About this role
Job SummaryHealth Technicians (Surgical) for the Phoenix Indian Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ. The Surgical Technician will provide surgical scrub technician support for surgical operations ranging from minor surgical procedures to more complex and extensive surgical procedures. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. 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; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Monitoring and maintaining aseptic technique throughout procedures; coordinate or participate in the positioning of patients, using body stabilizing equipment or protective padding to provide appropriate exposure for the procedure or protection; and maintaining an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment; OR Completed 1 year (18 semester hours) of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position; OR Possess a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for this GS-07 grade level. Note: Only education beyond a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation can be used to qualify as education when using the combination of education and experience option and transcripts are required to qualify using this option. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: In addition to the minimum requirements, the following certification is determined to be essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of a particular position. Applicants who do not meet a selective placement factor are ineligible for further consideration. Must attach copy of certification. Certified Surgical Technician (CST) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA); OR Certified Technician in Surgery (TS-C) by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Major DutiesResponsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures. Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure, ensures all supplies and equipment are available prior to surgical procedures. Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies and equipment. Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time. Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures. Prepares prosthesis and surgical devices during procedures. Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (e.g., frayed cords, water on floor) and takes corrective actions. This position is being announced concurrently under Delegated Examining procedures. Please review vacancy announcement number IHS-26-HQ-13020024-DE; for eligibility requirements. NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered.RequirementsSelectee may be subject to a probationary period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. On-call hours or standby duty required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation Requirement: This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service. Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process. Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.