Health Technician (Emergency Department)

Full Job Description

Health Technician providing clinical and administrative support in an emergency department.

Performs vital signs, ECGs, cardiac monitoring, venipuncture, IV insertion, and specimen collection; assists with procedures and emergency response including CPR; observes and reports patient condition changes; ensures infection control; documents in electronic records; transports patients; maintains equipment and supplies; and supports patient flow and communication.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/07/2026.

You may qualify based on your experience 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: Independently obtaining and documenting vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight, oxygen saturation) and recognizing and reporting abnormal findings; preparing patients for examinations and diagnostic procedures, including performing 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), initiating cardiac monitoring, and recognizing abnormal ECG results; collecting laboratory specimens, performing venipuncture and blood glucose testing; initiating and removing peripheral IVs and assisting with urinary catheterization; assisting providers with clinical and emergency procedures, including initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); observing, prioritizing, and reporting changes in patient condition; safely moving, lifting, transferring, and transporting patients; adhering to infection control standards and maintaining a safe clinical environment; cleaning, maintaining, and troubleshooting medical equipment; documenting care and observations in electronic medical records; assisting with patient admissions, discharges, and flow coordination; communicating effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary staff in fast-paced settings; safeguarding patient information; maintaining supplies and coordinating with leadership regarding equipment needs; and performing administrative support duties including answering phones, directing patients, and updating patient tracking systems.

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/.

Major Duties:

Obtains and documents vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight, and oxygen saturation Moves, lifts, transfers, and transports patients using proper techniques Follows infection control procedures and maintains a safe clinical environment Assists with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency response Performs peripheral IV insertion and removal, and collects blood specimens Performs electrocardiograms (ECGs) Performs Foley catheter insertion and care Recognizes and reports ECG abnormalities Answers phones and places calls as needed Greets patients and directs them to appropriate care areas Maintains and updates the EDIS communication/patient tracking board Communicates with leadership regarding supply and equipment needs Work Schedule: Rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends Telework: This position may be authorized for telework, ad-hoc only, as determined by the agency policy.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Emergency Department)/PD671-3381-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-35 pounds; Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-35 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling, 1 hour; Pushing, 1-3 hours; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking, 4 hours; Standing 2-7 hours; Kneeling, 2 hours; Repeated bending, 2 hours; Climbing; Use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Visual acuity: 20/40 DVA, corrected; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing aid (permitted); Sitting, 8 hours; Simple grasping, 2-4 hours; Fine manipulation, including keyboarding, 4-6 hours; Twisting, 2 hours; Mental and emotional stability.