Summary

The Health Technician (Podiatry) receives guidelines and privileges from the Surgical Service in general - and specifically from the Podiatry Section Chief - for daily work - both in supervised and unsupervised activities. The duties are varied and complex - consisting of performing functions normally completed by LPNs - surgical scrub nurses/techs - laboratory technicians - etc.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 05/11/2026. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Applicants must also meet the experience requirements relevant to this position. For this Health Technician - GS-06 position: To qualify at the GS-06 grade - you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level or higher. Specialized Experience to include - but not limited to: Conducts hands-on experience in clinical settings - assisting with patient assessments - wound care - and minor surgical procedures. Independently manages patients and supplies - while ensuring a clean and organized clinical environment. Experience maintaining accurate medical records and clerical skills in a clinical environment. Works with computer systems to include sending and retrieving email in Outlook; Utilizes medical terminology 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. Physical Requirements: Work is generally sedentary. It does require some physical exertion - such as standing for long periods of time - recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as supplies and equipment for special programs. Considerable walking is involved. Must be able to work effectively under pressure of numerous interruptions on a variety of subjects. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience - including volunteer experience. 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/.

Duties

• Receives requests or instructions for precedes
• Interprets requests or instructions for medical or health care personnel
• Secures patient's confidence and cooperation during procedures
• Provides patient care that is appropriate to the cognitive - emotional - and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient
• Determines technical factors - sets controls and operates equipment and instruments
• Selects and sets technical factors for invasive procedures
• Operates and maintains medical instruments and equipment for diagnostic and treatment procedures - supports medical and health care professionals in tests and procedures to diagnose and treat medical conditions
• Performs the full range of complex procedures and examinations for which instructions have not been standardized
• Explains procedures
• positions patients for desired results and cushions and shields patients as appropriate
• Varies procedure or position to adjust to patients' medical condition
• The incumbent is responsible for the planning - direction - and coordination of the administrative activities of the podiatry section to relieve the professional staff from such matters
• Maintains and assembles patient records
• Receives and directs patients - answers routine inquiries - and makes referrals
• Performs direct patient support work including personal patient care
• Identifies and reports data relative to more complex
• Teaches patients and family members the necessity of continuing proper health care
• Performs administrative tasks such as maintaining control records for specimens and tests and documenting measurements taken
• Performs patient care procedures such as collection of specimens - applying dressings
• and adjusting simple supportive equipment
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
• 7:30am - 4:00pm
• Subject to change based on the needs of the facility
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Podiatry)/PD03623A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized This occupation is being considered for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive (CSI)
• Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI
• The amount of lump sum CSI is determined based on appointment date and may be pro-rated as determined by the end date of the CSI
• Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI
• Physical Demands: This is a mentally and physically demanding position
• Duties require extensive periods of standing and walking
• Work with patients requires regular and recurring bending - lifting - stooping - stretching - and similar activities
• Uses principles of body mechanics and obtains assistance when needed
• Uses protective measures and techniques in managing disturbed behavior
• This position also requires patient lifting and positioning patents for podiatry treatment.