Health Technician (Podiatry)

Full Job Description

This position is at the full performance level located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS) in the Surgery Service, Podiatry Section.

The incumbent performs a variety of specialized clinical procedures, preliminary and follow up clinical examination and evaluation of patients, podiatric work-ups, laboratory and/or other diagnostic tests as clinically indicated.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. This position has an Individual Occupation Requirement (IOR).

You must meet one of the following: Possess the 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: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: receive and prepare patients for examinations; maintain patient records; restock medical supplies; and instruct patients of discharge/after care procedures.

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. Major Duties:

Duties may include, but are not limited to: Perform a variety of specialized clinic procedures such as preliminary examination and evaluation of patients.

Perform a variety of standardized and routine procedures that are non-invasive. Writes history, finding, and treatments in outpatient records in the appropriate format.

Set up instrument trays, finalizes preparation of sterile field, skin prep, and draping of patients. Prepare podiatric work-up, x-rays, laboratory or other requests, as required.

Performs clinical assessments and provides various forms of non-invasive treatments through delivery of direct patient care for nail fungi, nail trimming, toenail debridement, callus and corn removal, slant backs for ingrown toenails, application of topical medications, foot soaks, and basic podiatry care within scope of work and under the direct supervision of the attending podiatrist.

Performs direct patient care duties with the use of medical instrumentation such as scalpels, nail cutters, curettes, tissue nippers and other required instrumentation.

Identifies significant clinical changes in patients and promptly reports findings to the assigned physician.

Applies wraps/dressings for ulcers and podiatric wound care, performs sports medicine taping for soft tissue injuries, applies foot padding for hammertoes, corns, calluses, diabetic ulcers, bunions, post-operative, and podiatric specific diseases, disorders, injuries, and preventative medicine.

Provides direct patient care utilizing podiatric medical equipment in a clinical setting to perform non-invasive procedures in the Podiatry clinic.

Performs post-operative dressing application and removal and may be instructed to remove splints and/or casts and refurbishment of orthotics casing (add layers, glue, and file down).

Preforms triage, vital sign measurement, and documentation upon intake. Sets up for procedures, aids during procedures: passes medical instruments, needles, medicines, and ointments.

Completes appropriate CPRS progress notes and charting of all patient care provided, ensuring appropriate workload capture and encounter generation for treatment and visits are documented timely and accurately.

Performs administrative functions as necessary for clinical operations such as: consult management, documentation and encounter completion review, clinical chart reviews, scheduling and clinic utilization review, and other administrative management functions as necessary for effective clinical operations.

Provides patient education on home care and prevention of podiatric illnesses and infections.

Interacts with patients, visitors, staff, students, and volunteers in a courteous, helpful, cooperative, and compassionate manner contributing to the effective operation of both the service and the Medical Center.

Identifies and reports problems which negatively impact patient treatment and/or public relations in a timely manner through appropriate supervisory channels.

Responds positively and in a timely manner to customer requests for service or information seeking to continually improve customer satisfaction.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Podiatry)/PD10456A Physical Requirements: Work requires frequent waling, standing, stooping, lifting, bending, stretching, pushing, turning and at time carrying heavy loads.

Incumbent must utilize good mechanics. Manuel dexterity in handling instruments is required.