Health Technician- Emergency Department

Veterans Health Administration • Tampa, FL

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The Health Technician provides essential clinical and administrative support in the Emergency Department at James A. Haley VA Medical Center. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the incumbent ensures compliance with VA regulations and supports the delivery of patient care through a wide range of technical, diagnostic, and patient support duties. The role requires adaptability, strong clinical skills, and to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with diverse patient populations.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Must complete all required steps in the process, including application, questionnaire, and an online assessment
• Tentatively selected applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Acceptable forms of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period
• Current Federal employees and who have held a GS 6 grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS- 6 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS 5.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Obtaining and documenting vital signs, cardiac monitoring, and 12-lead EKGs, Performing venipuncture, IV insertion, point-of-care testing, and specimen collection, Providing direct patient care including lifting, transporting, mobility assistance, and safety monitoring, Responding to emergencies and reporting abnormal findings to licensed staff, Supporting diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (e.g., wound care, splinting, oxygen setup), Maintaining medical equipment, supplies, and documentation according to VA and unit standards
• Six months of graduate-level education in a field directly related to the work of the position (e.g., health sciences, emergency medicine, medical technology) OR, Combination of specialized experience and education beyond . 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/

Nice To Haves

• The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and monitor vital signs, initiate and interpret cardiac monitoring, perform 12-lead EKGs, operate diagnostic and emergency equipment
• Perform IV insertion, venipuncture, point-of-care testing, specimen collection, and direct patient care (lifting, moving, transporting, assisting with ambulation)
• Respond to emergencies, recognize abnormal findings, report critical changes, assist with specialized procedures, and maintain infection control
• Support patient safety through observation, intervention, and companionship roles (patient sitter, safety companion)
• Prepare patients for admission, maintain equipment and supplies, answer call lights and phones, provide comfort measures, apply splints and bandages, fit crutches, assist with IV and oxygen setup, and initiate CPR as needed
• Observe, recognize, and report physical, behavioral, and vital sign changes
• Assist with emotional and physical comfort, identify cultural needs, chaperone as required, recognize medication reactions
• Perform sterile dressing changes, remove simple sutures, apply orthopedic devices, support procedures involving eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Obtain supplies for emergencies, participate in patient extrication, monitor intake/output, and document activities of daily living
• Use communication devices (Vocera, phones), answer and place calls/pages, greet and direct patients, families, visitors, and ambulance crews
• Gather information about presenting complaints, update patient tracking board (EDIS), maintain charts, records, and patient belongings in accordance with privacy policies
• Order, stock, and manage ED supplies, participate in required trainings, operate government vehicles as needed
• Reinforce patient health and discharge education as directed by RN, provide educational materials, guide patients to resources, acknowledge concerns, escalate issues as needed
• Uphold patient rights, privacy, dignity, and confidentiality in all interactions

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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