Health Technician - Podiatry

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.

The Health Technician (Podiatry) serves as a key member of the Podiatry care team, providing both clinical and administrative support to podiatry staff and other care team members. The role supports outpatient and inpatient podiatry services and ensures high-quality, efficient, and safe care for Veterans.

Major Duties:

Clinical Support

• Assist podiatry staff in the care of patients receiving outpatient and/or inpatient services.
• Obtain patient histories and conduct focused podiatric observation and examination procedures.
• Interview patients and review records to identify allergies or contraindications prior to procedures.
• Perform podiatric instrumentation under direct supervision, including routine nail care and minor callus paring.
• Conduct glucometer checks, monitor radiology and lab test results, and assist in obtaining and processing cultures.
• Provide ongoing monitoring of patients with foot ulcers; perform redressing and callus care between visits.
• Perform diabetic screening and monofilament testing for low-risk diabetic Veterans.
• Participate in diabetic educational classes and assist with creating educational displays or materials.
• Assist with surgical preparation and minor procedures, including placing/removing blades from instruments.
• Take and prepare foot impressions.
• Support vital signs intake, documentation in CPRS, and safe patient transport.

Technical & Quality Responsibilities

• Maintain proficiency using CPRS and other department tracking programs.
• Follow established podiatry protocols using manual or instrument techniques; report results appropriately.
• Conduct quality-control procedures on equipment and supplies; maintain proper records for workload and quality tracking.
• Ensure proper levels of disposable and non-disposable supplies and maintain instruments in working order.
• Monitor safety conditions (ventilation, lighting, seating) and report hazards promptly.

Administrative & Training Support

• Ensure technical work assignments of the unit or team are completed.
• Provide on-the-job training to new employees following established policies and procedures.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert and preceptor for new clinic personnel.
• Assist co-workers in performing procedures and managing efficient patient flow.
• Answer and screen calls from patients regarding podiatry needs; respond to routine inquiries.
• Document and code patient encounters and manage electronic supply orders.
• Verify incoming orders to ensure components are accurate and functional.
• Resolve simple informal patient or staff complaints; elevate formal complaints to the Section Chief.

General Clinic Operations

• Support timely completion of podiatry exams and contribute to meeting patient access goals (target: 90% access and reasonable wait times).
• Assist patients in getting on/off examination tables and handling footwear as needed.
• Locate, set up, and position necessary equipment and accessories for podiatry procedures.
• Stock department supplies; perform general maintenance tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and restocking cabinets and equipment.
• Build rapport and cooperation with patients during procedures.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician - Podiatry/PD00370A
Physical Requirements: Works involves various physical demands requiring the employee to be versatile in the many functions performed. These include sedentary work performed at a desk with intermittent standing, walking, bending, and lifting of lightweight records and supplies (rarely exceeding 25 pounds). The demands may unpredictable requiring the incumbent to adjust accordingly. May be required to assist in transporting and transferring patients from wheelchair or stretcher to the examination environment. Will be responsible for moving equipment, as necessary. Sufficient hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to assemble and clean endoscopic instruments is required. The ability to bend, stoop, stretch, lift, and position patients is frequently necessary.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a busy clinic setting. Procedures take place in the rear confined procedure area, behind closed doors. Work is also performed within full view and hearing of patients and the general public. There are moderate risks that require safety precautions. Employee is subject to exposure of communicable diseases and/or patients with diabetes or other morbidities. Patients may also have adaptive or life supporting equipment. The use of personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, gloves and protective clothing is required. Will have exposure to biohazard materials and sharps and will have close association with highly technical equipment.

Travel: Occasional travel may be required to Fort Worth facility. Must maintain/obtain Driver's license to operate government vehicle.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• Subject to background/security investigation
• 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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

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 period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/02/2026.

Individual Occupational Requirements

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): 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.

OR

Education and Training

For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.

In addition to the Individual Occupational Requirements, you may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: MANAGES AND ORGANIZES INFORMATION - Ensures that all supplies including wound care products are stocked in the rooms as well as maintained, removing all expired products.; MEDICAL INFORMATION - Involvement with wound care management and treatment.; TECHNICAL COMPETENCE - Utilizes instrumentation for small procedures including nail debridement and callus pairing under direct supervision. ; TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION - Proper documentation/logs of procedures.; and SAFETY ENGINEERING - Ensures that clinic areas remain clean and free of any obstruction, or known violations of policies.. OR,
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must possess a graduate education or an internship which meets the specialized experience required above GS-5. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) OR,
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond a Bachelor Degree.

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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/.

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.

Documents Accepted:

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• 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.

Next steps