Intermediate Care Technician

Veterans Health Administration•Portland, OR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Intermediate Care Technician (ICT) Generalist is an advanced technician assigned to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. The position supports outpatient care in settings such as primary care, mental health, and specialty clinics, and may be based in a medical center, community-based outpatient clinic, or mobile medical unit. The technician works with licensed personnel to screen patients, assist with mental health services and clinical care, operate specialized medical equipment, collect specimens, observe patient status, respond to emergencies, and administer medications under applicable national and local directives and policies. Positions are filled as they become available under an open-continuous announcement. Monday–Friday tours are available; compressed or flexible schedules may be authorized. Telework is not authorized, and the position is not virtual.

Requirements

Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level, related to the work of the position; qualifying experience includes patient screening and interpreting diagnostic signs, emergency response, suicide-risk recognition and crisis intervention, exchanging information with healthcare providers, safely operating medical instruments and equipment, point-of-care testing, treatments and vaccinations, and medication administration.
Alternatively, successful completion of one full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) or an internship in directly related coursework at an accredited college or university.
U.S. citizenship.
Completion of all required application steps, including an online assessment.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Completion of a background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Serve a one-year probationary period.
Applicants relying on education for qualification must submit transcripts; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with the transcript.

Nice To Haves

Recruitment or relocation incentive may be available to highly qualified candidates.

Responsibilities

Perform observation-based patient screening and collect patient information in collaboration with licensed personnel, including health histories, chief complaints, medication histories, and relevant health conditions.
Complete approved clinical reminders, templates, intake forms, normal result notes, and follow-up treatment protocols.
Assist licensed personnel in outpatient behavioral and psychiatric situations, including crisis intervention and management of aggressive or suicidal patients.
Provide one-to-one observation and apply prevention and management of disruptive behavior techniques while maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment and promoting patient dignity under licensed personnel supervision.
Assist licensed staff in delivering care to patients in complex, specialized, and potentially life-threatening situations.
Prepare patients for medical evaluations; set up equipment, pass instruments, and provide treatment during in-person or virtual visits.
Operate specialized medical equipment to support diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes.
Collect specimens and prepare them for transfer to processing.
Observe patient status and inform licensed clinical staff of changes in condition.
Recognize life-threatening situations and respond according to established national or local protocols.
Administer medications by approved methods in compliance with national and local directives and policies.
Perform other related duties as assigned.