Mental Health - Health Technician

Full Job Description

The Orlando VA Medical Center is seeking a Health Technician (Mental Health) to join our Nursing Service Mental Health Unit.

This position provides technical, patient care, and administrative support for inpatient psychiatric and substance abuse treatment units.

The incumbent plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment while promoting recovery and dignity for Veterans.

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

GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience includes: Providing patient care and support in behavioral health or mental health settings, including psychiatric or substance-abuse treatment units.

Assisting with detoxification and recovery programs. Monitoring and documenting vital signs, observing changes in patient behavior or condition, and reporting findings to the clinical team.

Applying Preventive Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) techniques. Performing diagnostic support tasks such as collecting and labeling specimens for laboratory analysis.

Communicating effectively with patients and multidisciplinary health care teams. OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-06 level.

You must have 6 months of graduate education or an internship where it is directly related to the work of the position.

OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-06 level.

To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned).

Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-06.

For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e.

50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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.

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. Major Duties:

The Health Technician (Mental Health) provides technical, patient care, and administrative support to the Mental Health Unit.

This position assists the interdisciplinary team in delivering behavioral health services for patients with psychiatric, substance abuse, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.

The role includes direct patient care, diagnostic testing, safety monitoring, crisis intervention, and clerical support to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment.

The major duties include, but are not limited to: Assist the interdisciplinary team in caring for patients with psychiatric, substance abuse, PTSD, and other behavioral health conditions.

Observe, collect, and document patient behavior, vital signs, and changes in condition; report findings to nursing staff.

Perform diagnostic tests such as EKG, glucometer readings, urine drug screens, and breathalyzer tests; record and communicate results.

Escort patients to appointments and therapeutic activities; maintain therapeutic boundaries and promote recovery.

Conduct patient safety checks, contraband searches, and camera monitoring; perform one-to-one observation as needed.

Identify and escalate suicide or self-harm risks; intervene in crises using PMDB techniques and assist with restraints/seclusion when required.

Respond to emergencies (CPR, rapid response, disruptive behavior incidents, fires, disasters). Document patient care accurately in CPRS/EHR; maintain records from admission through discharge.

Provide clerical support including scheduling, secure messaging, ROI forms, and supply management. Mentor and train new Health Technicians; participate in team meetings and patient groups.

Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment; operate and maintain medical equipment (vital signs machines, AED, EKG) Designated Drug-Testing Position: 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. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.

Work Schedule: Full-time; 12-hour day shift (07:00AM-7:30PM), rotating weekends and holidays Position Description Title/PD#: Mental Health - Health Technician/PD06911A Physical Requirements: Regular and recurring periods of standing and walking.

Occasional bending, lifting (45 pounds or more), reaching, carrying, pushing, stooping, and stretching. Ability to assist in therapeutic application of physical restraints.

Strength and stamina to perform duties, including sitting at a desk for extended periods and operating office equipment. Visual and auditory acuity for patient observation and communication.

Ability to use telephones and keyboards for documentation and communication.