Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to deliver safe patient care as well as administrative support to the above specialty service. Through guidance of the Chief - the incumbent works with the specialty service to provide phototherapy treatment to patients with many skin conditions.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Individual Occupational Requirement: This position's duties range widely in type and include support duties to medical and health personnel. You must have technician experience which is experience that requires application of the knowledge - methods - and techniques of the Surgical Technician position to be filled. In addition to the Individual Occupational Requirement - you may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: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: 1) Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with - understands - and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. 2) Helps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor. 3) Works and communicates with clients and customers (e.g. - any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit provides - including individuals who work in your agency or in other agencies or organizations outside the Government) to satisfy their expectations. Committed to quality services. OR - Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a successful completion of at least One half year of graduate education (9 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field directly related to the work of the position to be filled. OR - Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education as described that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. 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. Preferred Experience: Knowledge of collecting vital signs - minor surgery room set-up and post-up wound care follow-up. One year of outpatient clinic experience. Experience in photo-therapy UVA light administration. Experience as a Health Technician. 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.

Duties

• Duties include - but are not limited to: Coordinates and performs all duties and procedures associated with the operation of the dermatology phototherapy unit - at the Miami VA Healthcare System
• Receives and interprets physician orders for phototherapy - screens patient to verify eligibility criteria (medical history - presenting complaints - current medications - skin type - allergies - contraindications - social/emotional factors - educational level)
• Assesses the patient's learning needs and his/her ability to be taught
• Explains treatment thoroughly in terms that the patient understands by discussing - patients diagnosis - type of ultraviolet light (UVA or UVB) - treatment scheduled - expected outcome - potential side effects - safety measures - and treatment options
• In the absence of the R.N. - prepares minor surgery room assuring that supplies and sterile equipment is available at all times
• Assures that all safety related policies and procedures are up-to-date and conform to current regulations (e.g. - CAP - FDA - JCAHO - VA - and DOT)
• Reports any deficiencies to the Registered Nurse or Provider and implements correction of unsafe conditions
• Routinely checks units for proper functioning and compares internal dosimeter with external meters
• Utilizes appropriate templates to document
• Documents all treatments - education - and/or abnormal findings and notifies the physician immediately of abnormal findings
• Reviews pre-requisites laboratory and ophthalmology test results after reviewing the within normal range determined by the Dermatology Physician - and ensures that these test are followed up by the patients yearly
• Reports abnormal findings to physician or Registered Nurse (RN)
• Performs a MED (minimal erythema dose) test as ordered by the physician
• Determines the proper starting dose of UVL (according to orders/protocols/guidelines) after fully gathering information from the patient - works-up a treatment protocol with the assistance of the physician and establishes realistic goals with the patient
• Work Schedule: 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Dermatology)/PD054300 Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary - although some slight physical effort may be required
• There may be some walking - standing - bending - carrying of light items - etc.