About this role
Job SummaryThis is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until 10/08/2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be 10/20/2025, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month.
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/08/2026. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to: Knowledge of anatomy, first aid and basic patient care. Ability to establish rapport and interview patients to collect information and data about current health status and immediate needs. Able to communicate findings orally and in writing clearly and succinctly. Ability to work effectively with patients/families in crisis. Knowledge of medical terminology, drug terminology, and equipment/supply terminology, and skills sufficient to identify and use equipment and supplies properly. Ability to communicate proper use with nurses, medical staff, and family members. Knowledge of specialized terminology associated with the work in the VA Medical Center and In-depth knowledge of the terminology used in the emergency department. An understanding of disease and illness and skill sufficient to teach patients. Provides instruction on self care at home. Reinforces to patients and family members the importance of compliance with the prescribed plan of care. Individual Occupation Requirement: Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds Light lifting, under 15 pounds Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds Light carrying, under 15 pounds Pulling hand over hand (8-12 hours) Pushing (8-12 hours) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking (8-12 hours) Standing (8-12 hours) Kneeling (8-12 hours) Repeated bending (8-12 hours) Climbing, legs only Climbing, use of legs and arms Both legs required Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Ability to distinguish basic colors Hearing (aid may be permitted)
Major DutiesDuties may include but are not limited to: Receives requests of instructions for procedures. Interprets requests of instructions for medical or health care personnel. Performs as technician in charge of office. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations. Employee independently interprets and carries out the requests. Secures patients confidence and cooperation during procedures. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedure or position to adjust to patients medical condition. Independently explains procedures and positions for a variety of difficult invasive procedures. Answers patients questions during procedures. Operates and maintains medical instruments and equipment for diagnostic and treatment procedures. Determines technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment and instruments. Sets up and adjusts specialized equipment with multiple features that requires precise patient positioning to operate correctly. Selects and sets technical factors for invasive procedures. Sets equipment parameters based on the patients diagnosis or specific and/or individualized testing criteria. Makes precise adjustments to clarify readings and measurements. Assists in the performance or independently performs invasive procedures. Uses a practical knowledge of the location and function of major body organs and structures related to the specialized field in which the employee works. Assists during the procedures by monitoring patients condition, and monitoring and recording reactions. Collects information. Recognizes deviations in patients condition and takes appropriate action. Sets up all necessary accessories or supplies and advises other medical personnel of new equipment, accessories, and supplies. Ensure proper cleaning and performs minor maintenance and adjustments. Performs medical procedures such as starting IV's or removing needles, etc. Assists medical staff with or performs diagnostic procedures such as EKG used to diagnose medical conditions. Performs the full range of complex procedures using specialized equipment that requires precise adjustments to respond to individual patient conditions or test sequences. Enters EKG, troponin time, and blood culture time date into the automated patient data system. Serves as technical expert in the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment and instruments. Assists in the performance or independently performs invasive procedures. Uses a practical knowledge of the location and function of major body organs and structures in order to position the patient and/or connect monitoring equipment to take optimum advantage if the equipment capabilities. Makes continuing adjustments to equipment and positions as results are interpreted. Sets up all necessary accessories or supplies and advises other medical personnel of new equipment, accessories, or supplies. Ensures proper cleaning and performs minor maintenance and adjustments. Assists during procedures by monitoring patients condition and recording reactions. Provides assistance of a technical, specialized, or support nature to health and medical personnel in the diagnosis or treatment of patient illnesses or medical conditions. Supports medical and health care professionals in tests and procedures to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Performs a range of diagnostic support duties such as taking, recording and reporting to supervisor deviations in vital signs, taking specimens, labeling specimens for the laboratory. Arranges and passes medical instruments and materials to medical/health professional for a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures including; Performing 12 lead ECG, 12 lead rhythm strip and 12 lead right sided ECG and manual blood pressure testing. Work Schedule: 8 & 12 hr shifts; days, evenings, nights; rotating weekends/holidays. Based on the needs of the service. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician - Emergency Department/PD07908A and PD05038A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedRequirementsYou 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. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does include physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification 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-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 period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.