This position is located at the STVHCS and is aligned under the Surgical Service within the Otolaryngology Section. The primary purpose of this position is to assist the clinic physician by performing diagnostic procedures and technical tasks a in support of patient treatment and diagnosis by the physician. Incumbent requires a thorough knowledge of the operation of complex equipment and maintaining this equipment in an operational mode.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/07/2025. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail; Uses proper clinical procedures to perform medical tests (electrocardiography, pulmonary function testing, urinalysis, hematology, chemistry, immunology, microbiology, etc.); measures and records vital statistics or other health information; adheres to quality and infection control protocols; Effectively expresses information to multiple audiences through clear, convincing oral and written communications; demonstrates logical thinking when describing facts and concepts, and shapes communications to meet the needs of a specific audience; actively listens to others and demonstrates understanding of their comments and/or questions. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have one full year of graduate level education that meets the requirements for GS-07 grade level in Federal service in the subject area of medical, health or related fields. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education as described above. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to Detail Diagnostic Medical Testing Communications 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. Physical Requirements: The work requires some standing, walking, bending, lifting and carrying of light items. The work requires above average agility and dexterity. The work may require heavy lifting of equipment or patients. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Duties may include but are not limited to: The technician facilitates fiber optic laryngoscopic examination and assists the provider in the management of epistaxis. The technician provides complete technical support for pressure equalization tube placement, biopsies, botox vocal cord injections, transnasal esophagoscopy, rigid nasal endoscopy, sinus debridement, vocal cord injection for medialization of vocal cords, and other procedures as indicated. The technician performs complex procedures such as appropriately sizing tracheotomy tubes, suctioning tracheotomy tubes and laryngectomy stomas, or replacing tracheotomy tubes when indicated. The technician also provides patient teaching concerning tracheotomy and laryngectomy care. The ENT technician interfaces with personnel within the facility and related services outside the facility via e-mail, telephone, and face-to-face to provide the ENT clinic with support needed for optimal service to the Veteran. Contact is made with the patient to secure the confidence and cooperation of the patient by explaining rationale for clinic appointments or scheduling of a procedure. The incumbent must know and apply knowledge of medication, equipment and supplies used in the clinics so as to communicate with both the medical staff and the patients. The incumbent must have thorough knowledge of aseptic and sterile techniques and must apply these principles throughout examinations, test, and surgical procedures. Incumbent requires a thorough knowledge of the operation of complex equipment and maintaining this equipment in an operational mode. The technician is the consistent operator of equipment and teaches/instructs/coaches physicians and other health care providers in the use and care of this equipment. The technician is primarily responsible for transport of biopsy and culture specimens to the appropriate lab receiving area ("chain of custody"). Incumbent performs routine ear examination and removes cerumen from the ear utilizing instrumentation or irrigation. Once properly instructed on technique, the technician removes sutures and staples at the physician's request. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM -4:00 PM Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (ENT)/PD01133A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized