SummaryThe VA New Jersey Healthcare System is recruiting for GS-0640-6 Health Technicians (Mental Health) at the East Orange, NJ campus. The primary purpose of the position is to perform routine clinical procedures and tasks for which the incumbent has been deemed competent that do not require the judgement of a licensed health care professional. The incumbent functions under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and is responsible to the Nurse Manager in the assigned clinical area.Overview
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates03/25/2024 to 06/28/2024Salary$51,829 - $67,379 per yearPay scale & gradeGS 6Location2 vacancies in the following location:Remote jobNoTelework eligibleNoTravel RequiredNot requiredRelocation expenses reimbursedNoAppointment typePermanent -Work scheduleFull-time -ServiceCompetitivePromotion potentialNoneJob family (Series)Supervisory statusNoSecurity clearanceDrug testYesPosition sensitivity and riskTrust determination processAnnouncement numberCBTE-12365707-24-AMGControl number783325400This job is open toClarification from the agencyALL US CITIZENS. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.DutiesThe incumbent functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team in the acute inpatient psych setting. The incumbent may be trained in new procedures within scope and then assume duties as required to support clinical operations and patient care.Duties include, but are not limited to: Patient Centered Care: The employee collaborates in a team-oriented, customer-driven, professional environment to develop new models of care that emphasize prevention, improve access and coordination of care; educate and empower patients and their families; enhance the customer experience with positive human interactions and therapeutic alliances; and promote the coordination, continuity, and integration of care. The employee demonstrates flexibility, integrity, and accountability with a work ethic that emphasizes excellence and quality. Customer confidence is enhanced by professional dress and demeanor.Other Major Duties: Clinical Activities: 90% Plans and conducts therapeutic groups including but not limited to health teaching, coping skills, and recreational activities. Utilizes therapeutic alliances and PMDB techniques to prevent and de-escalate crisis situations. Collects and reports vital sign monitoring. Collects routine and urgent specimens as directed by the Registered Nurse. Monitors behavioral patterns and reports immediately deviations from the norm which may indicate dangerous or unsafe behavior. Participates in planning and implementation of individual treatment plans with the interdisciplinary care team. The HT recognizes emergency mental health situations such as suicidal ideation and intervenes by utilizing techniques to keep the patient safe while awaiting assistance per protocol. The HT performs constant observation for high-risk patients and follows procedures to ensure safety of room environment, maintaining line of sight visual surveillance, and reporting changes in patient behavior to the RN. Escorts patients to procedures and appointments as needed. Performs video surveillance monitoring (TMO) for up to 12 veterans. Performs other duties as assigned.Administrative Activities: 10% Schedules procedures, provider evaluations, and coordinates appointments with other services. Documents treatments and procedures that they have conducted in the electronic medical record. Orders and maintains specialized supplies needed for equipment and instruments used in assigned unit. Performs other duties as assigned.Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30PM. Tour/Schedule to be determined by Supervisor. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Mental Health)/PD39013A Financial Disclosure Report: Not requiredRequirementsConditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
Subject to a background/suitability investigation
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
May serve a probationary period
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
QualificationsTo 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:
Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology
Skill taking vital sign measurements, documenting deviations, and reporting results and recovery-oriented care
Knowledge of behavioral crisis situations and how to assist in the performance of rescue measures
Ability to assist patients safely, including patient handling
Knowledge of infection control practices
Knowledge of behavioral restraints, including application and safety considerations
Knowledge of Direct Line of Sight procedures
knowledge of electronic medical records, patient identification procedures, and information security
Preferred Experience: 1+ years acute mental health experience, psychology or related degree.There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level.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.EducationNote: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: .If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.Additional informationThe following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at .Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an .
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
