Health Technician Job in San Diego, CA

Vacancy No. CBSX-12756583-25-JJ Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $46,072.00 to $55,534.00 Grade 5 to 5
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/8/2025 Close Date 7/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
San Diego, CA


Summary

The HT position performs direct patient care tasks and clinical procedures that do not require the judgment of a licensed health care professional within primary care at SD VA Healthcare System in La Jolla. The position is also responsible for routine administrative and logistical tasks in support of the clinic and functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team working in a clinic setting and is responsible to the Assistant Nurse Manager Nurse Manager of the Primary Care Clinic.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Performs patient care and documents in the electronic medical record, patient intake and exit interviews to support the efficiency and work flow of the clinic. Specific patient intake actions include but are not limited to: obtaining accurate and complete sets of automated and/or manually measured vital signs (e.g. temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, oxygen saturation), completion of preventative clinical reminders, documentation of pain status, measurements of accurate height and weight, measurements of visual acuity, down loading of patient glucometer readings as appropriate, documentation of skin conditions evident.

- Completes all applicable clinical reminders upon intake and takes appropriate clinical action as needed, based on responses. Assists with in-clinic procedures such as but not limited to: gathers all equipment and supplies needed for PAP smears, wound care, joint injections; assists with donning of a gown, removal of shoes/socks, and specialized positioning of patients for specific procedures, vital signs, dressing changes, bladder scan, EKG. Performs routine Electrocardiograms and ensure data uploading to electronic medical record (CPRS). Recognizes abnormalities and brings them to the attention of the appropriate Medical/Health Care Provider.

· As appropriate, collects, documents care tasks in the electronic medical record, and prepares laboratory specimens for transport to laboratory in accordance with policy (i.e. proper specimen labeling, proper transport medium). Performs basic waived testing and non-complex nursing procedures, such as but not limited to: finger-stick glucose testing, COVID testing, post-void residual/bladder ultrasound scan (BVI/use bladder scanner), ear irrigation, and various forms of specimen collection, which may include phlebotomy. Performs skilled venipuncture in accordance with facility and laboratory policies and procedures. Verifies correct patient identification before all procedures, performs proper specimen handling and labeling, accessions specimens, checks that lab test requests are consistent with physician orders, generates labels and sorts labeled specimens. Provides special instructions with regard to specimen collection, specimen preparation, special specimen handling and test analysis. Incumbent works closely with facility and laboratory computers systems, CPRS and VistA to retrieve results. Float to cover staffing as needed within the CBOC locations.

· Monitors liquid nitrogen and oxygen tank inventory and ensures enough supply available for daily clinic utilization. Contacts contracting liaisons to ensure timely delivery of supply to clinic when needed. Ensures patient care areas/exam rooms are clean and stocked with equipment, linen and supplies needed for expected patient care. Maintains clinic Emergency/Disaster Preparedness supplies. Participates in and responds to monthly Emergency Management drills and Radio checks.

· Functions as the clinic Safe Patient Handling Champion, ensuring associated equipment is properly functional and is responsible for educating and training staff to utilize equipment properly and safely.

· Provides administrative/reception services as needed, greets visitors and answers phone calls; utilizes phone, virtual and face-to-face communications with various levels of clinical, clerical/administrative staff and customers; provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Performs all clerical duties required of the position, including work lists, logs, and pending lists, work orders, equipment maintenance and inventory and assists ANM and NM as needed.

· Work Schedule: 40 hours / 2 week Pay Period, 0730 and 4:00pm Monday to Friday.

Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/PD11840A

Physical Requirements: The work requires manual dexterity and exceptional hand/eye coordination, keyboarding, some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking, bending, standing, sitting and concentration for long periods of time during the preparation of specimens. In many situations, the duration of the activity (such as most of a workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. Position requires lifting of supplies weighing up to 35 pounds

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
  • May serve a probationary period
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
  • Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS 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-05 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-04.

GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 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. Able to perform specific duties including clinical patient support and general administrative support for all patient related activities in the primary care clinic. Performs skilled venipuncture in accordance with facility and laboratory policies and procedures. Performs patient care and documents in the electronic medical record, patient intake and exit interviews to support the efficiency and work flow of the clinic. Completes all applicable clinical reminders upon intake and takes appropriate clinical action as needed, based on responses. Such actions may include: initiating 911/quick response notifications, referrals to mental health integration/1:1 monitoring. Sets up/organizes comprehensive patient treatment areas and prepares patients for their visit. Performs routine Electrocardiograms and ensure data uploading to electronic medical record (CPRS). Recognizes abnormalities and brings them to the attention of the appropriate healthcare provider. As appropriate, collects, documents care tasks in the electronic medical record, and prepares laboratory specimens for transport to laboratory in accordance with policy (i.e. proper specimen labeling, proper transport medium). Performs basic waived testing and non-complex nursing procedures, such as but not limited to: finger-stick glucose testing, COVID testing, post-void residual/bladder ultrasound scan (BVI/use bladder scanner), ear irrigation, and various forms of specimen collection, which may include phlebotomy. Performs skilled venipuncture in accordance with facility and laboratory policies and procedures. Monitors waiting areas and clinical areas for patient safety; identifies safety hazards and initiates appropriate action to correct or report unsafe conditions. Escorts/ transports patients between areas within the clinic as necessary. Responsible for cleaning disinfecting and sterilization of equipment and ancillary equipment according to Medical Center Policies and Procedures. Adheres to the Infection Control Guidelines for the Medical Center. Float to cover staffing as needed within the CBOC locations. Follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all RME and devices regarding processing of used/dirty equipment/devices and prepares for transport of all RME requiring specialized handling to main facility. Monitors liquid nitrogen and oxygen tank inventory and ensures enough supply available for daily clinic utilization. Ensures patient care areas/exam rooms are clean and stocked with equipment, linen and supplies needed for expected patient care. Maintains clinic Emergency/Disaster Preparedness supplies to ensure ready for activation whenever required. Participates in and responds to monthly Emergency Management Radio checks. Functions as the clinic Safe Patient Handling Champion, ensuring associated equipment (i.e. Hoyer lifts, Ceiling lifts, etc.) is properly functional. In addition, is responsible for educating and training staff to utilize equipment properly and safely. Functions as primary point of contact for implementation of safety regulations and safe working conditions and is accountable to supervisor to report conditions and progress on eliminating discrepancies. Provides administrative/reception services as needed, greets visitors and answers phone calls; utilizes phone, virtual and face-to-face communications with various levels of clinical, clerical/administrative staff and customers; provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Performs all clerical duties required of the position, including work lists, logs, and pending lists, work orders, equipment maintenance and inventory and assists ANM and NM as needed. Incumbent must exhibit a professional attitude and technical competence. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with agency customers, co-workers, the general public and others who come in contact with the lab. Provides guidance or referral for special assistance.
OR
Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-05 level. Successfully completed one full year in a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation. Training: Completion of appropriate training such as in service training programs, training acquired while serving in the Armed Forces, and government-sponsored developmental training programs will be allowed credit on a month-for-month basis, generally through the GS-5 level. Such training meets general or specialized experience requirements depending upon its applicability.
OR
Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level. Have a combination of specialized experience and education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience. Determine the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the year of specialized experience required at the GS-5 level. Then determine the applicant's education as a percentage of the education that meets the requirements for GS-5. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for GS-05. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-XX. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

Documents Required:
  • Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/21/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12756583.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Jason Jerome
Address
San Diego VA Medical Center
3350 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92161
US

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.