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.
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/.
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.