About this role
Job SummaryThis Health Technician serves as a Health Technician located in Diagnostic & Therapeutic Care Line Imaging Service at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas. The Health Technician performs a variety of patient care and administrative tasks in a multi-faceted capacity to support Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Technologists (ADRTs).
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/13/2026. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience GS-06 - 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: experience communicating with both internal and external customers; and experience in customer service. This experience must be supported by your resume to be creditable. 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/. 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/. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Customer Service Organizational Performance and High Reliability Practices Education Screening of Patients Basic Computer Skills 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. 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/.
Major DutiesDuties: Assist with patient transfer for procedures and or exams, using patient lift or sliding board when needed. Assist the registered nurse/CT technolgist with IV insertion and removals Assist with CT procedures by choosing the correct table accessories (head vs body) to coincide with the examination being performed, positioning the patient on the table, assist with contrast and saline prepartion, help patients on and off table. Prepares patients for imaging procedures, including providing gown and instruction. Places EKG leads on patients that require cardiac gating Receives request for procedures, interprets the request, and verifies exam-related documents for accuracy. Obtains a protocol for imaging order from radiologist. Confirms patient identity using two identifiers (patient name and SSN or DOB). Identifies non-verbal patients by wristband and by verification from a family member, caregiver or healthcare provider. Observes patients during & between exams, addressing any discomfort and monitor potential issues. Transports patients to and from radiology, nursing units, the emergency room, and other areas within the department using appropriate transport methods (DTCL, lobby, etc.). Recognizes emergency situations and responds appropriately by acting, activating code blue, calling a registered nurse/physican, and initiation emergency measures, including CPR. Prepares and restocks exam rooms before and after each patient, ensuring a clean and sanitary clinical environment. Provides answers to diagnostic imaging service questions. Educates competent patients, caregivers, or family members about exams and potential hazards associated with them, explaining in clear, understandable terms. Coordinates with staff to effectively schedule and manage patient exams and appointments. Administers oral contrast agents and provides verbal instructions to patients. Adheres to hospital infection control policies with emphasis on proper hand-washing and universal precaustins. Work Schedule: Sunday- Thursday, 11:30pm-7:30am; subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD04158-A 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: Physical demands are usually moderate: Lifting objects up to 40 pounds, moving specialized equipment and assisting patients from a stretcher, hospital bed or wheelchair to a procedure or scan table. Occasionally, the technician assists with the moving of heavy equipment or large patients, but this is done with the assistance of others to minimize the danger to the individual. The incumbent must also work at a computer desk at times. 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 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-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.