The Health Technician is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members surgical procedures. The Health Technician participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Candidates must meet the following Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR):Specialized Experience: Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: must possess the skills for use of common podiatric instrumentations, an understanding of the anatomy of the spine and limbs, musculoskeletal terminology, and the basic biomechanics. Knowledge of the spectrum of musculoskeletal disease and the ability to recognize this wide range of pathology, must possess a working knowledge of common medications orthotics, lab test, and x-rays, and the ability to determine the best application of these to patients on a consistent basis, knowledge as to the proper operation and maintenance of podiatric equipment used during patient examinations and treatment situations, knowledge and skills of aseptic practices in order to clean, package, and sterilize instruments, and to disinfect the area and equipment with strict adherence to aseptic technique, knowledge areas of patient scheduling, patient referrals, and ordering of supplies and equipment, basis computer skills to maintain and develop a diagnostic coding system for records and in the operation of the health care center computer system, and knowledge in computer and use of electronic medical records, must have advanced skill levels sufficient to evaluate common podiatric pathologies and perform common podiatric procedures that require considerable training and experience to carry out such as skin and toenail debridement. The technician must be able to apply and remove strappings, casts, braces, therapy devices and compression dressings. There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ["The Health Technician serves as the primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical and endoscopic procedures such as: Thoracic, Oncology, Laparoscopic, Podiatry, Gynecology, Urology, and total joint replacement surgery. Additional duties will include, but are not limited to: Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as air-powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other operating room supplies and equipment, Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure. Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups. Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time, Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment. Assists the team members With care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies. Handles all specimens' appropriately. In conjunction with the circulating Registered Nurse (RN), performs sponge and instrument counts to verify accuracy. Responsible for the accountability for all surgical instruments and equipment during the surgical procedure, Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures, Prepares. prosthesis and surgical devices during procedures. Assists in training residents, medical students, nursing students, operating room technology students, and new Operating Room (OR) staffing the operation of equipment, sterile technique, handling of instruments, and OR procedures to include the scrub role in' surgical Procedures. Functions as second circulator for complex surgical procedures. Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions. Assesses equipment needs and maintains adequate stock of supplies and materials. Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (e.g., frayed cords, water on floor). and takes corrective action. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 7:00am to 3:30 varied + on call Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/ Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds."]
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?Readying Warriors and Caring for Heroes! This position is located within Surgical Services at the CAPT James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, IL. The FHCC is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and Department of Navy (DoN)/Department of Defense (DoD). It is larger than just a single facility, but rather it is a fully-integrated medical care facility with a single combined VA and Navy mission. The combined mission of the FHCC means active duty military and their family members, military retirees, and eligible veterans receive health care at this facility.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Join the FHCC team of energetic, career-minded professionals! For additional information, click onhttp://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/index.asp.