Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical) (Advanced)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Marshalltown, IA, United States
Summary
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) supports the provision of patient care using telehealth technologies which increase a Veteran's access to care and support a Veteran's self-management. The position involves developing and delivering virtual and digital technologies that help Veterans communicate synchronously and asynchronously with their health care teams and coordinate, track, and manage their health care.
Qualifications
United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States
After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, non-citizen personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405, without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States
Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned
Experience and Education
(1) Experience
One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical assistant (or technician) or health technician
OR (2) Education
Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation
OR (3) Experience/Education Combination
Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable
Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health‑care related courses such as biological science, surgical technician courses, nursing assistant or other courses related to the position
or an associate's degree in a health‑care related field
or (b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health‑care technicians – hospital corpsmen – or medical service specialists given by the U.S. Armed Forces
Certification
None English Language Proficiency
A candidate will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74 to serve in a direct patient‑care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English
See chapter 2 – section D – paragraph 5a – this part
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
Grade Determinations: Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical) – GS‑7 (Advanced) Experience
One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
Experience at the GS‑6 grade level includes – but are not limited to – screening patients for Telehealth modality and referring patients that do not meet established criteria to appropriate care
Communicating effectively with administrative and professional staff – and obtaining assistance for issues that may arise or backlogs that cannot be resolved in a timely manner
Responsible for performing imaging duties in accordance with VHA national telehealth guidelines such as: capture and transmission of clinical images and/or data – obtains consent as necessary – generates consults according to established procedures for each telehealth specialty – transmits images or clinical data to the electronic medical record – provides patient education regarding general anatomy, disease processes and prevention as appropriate – and takes appropriate action based on the provider's findings and recommendations
Responsible for facilitation of real‑time Telehealth encounters by providing hands‑on assistance and reporting clinical observations under the direction of a licensed independent Practitioner or clinical specialist
Schedules – confirms and coordinates Telehealth services between internal and external VA and non‑VA sites
Analyzes own workflow to determine potential problem areas and recommends corrective action to improve coordination between various units/facilities
Has regular contact with the Facility Telehealth Coordinator to work out process issues– equipment needs – problems – data collection and any other logistical issues
Responsible for conducting routine inventories and consistently tracking location/status of Telehealth technology located at assigned site
Communicates with National Telehealth Technology Help Desk to facilitate troubleshooting – repair – and coordination of replacement equipment as necessary
Demonstrated Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs
(a) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze – evaluate and resolve problems
(b) Knowledge of quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
(c) Ability to function effectively between competing priorities
(d) Knowledge of proper maintenance and troubleshooting of telehealth equipment
(e) Ability to work with a team to provide technical guidance – plan – organize and coordinate activities of a health technician to effectively complete job duties such as distributing workload, monitoring status and progress, and monitoring accuracy of work
(f) Ability to assist in Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical) development, outcome management and strategic planning
(g) Ability to perform successful knowledge transfer regarding the use of telehealth technologies
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Driving: Driving is a requirement for this position. You must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license for the duration of employment
You will be required to complete a driving physical
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process for this position
Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Duties
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well‑being and live their lives to the fullest
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements – seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well‑being
Total rewards of an Allied Health Professional: Major duties include but are not limited to coordinating, installing, maintaining, and managing the inventory of telehealth technologies including hardware and software with assistance of Biomed and IT
Providing established standardized competency‑based training – guidance – and information on the use of advanced telehealth technologies to patients, staff, and providers
Providing established standardized competency‑based training for telehealth technology – facilitating interactive simulations for clinical staff participating in telehealth programs
Participating in performance improvement activities aimed at improving the efficiency of the patient telehealth processes
Developing reporting procedures – sampling techniques and measurements at various points in the telehealth processes to identify and analyze inherent weaknesses in work and procedures
Coordinating clinic set‑up and monitoring of workload capture and issues for assigned patient and provider clinics including telehealth resource‑based scheduling
Supporting designated complex telehealth programs that require advanced technical skillsets
Preparing the clinical environment, which may include preparing medical and telecommunications equipment to be used for clinical examination and treatment
Serving as a telepresenter—within scope of practice—during clinical video telehealth (CVT) and VA Video Connect (VVC) encounters
Serving as an imager and manager of clinical data for store‑and‑forward telehealth (SFT) clinical encounters, including tasks such as capturing images, collecting data, and transmitting them electronically for clinical review in accordance with VHA national guidelines
Ensuring that patient privacy is protected by complying with all information security and patient privacy regulations
Ensuring assigned telehealth technologies are secured, ready for use, and accounted for by preparing and tracking maintenance work orders, information systems, inventory records, and communicating with National Telehealth Technology Help Desk to facilitate troubleshooting, repair, and coordination of replacement equipment as necessary; arranging and completing test video calls with Veterans to prepare them for clinical encounters using telehealth technologies
Ensuring information and resources are maintained for local and remote telehealth providers so they can effectively execute contingency and emergency plans
Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 7:30 am‑4:00 pm. Compressed/Flexible: Not available.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (above minimum rate of the grade).
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13‑26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year; selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with a total family income below $144 000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25 % of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children, up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % contributions by VA Insurance. Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) supports the provision of patient care using telehealth technologies which increase a Veteran's access to care and support a Veteran's self-management. The position involves developing and delivering virtual and digital technologies that help Veterans communicate synchronously and asynchronously with their health care teams and coordinate, track, and manage their health care.
Qualifications
United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States
After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, non-citizen personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405, without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States
Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned
Experience and Education
(1) Experience
One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical assistant (or technician) or health technician
OR (2) Education
Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation
OR (3) Experience/Education Combination
Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable
Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health‑care related courses such as biological science, surgical technician courses, nursing assistant or other courses related to the position
or an associate's degree in a health‑care related field
or (b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health‑care technicians – hospital corpsmen – or medical service specialists given by the U.S. Armed Forces
Certification
None English Language Proficiency
A candidate will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74 to serve in a direct patient‑care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English
See chapter 2 – section D – paragraph 5a – this part
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
Grade Determinations: Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical) – GS‑7 (Advanced) Experience
One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
Experience at the GS‑6 grade level includes – but are not limited to – screening patients for Telehealth modality and referring patients that do not meet established criteria to appropriate care
Communicating effectively with administrative and professional staff – and obtaining assistance for issues that may arise or backlogs that cannot be resolved in a timely manner
Responsible for performing imaging duties in accordance with VHA national telehealth guidelines such as: capture and transmission of clinical images and/or data – obtains consent as necessary – generates consults according to established procedures for each telehealth specialty – transmits images or clinical data to the electronic medical record – provides patient education regarding general anatomy, disease processes and prevention as appropriate – and takes appropriate action based on the provider's findings and recommendations
Responsible for facilitation of real‑time Telehealth encounters by providing hands‑on assistance and reporting clinical observations under the direction of a licensed independent Practitioner or clinical specialist
Schedules – confirms and coordinates Telehealth services between internal and external VA and non‑VA sites
Analyzes own workflow to determine potential problem areas and recommends corrective action to improve coordination between various units/facilities
Has regular contact with the Facility Telehealth Coordinator to work out process issues– equipment needs – problems – data collection and any other logistical issues
Responsible for conducting routine inventories and consistently tracking location/status of Telehealth technology located at assigned site
Communicates with National Telehealth Technology Help Desk to facilitate troubleshooting – repair – and coordination of replacement equipment as necessary
Demonstrated Knowledge – Skills – and Abilities
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs
(a) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze – evaluate and resolve problems
(b) Knowledge of quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement
(c) Ability to function effectively between competing priorities
(d) Knowledge of proper maintenance and troubleshooting of telehealth equipment
(e) Ability to work with a team to provide technical guidance – plan – organize and coordinate activities of a health technician to effectively complete job duties such as distributing workload, monitoring status and progress, and monitoring accuracy of work
(f) Ability to assist in Health Technician (Telehealth Clinical) development, outcome management and strategic planning
(g) Ability to perform successful knowledge transfer regarding the use of telehealth technologies
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Driving: Driving is a requirement for this position. You must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license for the duration of employment
You will be required to complete a driving physical
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process for this position
Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Duties
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well‑being and live their lives to the fullest
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements – seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well‑being
Total rewards of an Allied Health Professional: Major duties include but are not limited to coordinating, installing, maintaining, and managing the inventory of telehealth technologies including hardware and software with assistance of Biomed and IT
Providing established standardized competency‑based training – guidance – and information on the use of advanced telehealth technologies to patients, staff, and providers
Providing established standardized competency‑based training for telehealth technology – facilitating interactive simulations for clinical staff participating in telehealth programs
Participating in performance improvement activities aimed at improving the efficiency of the patient telehealth processes
Developing reporting procedures – sampling techniques and measurements at various points in the telehealth processes to identify and analyze inherent weaknesses in work and procedures
Coordinating clinic set‑up and monitoring of workload capture and issues for assigned patient and provider clinics including telehealth resource‑based scheduling
Supporting designated complex telehealth programs that require advanced technical skillsets
Preparing the clinical environment, which may include preparing medical and telecommunications equipment to be used for clinical examination and treatment
Serving as a telepresenter—within scope of practice—during clinical video telehealth (CVT) and VA Video Connect (VVC) encounters
Serving as an imager and manager of clinical data for store‑and‑forward telehealth (SFT) clinical encounters, including tasks such as capturing images, collecting data, and transmitting them electronically for clinical review in accordance with VHA national guidelines
Ensuring that patient privacy is protected by complying with all information security and patient privacy regulations
Ensuring assigned telehealth technologies are secured, ready for use, and accounted for by preparing and tracking maintenance work orders, information systems, inventory records, and communicating with National Telehealth Technology Help Desk to facilitate troubleshooting, repair, and coordination of replacement equipment as necessary; arranging and completing test video calls with Veterans to prepare them for clinical encounters using telehealth technologies
Ensuring information and resources are maintained for local and remote telehealth providers so they can effectively execute contingency and emergency plans
Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 7:30 am‑4:00 pm. Compressed/Flexible: Not available.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (above minimum rate of the grade).
Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13‑26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year; selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full‑time employees with a total family income below $144 000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25 % of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children, up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % contributions by VA Insurance. Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.
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