Health Technician (OA)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Health Technician to assist the primary nurse in patient care in an acute care setting. The role involves direct patient care, patient reception, and referrals for assistance, with emphasis on HIPAA compliance and accurate charting.

Qualifications include one year of specialized experience at GS-7 level or education substitutions, typing ability, and teamwork in a clinical environment. Direct-hire authority applies to this vacancy.

Qualifications

• Must meet one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 or higher.
• Experience in team-based patient care in an acute setting is preferred.
• Ability to type at least 40 words per minute is required.

Responsibilities

• Performs direct patient care including hygiene, nutrition, and safety.
• Receives and directs patients and answers routine inquiries.
• Maintains stock and sterility of instruments in the area.
• Assists in diagnostic procedures such as EKGs and venipunctures.
• Performs or assists with catheter insertions and IVs as needed.
• Documents patient care and progress using standard medical terminology.

Skills

Typing 40 wpm

Interdisciplinary teamwork

EMT or paramedic experience

Education

Graduate education (1 year related)

Job description

Summary

The primary purpose of the position is to assist the primary nurse with patient care - receives and directs patients - answers routine inquiries. Determines nature of inquiry and independently responds to all administrative questions - and assists patients - visitors and others requesting information - guidance - or referral for special assistance.

Summary

The primary purpose of the position is to assist the primary nurse with patient care - receives and directs patients - answers routine inquiries. Determines nature of inquiry and independently responds to all administrative questions - and assists patients - visitors and others requesting information - guidance - or referral for special assistance.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 09/18/2026. To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Must meet Individual Occupational Requirements: 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: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include - but are not limited to: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 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: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Work as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide care to patients. Examples of specialized experience would typically include - but are not limited to: experience working as an advanced EMT or a paramedic. OR Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of 1 year of graduate education (18 semester hours) directly related to work of this position. OR - Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond. ORCombination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond 1 year of full-time study. Must be able to type at least 40 words per minute. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: 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. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Preferred Experience: Health tech or similar type of position working in an acute care clinical setting preferred.

Duties

• DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation
• Major Duties Include: Performs direct patient care including personal hygiene - physical comfort - nutrition - elimination - prevention of skin breakdown - safety - etc
• Receives and directs patients - answers routine inquiries and makes referrals
• Receives and responds to a number of unclear inquires form patients concerning a variety of medical personnel and administrative matters
• Maintains stock of supplies and sterility of instruments
• Performs or assists Triage staff with diagnostic procedures including EKGs - venipunctures - and alcohol breathalyzer used to diagnose medical conditions
• Assists in the performance of or independently performs procedures such as insertion of urinary catheters and intravenous catheters
• Performs patient care procedures such as collection of specimens - applying dressings - and adjusting supportive equipment
• Performs duties in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable laws and policies
• Instructs patients in crutch - walker and or cane use and ensures correct fitting of equipment
• Performs duties involving customer service and or public liaison
• Performs duties in accordance to applicable safety precautions and infection control
• Operate emergency department equipment such as Telemetry and automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Provides general clerical/administrative support coordination work for the Triage area
• Collects and organizes statistical data for reports
• Performs patient charting using standard medical terminology entering information regarding care rendered - condition and progress
• Work Schedule: Varies - TBD Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (OA)/PD02583ARelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized