Health Technician

The Health Technician works as a member of the Nursing- Inpatient Mental Health Team. The Health Technician assists medical and nursing staff through technical, specialized or support services for the diagnosing or treatment of patient illnesses or medical conditions.

Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: The Health Technician performs a variety of clinical, laboratory, and administrative work in support of outpatient services. . Monitors patient for adverse reactions, recognizes abnormalities and brings them to the attention of the appropriate medical health care professionals. Records results and ensures that they are made a part of the EMR. Maintains rapport with other clinical staff and participates in clinical staff communication and training efforts. Participates in ongoing clinical education and training as directed by the Clinical Nurse Manager. May be required to travel to Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) to support PACT. Independently performs direct patient care activities including intake, obtaining vital signs, ECGs, clinical reminders, and medication reconciliation. Correctly documents all findings in the electronic health record. Reports deviations to the nurse or provider. Adheres to safety and infection control procedures. Identifies and reports data relative to more complex, non-routine patient situations including subtle changes in patient's behavior or condition or variations related to neurological signs, vital signs, or other parameters. Recognizes signs and symptoms that may require nursing intervention and reports these signs and symptoms promptly to nurse or provider for possible intervention. Receives requests or instructions for procedures and interprets requests or instructions for medical or health care personnel. Responds to emergencies by assisting in the performance of resuscitation measures. Assist medical personnel in emergent situations as well as performing occasional minor to moderate de-escalation of agitated Veterans. Responds to medical urgencies/emergencies, initiates BLS and activates emergency medical system. Positions patient for procedures by explaining procedures, secures patients confidence and cooperation during procedures. Performs sterile field set up and assist provider with procedures. Transports patients via wheelchair and/or accompanies ambulatory patients in need of assistance to various areas within the facility. Performs patient care procedures such as collection of specimens, applying dressings, adjusting simple supportive equipment. Performs direct patient support work to include collecting information from patients, providing personal patient care, and educating patients on pre-testing and post procedure activities. Performs test on patients such as Snellen and Ishihara's Color Deficiency. Takes tissue cultures or specimen samples. Fits patients for medical devices such as compression hose, blood pressure machines and braces/splints. Receives and directs patients, answers routine inquiries (via telephone, fax, or secure messages) and makes referrals. Assists patients in contacting other departments or services as needed. Receives and responds to numerous unclear inquiries from patients concerning a variety of medical, personnel and administrative questions. Orders and maintains specialized supplies pertaining to instruments used for procedures in the clinic. Provides orientation/training to staff regarding equipment or instruments used by position. Performs administrative tasks such as maintaining control records for specimens and tests and documenting measurements taken. Test patients, takes measurements, collects, and organizes data from follow up visits, reports result to provider. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD92121A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. 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 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.