Health Aid

Veterans Health Administration • Tomah, WI

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This part-time position is with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Tomah VA Medical Center’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement in Tomah, Wisconsin. The primary purpose is to provide patient transport and a broad array of health care services throughout the medical center and its patient-care locations. The position is not virtual; the employee must live within, or be willing to relocate within, commuting distance of the duty location.

The Health Aid transports patients by stretcher, wheelchair, or gurney, and accompanies ambulatory patients who need assistance. The role also involves collecting and delivering medical materials, assisting staff with care of expired patients, welcoming Veterans and families, supporting eating and drinking, and providing diversional activities. The employee provides clerical and reception support, maintains records, communicates with patients, families, visitors, and staff, and uses software to prepare documents and printouts.

The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., for 20 hours per week. The stated salary is based on full-time employment and will be prorated for the actual hours worked; benefits and time-off accrual are also prorated. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized, and a Critical Skills Incentive is not approved. Applicants tentatively selected for this designated drug-testing position must undergo urinalysis before appointment. A one-year probationary period is required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• For the GS-2 level, at least three months of qualifying general experience demonstrating ability to perform the work or familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the occupation, or successful completion of high school or its equivalent.
• Documentation of education is required when using education to qualify.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of walking, standing, lifting, pushing, stooping, reaching, sitting, and bending, while using proper body mechanics.
• Must undergo urinalysis for illegal drug screening before appointment; refusal or a verified positive result prevents appointment.
• Subject to background and security investigation.
• Must complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment for VA health care personnel.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Applicants claiming experience must document month and year start/end dates and, for part-time work, the hours worked per week and the nature of duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Transport patients by stretcher, wheelchair, or gurney, and accompany ambulatory patients who need assistance to locations within the Medical Center.
• Recognize and report significant changes in patients during transport.
• Prioritize transports based on patient-care needs and logistics, including patient condition, treatment, modality, mode of transport, and scheduling.
• Collect and deliver specimens, laboratory materials, X-rays, charts, and other medical-related materials and equipment throughout the Medical Center and OHSU.
• Assist VA staff in caring for expired patients, including preparing and transferring the body and transporting it to the morgue.
• Provide new Veterans and their families with orientation and basic information about neighborhood routines, activity schedules, and resources.
• Assist patients with eating and drinking.
• Plan, organize, and conduct diversional activities, including at appropriate times on weekends, holidays, evenings, and nights.
• Provide general clerical and administrative coordination support for the unit.
• Perform receptionist, record-keeping, and miscellaneous duties.
• Receive visitors, answer telephone calls, refer calls to appropriate staff, or record messages.
• Facilitate bedside leisure activities such as reading, puzzles, or arts and crafts when group participation is not possible.
• Communicate tactfully and courteously with people with varying levels of understanding.
• Use software to produce specific printouts and word-processing software to create documents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency. Benefits and time-off accrual for this position are prorated according to the part-time schedule.

What This Job Offers

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