Summary
The New Mexico VA Healthcare Network is recruiting for Health Technicians assigned to the following services: Ambulatory Care, Acute Care (Telemetry), CARA, Emergency Department, Float Pool, and Women's Health. The incumbent will provide medical and administrative support assistance to the assigned service in which they are selected for.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
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
Duties include but not limited to:
- Provides support to the PACT by performing technical and administrative tasks.
- Technical tasks, such as EKGs, bladder ultrasounds, ear irrigation, specimen collection of urine/blood, vital signs including oxygen saturation and abdominal girths, height and weight measurements, peak flow, orthostatic blood pressure, visual acuity, CBGs and downloading glucometers, monofilament foot exams and influenza immunizations for both the PACT team and Annual Facility Influenza Clinic which covers both employees and veterans.
- Operates and maintains medical instruments and equipment for diagnostic and treatment procedures such as, EKG machines, CBG monitors, ABI dopplers, bladder scans, spirometers, vital sign monitors, etc.
- Operating guidelines to determine technical factors, sets controls, calibrates, and operates equipment and instruments such as EKG machine, CBG monitor, ABI doppler, bladder scan, and vital signs monitor.
- Incumbent sets up and adjusts any required accessory equipment for the aforementioned equipment and instruments.
- Adjusts equipment placement for patient's comfort if needed. Incumbent utilizes knowledge base, general instructions and guidelines to perform a variety of routine and difficult diagnostic tests and procedures such as CBG, orthostatic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, visual acuity, 12-lead EKG, ABI, PFT, bladder scan for post void residual and monofilament foot exams (diabetic patients), vital signs; documents aforementioned test results in Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) Graphic User Interface (GUI).
- Notifies health care professional of any abnormal or unusual results. Independently cleans exam rooms and re-stocks supplies as indicated by the needs of the patient or health care professional.
- Orders and maintains all supplies utilized in the clinic.
- Observes patient during procedures and identifies changes in patient condition; monitors patient for adverse reactions and takes corrective action based on established policy and knowledge base.
- Incumbent performs any prerequisite tests on patients prior to procedures and notifies health care professional of any abnormal results.
- Provides training to new clinic staff regarding equipment or instruments used.
- Provides assistance of a technical, specialized or support nature to health care professionals in the diagnosis or treatment of patient illnesses or medical conditions.
- Supports health care professionals in tests and procedures to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
- Collects and labels specimens (blood, urine, sputum, stool) for testing.
- Incumbent documents in CPRS GUI all procedures/treatments performed.
- Utilizes equipment to administer prescribed treatments such as ear irrigation.
- Provides oxygen therapy based on established guidelines; notifies health care professional of abnormal readings.
- Documents all specimens collected in CPRS GUI.
- Provides technical assistance utilizing established guidelines and under the immediate supervision of the health care professional to complete assignments related to preventative health care measures that are included in the External Peer Review Program (EPRP), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO), Medical Center Performance Improvement (PI) indicators and nationally established performance measure goals. These assignments include documenting in CPRS GUI patient education provided relating to preventative health care measures such as cancer screening, alcohol and tobacco use, diabetes care, COPD, depression screening, CHF, and advance directives.
- Documents patient information relating to pre-testing or post-procedure activities.
- Incumbent performs direct patient support to include gathering information from patients, providing personal patient care and patient education on home use of medical equipment such as glucometers, blood pressure monitors, peak flow meters, etc.
- Provides assistance to patients with bowel and/or bladder needs.
- Promotes physical independence of patient by encouraging and teaching patient self-care techniques and activities.
- Incumbent applies/adjusts immobilization devices to stabilize extremity.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30PM
Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/PD12810A, PD10285A, PD05125A, and PD04037A
Physical Requirements: The work is mainly sedentary, but may require walking, bending, standing, and/or carrying of light items such as files and manuals. The may require some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items.
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, 1/5/2026.
This position has an Individual Occupation Requirement (IOR). You must meet the following:
- Possess technician experience that requires application of knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. (This position is part of the series that range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists.)
In addition to meeting the IOR above, you must meet the experience as described below:
GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade lever GS-05. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to: setting up equipment for procedures; performing personal patient care; utilizing an automated system to maintain and retrieve patient data; assisting with patient test and procedures; and answering phones and directing phone calls to appropriate personal.
Preferred Experience: 2 years of phlebotomy experience. (Location: Albuquerque Float Pool)
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/.
Education
There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level.
Additional information
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies, locations, and departments:
Ambulatory Care, Womens' Health, CARA, Womens' Health, Float Pool, Emergency Department
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.
VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
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.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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 (VA)
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Documents Required:
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 01/05/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12825404.
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.
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.