Domiciliary Assistant

Veterans Health Administration • Bath, NY

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Finger Lakes Healthcare System is hiring five Domiciliary Assistants in Behavioral Health at the Bath VA Medical Center. The position supports the operation of domiciliary living units by providing direct patient care and administrative assistance. The incumbent is responsible for up to 220 patients during a tour of duty; most patients served are being treated for substance abuse.

The role includes helping maintain safe, sanitary living and treatment areas; monitoring patients and documenting relevant information; supporting therapeutic rehabilitation as part of a treatment team; and completing administrative tasks related to patient activities and records. The assistant also responds to patient concerns and incidents, refers medical and psychiatric issues to the Charge Nurse, and helps with patient mail, meals, transportation, and belongings.

This is a non-virtual position. The work schedule consists of six 12-hour shifts and one 8-hour shift per pay period, including every other weekend. Day shifts are 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; night shifts are 7:45 p.m.–7:45 a.m. Tours will be discussed during the interview process. A current, valid state-issued driver’s license and pre-employment physical examination are required. The position is subject to a background/security investigation and a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade, GS-04, such as clerical or assistant work in a ward, clinic, or other medical facility unit, or security work; alternatively, qualifying education or a combination of education and experience may be used.
• For the education pathway, four years of education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite.
• For the combination pathway, qualifying combinations of post-high-school education in excess of two years and specialized experience may be used.
• A current, valid state-issued driver’s license.
• Completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Completion of all application steps, including the online assessment.
• Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Successful completion of a background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Ability to comply with the one-year probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Support the operation of domiciliary living units by providing direct patient care and administrative support.
• Ensure patient compliance with health, safety, and sanitation directives in living quarters, treatment areas, and dayrooms; identify hazards and take immediate corrective steps.
• Modify and direct patient behavior and assist with therapeutic rehabilitation programs as a member of the treatment team.
• Prepare forms for patient activities, including pass requests, clearance slips, interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, and discharge paperwork.
• Monitor patients and document information about their health, behavior, and functioning in medical records or files.
• Monitor and direct patients regarding violations of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Refer medical or psychiatric problems, emergencies, physical altercations, and alcohol or drug intoxication incidents to the Charge Nurse.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect patient privacy in accordance with HIPAA regulations and standards.
• Conduct bed checks and follow up on patients reported absent during bed checks.
• Search building and domiciliary areas for missing patients when required.
• Breathalyze patients returning from authorized or unauthorized absence and patients suspected of intoxication.
• Conduct rounds of patient living areas to address safety, health, and hygiene issues.
• Search patient lockers, belongings, and furnishings when there is reason to believe a patient has concealed a potentially harmful item, including weapons, alcohol, or illicit drugs.
• Use word-processing software and other office automation functions to manage documents, print, format correspondence, and send or receive email.
• Take samples to the hospital laboratory as necessary.
• Pick up, sort, and distribute patient mail and packages from the mailroom.
• Pass meal trays to patients as needed.
• Transport patients on campus and locally as needed.
• Inventory and pack patients’ belongings when they leave the program irregularly.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on the position and eligibility.
• Potential credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to prior request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED