Health Technician

Description:

The incumbent serves as a Health Technician at the VA Portland Healthcare System.

Requirements:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet Specialized Experience within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: 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 meet the requirements of this position. In addition to meeting the English language proficiency, the below specialized experience and/or education must be met in order to qualify for this position.

You may qualify based on your specialized education and/or education as described below:

• Specialized Experience GS-05: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-4 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience includes but not limited: Collects, processes and stores samples according to laboratory procedure. Answers or directs routine inquires from telephone calls or visitors. Monitors temperature on refrigerators, freezers, ovens, incubators and other designated laboratory equipment. Uses a computer to access data and communicate results to physicians. Uses proper infection control, laboratory safety, and universal precautions when collecting samples. Ability to communicate effectively. OR,
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed 4 years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) OR,
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond post high school education as described above that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. For the GS-05, only education in excess of 60 semester hours (2 years) is creditable. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

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.