Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • McAllen, TX

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical) serves as a generalist supporting and managing telehealth operations, typically at a clinical care delivery site such as a VA Medical Center, Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, or VA Outreach Clinic. The position may require travel. The primary responsibility is to support clinical telehealth encounters at patient and provider locations by serving as a telepresenter within the scope of practice.

The technician supports day-to-day telehealth services and performs a range of direct clinical care duties, documenting findings and reporting abnormalities to providers or the Nurse Manager. The role also supports scheduling and coordination, telehealth imaging, equipment readiness and cleaning, patient communications, and education. The full performance level is GS-6; selection may be at GS-5 or GS-6. The position is not virtual. Ad-hoc telework is available. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for appointments when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet the basic qualification requirement through one of the following: one year of qualifying health-care-field experience; four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with related coursework; or an equivalent qualifying combination of education and experience.
• For qualifying experience-and-education combinations, examples include six months of health-care experience plus two years of postsecondary education including at least six semester hours of health-care-related courses, an associate degree in a health-care-related field, or qualifying U.S. Armed Forces health-care technician training.
• For GS-6, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• For GS-6, comprehensive knowledge of computer systems and programs; ability to communicate and interact with healthcare team members and customers and provide patient education; ability to provide and receive guidance; ability to plan, organize, prioritize, work as a team member, and complete assignments; ability to interpret complex written instructions; knowledge of general clinical policies and procedures; and skill in using telehealth technologies.
• Complete the required application steps and online assessment; tentatively selected applicants for testing-designated VA positions are subject to urinalysis.
• Meet applicable background and security investigation requirements, onboarding requirements, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Comply with Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the stated evaluation and certification conditions.
• Meet the stated physical requirements, including moderate lifting and carrying, reaching above shoulder level, use of fingers and both hands, walking and standing, repeated bending, operating a motor vehicle, distinguishing basic colors, and hearing (hearing aids permitted).
• Travel between VA and/or non-VA clinical care sites may be required; a valid driver's license may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous pulmonary or sleep clinic experience and experience with home apnea devices.
• Previous eye clinic and/or fundoscopic eye examination experience.
• Previous experience using digital cameras and video applications.

Responsibilities

• Perform and document direct clinical care tasks, including vital signs, height and weight, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, EKGs, Holter monitoring, ordered single-dose intramuscular deltoid immunizations, and directed wound-dressing removals and non-medication dressing applications.
• Report abnormal clinical findings to providers and/or the Nurse Manager.
• Schedule TCT telehealth appointments according to VHA directives, document scheduling actions, and notify a supervisor or designee when required processes cannot be followed.
• Complete at least ten quality dermatology imaging cases annually to maintain teledermatology imager certification.
• Complete patient results letters in CPRS for teleretinal and teledermatology alerts after images are read.
• Clean imaging equipment according to manufacturer recommendations and maintain monthly cleaning logs.
• Maintain monthly testing logs and ensure Store and Forward equipment is managed appropriately and ready for use.
• Maintain effective, professional relationships with management, staff, patients, volunteers, visitors, and external contacts, and provide necessary assistance to customers.
• Maintain telehealth certifications through scheduled quality assurance and continuing education programs and trainings.
• Complete and document secure messages in a timely manner, respond to patients or direct them to appropriate staff, and alert the MyHealtheVet coordinator when needed.
• Educate and assist patients and caregivers with the MyHealtheVet program.
• Screen patients for appropriate telehealth modalities and refer those who do not meet criteria to appropriate care.
• Capture and transmit clinical images or data; obtain consent as necessary; generate specialty consults; transmit images or data to the electronic medical record; provide appropriate patient education; and act on provider findings and recommendations.
• Facilitate real-time telehealth encounters by assisting patients and reporting clinical observations under the direction of a licensed independent practitioner or clinical specialist.
• Schedule, confirm, and coordinate telehealth services between VA and non-VA sites.
• Analyze workflow, identify potential problem areas, and recommend corrective actions to improve coordination.
• Coordinate with the Facility Telehealth Coordinator on processes, equipment, data collection, and logistical issues.
• Conduct routine inventories and track the location and status of telehealth technology at the assigned site.
• Contact the National Telehealth Technology Help Desk to facilitate troubleshooting, repairs, or equipment replacement.
• At the entry level, schedule telehealth appointments, obtain and document patient history and relevant clinical information, prepare telehealth rooms and equipment, establish video connections, introduce patients and providers, monitor electronic schedules, administer patient satisfaction surveys, and clean and perform minor routine maintenance on assigned technology.

Benefits

• A federal employee benefits package is described as available to employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed