Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Fargo, ND

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within the Fargo VA Health Care System. 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 supports clinical video telehealth, VA Video Connect, and store-and-forward telehealth encounters, and helps coordinate telehealth services and equipment.

The role includes preparing clinical spaces and medical and telecommunications equipment; facilitating video encounters as a telepresenter; capturing and transmitting clinical images and data; scheduling and screening patients for telehealth; and maintaining patient privacy, safety, equipment, and the care environment. The incumbent must hold a valid driver's license and operate passenger vehicles to provide Veteran care in the community, including driving in varied weather and traffic and performing operator-level vehicle maintenance.

The vacancy is advertised at GS-5 through GS-6, with GS-6 identified as the full-performance level. At GS-5, the technician works with frequent, direct supervision and guidance from experienced staff. At GS-6, the technician performs the full range of duties and is responsible for day-to-day operation of Connected Care Services.

Requirements

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must have one year of experience in a health care field demonstrating ability to perform the work or understanding of the work; or four academic years of post-high-school education leading to a bachelor's degree with occupation-related coursework; or a qualifying combination of experience and education.
• For the qualifying experience-and-education combination, examples include six months of health care experience plus two years of post-high-school education with at least six semester hours in health care-related courses, an associate degree in a health care-related field, or six months of health care experience plus successful completion of a qualifying U.S. Armed Forces health-care-technician course.
• GS-6 applicants must have one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• GS-6 applicants must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of computer systems and programs.
• GS-6 applicants must be able to communicate, consult, and interact with health care team members and provide customer service and patient education.
• GS-6 applicants must be able to provide and receive guidance and technical direction.
• GS-6 applicants must be able to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and complete assignments effectively.
• GS-6 applicants must be able to read, interpret, and apply complex written instructions.
• GS-6 applicants must have knowledge of general clinical policies and procedures in a health care environment.
• GS-6 applicants must be skilled in using telehealth technologies to facilitate clinical encounters.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to operate passenger vehicles in varied weather and traffic conditions.
• Must be able to perform operator-level vehicle maintenance and respond to roadside emergencies.
• Must complete the application and questionnaire, required online assessment, and all application requirements specified in the announcement.
• Selected applicants are subject to a urinalysis drug screening, background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, and online onboarding.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, with continued employment subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Education used to qualify must be from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.

Responsibilities

• Prepare clinical environments and medical and telecommunications equipment for examinations and treatment.
• Serve as a telepresenter during clinical video telehealth and VA Video Connect encounters, establishing connections, introducing patients and providers, and following clinician instructions.
• Capture clinical images and collect and transmit clinical data for store-and-forward telehealth encounters in accordance with VHA guidelines.
• Follow patient-safety procedures, manage inventory, and clean clinical equipment and care environments.
• Complete standardized clinical questionnaires and templates within the scope of training and applicable guidelines.
• Protect patient privacy by complying with information-security and patient-privacy regulations.
• Receive and schedule simple and complex intra-facility and inter-facility telehealth appointments using an electronic resource-based scheduling system.
• Screen patients for telehealth suitability and refer those who do not meet established criteria to appropriate care.
• Obtain and document patient history and pertinent clinical information in electronic medical records.
• Maintain electronic schedules for rooms, patients, technologies, and presenters; confirm and coordinate telehealth services between VA and non-VA sites.
• Administer patient satisfaction surveys and provide patient education regarding general anatomy, disease processes, and prevention as appropriate.
• Generate consults according to established procedures, transmit images or clinical data to the electronic medical record, and take appropriate action based on provider findings and recommendations.
• Provide hands-on assistance during real-time telehealth encounters and report clinical observations under the direction of a licensed independent practitioner or clinical specialist.
• Analyze workflow, identify potential problem areas, and recommend corrective action to improve coordination between units and facilities.
• Coordinate with the Facility Telehealth Coordinator regarding processes, equipment needs, problems, data collection, and logistics.
• Conduct routine inventories and track the location and status of telehealth technology at the assigned site.
• Contact the National Telehealth Technology Help Desk to troubleshoot, arrange repairs, and coordinate replacement equipment as needed.
• Clean and perform minor routine maintenance on assigned telehealth technology.
• Operate gas-powered or electric passenger vehicles for community Veteran care and perform operator-level maintenance, including fueling, checking fluids and tire pressure, washing the vehicle, checking lights, and documenting damage or unusual wear.
• Respond appropriately to roadside emergencies, including traffic accidents, property or equipment damage, injuries, and vehicle breakdowns.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package.
• Selected applicants may qualify to receive credit for prior work or military service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level