About this role
Job SummaryThe primary purpose of this position is to perform a very wide range of patient personal care, diagnostic services, treatment, and charting activities in a psychiatric or substance abuse treatment unit. The incumbent assists in patient care under the direct supervision of a nurse manager or designee.
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/23/2026. Applicants must meet the Individual Occupation Requirement and Specialized Experience/Education. Each of these items are separate requirements. Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for Health Aid and Technician Series (0640): 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. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below. Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): 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. OR Education and Training: For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. (Transcripts Required). In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements you must also meet the Specialized Experience or Education requirement for the Health Technician Position. 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. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Observes, collects data, documents, and reports to the professional team changes in patient behavior, attitude, physical complaints, appearance, vital signs and/or changes in the patients' condition that may be related to medications, sensory distortions, or medical conditions. Performs a range of diagnostic support duties such as collecting, recording, and reporting to RN deviations in vital signs/withdrawal symptoms, collecting and labeling specimens for the laboratory. NOTE: 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. 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 DutiesThe duties as assigned are: Assists the interdisciplinary team in the care and treatment of patients receiving medical care for psychiatric or substance abuse treatment, PTSD, and other behavioral health behavior. Observes, collects data, documents, and reports to the professional team changes in patient behavior, attitude, physical complaints, appearance, vital signs and/or changes in the patients' condition that may be related to medications, sensory distortions, or medical conditions. Performs direct patient support work including personal patient care. Performs a range of diagnostic support duties such as collecting, recording, and reporting to RN deviations in vital signs/withdrawal symptoms, collecting and labeling specimens for the laboratory. Monitor secure messages, address messages, and assign to proper team members if clinically appropriate. Encourages patient and family to actively participate in the individualized treatment plan. Teaches patients and family members the necessity of continuing proper health care. Provides specific health information based on the patients' condition, including facility health promotion programs (tobacco cessation, weight loss programs). Conducts patient meetings, groups, and completes documentation as appropriate. Maintains patient and clinical records from admission to discharge. Provides personal patient care and educating patients on pre-testing and post procedure activities. Work Schedule: 5:00p.m. -5:30a.m. Nights, Weekends, Holidays, flexible to meet the needs of the service. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD06911A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.RequirementsYou 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 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 (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.