English Language Proficiency Requirement: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to perform the duties of this position.
~AND~
In addition to the English Language Proficiency, to qualify for this position at the GS-6 level, you must meet one of the following requirements:
Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-5) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Health Technician, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. Specialized experience includes performing both clerical and clinical duties in a medical/healthcare environment; answering and directing phone calls; scheduling appointments; documenting medical records; taking and recording vital signs; and collecting and labeling specimens. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates, AND hours worked per week.
~OR~
Education: Successfully completed one half (1/2) year of graduate education (9 semester hours or equivalent) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the Health Technician position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.
~OR~
Combination: Equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total qualification requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include courses directly related to the work of the Health Technician position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.
You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
- INFECTION CONTROL
- TECHNICAL COMPETENCE
- COMPUTER SKILLS
- COMMUNICATION
IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
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; religious; 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.
Physical Requirements: The variety of duties reflects a variety of potential extended periods of sitting, walking, standing, carrying items, typing, writing, as well as lifting heavy, sometimes immobile patients. The person in the position is expected to utilize good body mechanics and have stamina to withstand a stressful environment.
The work of the position is nominally performed within the existing physical structure, which is environmentally controlled. Occasional work may be required outside the building; examples include but not limited to, assisting patients out or into their vehicles, declared emergencies outside the building, disaster situations, including drills. Most functions require normal safety precautions, though situations may occur that require special protective equipment. Additionally, there are risks of exposure to undiagnosed and infectious diseases, contact with patients intoxicated, and risks of verbal or physical assault.
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/.