursing Supervisors.
• The supervisor will do periodic consultations and reviews to ensure all required procedures are being performed appropriately and safely by the incumbent.
• Written and /or verbal assignments are provided.
• FACTOR 3: Guidelines: Written and oral guidelines and instructions provide the basis for guidelines in performing the work.
• In addition, standard operating procedures unique to individual test/instrumentation are available for guidance.
• Appropriate independent judgment is expected in providing the highest quality service possible and in managing multiple tasks in a restricted timeframe.
• FACTOR 4: Complexity: Work involved in patient care includes patient privacy and confidentiality of patient information.
• The broad nature of the assignment in performing a variety of basic technical support activities (ECG, BCLS, AED) and routine service-oriented tasks (escort, equipment/facility maintenance) requires the incumbent to organize workflow in such a manner as to promote and enhance the timely provision of services to the Position Description.
• Factor 5 - Scope and Effect: The purpose of the position is to provide support for specialized procedures for acute care nurses and medical providers to ensure efficient, high-quality care.
• The work has a significant effect on the accuracy and reliability of further treatment.
• Factor 6 - Personal Contacts: The incumbent will interact with acute care nurses, medical providers, clerical staff, radiology staff, other employees in the health care system, patients, their families and friends, and outside agencies, such as equipment or supply vendors.
• Factor 7 - Purpose of Contacts: The personal contacts involve providing service to patients, enhancing the image of the facility with the public through efficient and compassionate performance of duties, and assisting staff with a wide variety of tasks which permit maximum utilization of Medical Center resources.
• Factor 8 - Physical Demands: Good hearing and visual acuity are required.
• The work involves standing long hours, walking, bending, and reaching on a routine basis.
• The work requires the incumbent to be mobile throughout the Medical Center as needed, involving standing, walking, bending, pushing, and lifting (moderate to heavy).
• The incumbent must be capable of prolonged standing/walking and be physically capable of pushing equipment and escorting patients that may be in wheelchairs and/or gurneys.
• Factor 9 - Work Environment: Work will be performed in a complex acute care environment, subjecting the incumbent to risks associated with a hospital setting.
• Work is performed in an environment involving exposure to infection, hazardous materials, contagious diseases, and requires normal safety precautions.
• Work areas are noisy with regular and recurring turbulence and unpredictable conditions generated by patients.
• The employee is potentially subject to physical and verbal abuse from patients and is required to follow assaultive policy and procedures.
• Other Duties as assigned.
• Work Schedule: Full-time; 7:30 am - 4:00 pm/7:30 am - 8:00 pm, or as determined by the supervisor.
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/00817-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.
• In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment.
• The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment.
• A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• 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 (***).
• 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) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1- or 2-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: ***

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. For further information, visit: ***

How you will be evaluated

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; religious; 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 not to deny employment to those who 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.

Documents you must provide

• To complete your application, please use the following link *** to download the standard Clinical Resume Document.
• This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
• Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
• The following documents are accepted and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) Professional Certification Proof of Marriage Status Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.

VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers, and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP includes all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.