Health Technician - Podiatry

The Primary Purpose of the Position is: The principle duties and responsibilities of the incumbent are within the Podiatry Department. The primary duty is to provide patient care, supporting diagnostic and treatment procedures, patient charting and patient education, which do not require a full professional podiatry education or knowledge and skills represented by podiatry licensure. Support functions include both direct patient care and administrative duties.

The Health Technician (Podiatry) serves as a key member of the Podiatry care team, providing both clinical and administrative support to podiatry staff and other care team members. The role supports outpatient and inpatient podiatry services and ensures high-quality, efficient, and safe care for Veterans.

Major Duties:

Clinical Support

• Assist podiatry staff in the care of patients receiving outpatient and/or inpatient services.
• Obtain patient histories and conduct focused podiatric observation and examination procedures.
• Interview patients and review records to identify allergies or contraindications prior to procedures.
• Perform podiatric instrumentation under direct supervision, including routine nail care and minor callus paring.
• Conduct glucometer checks, monitor radiology and lab test results, and assist in obtaining and processing cultures.
• Provide ongoing monitoring of patients with foot ulcers; perform redressing and callus care between visits.
• Perform diabetic screening and monofilament testing for low-risk diabetic Veterans.
• Participate in diabetic educational classes and assist with creating educational displays or materials.
• Assist with surgical preparation and minor procedures, including placing/removing blades from instruments.
• Take and prepare foot impressions.
• Support vital signs intake, documentation in CPRS, and safe patient transport.

• Maintain proficiency using CPRS and other department tracking programs.
• Follow established podiatry protocols using manual or instrument techniques; report results appropriately.
• Conduct quality-control procedures on equipment and supplies; maintain proper records for workload and quality tracking.
• Ensure proper levels of disposable and non-disposable supplies and maintain instruments in working order.
• Monitor safety conditions (ventilation, lighting, seating) and report hazards promptly.

• Ensure technical work assignments of the unit or team are completed.
• Provide on-the-job training to new employees following established policies and procedures.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert and preceptor for new clinic personnel.
• Assist co-workers in performing procedures and managing efficient patient flow.
• Answer and screen calls from patients regarding podiatry needs; respond to routine inquiries.
• Document and code patient encounters and manage electronic supply orders.
• Verify incoming orders to ensure components are accurate and functional.
• Resolve simple informal patient or staff complaints; elevate formal complaints to the Section Chief.

• Support timely completion of podiatry exams and contribute to meeting patient access goals (target: 90% access and reasonable wait times).
• Assist patients in getting on/off examination tables and handling footwear as needed.
• Locate, set up, and position necessary equipment and accessories for podiatry procedures.
• Stock department supplies; perform general maintenance tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and restocking cabinets and equipment.
• Build rapport and cooperation with patients during procedures.

Individual Occupational Requirements

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled.

OR

Education and Training

For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: MANAGES AND ORGANIZES INFORMATION - Ensures that all supplies including wound care products are stocked in the rooms as well as maintained, removing all expired products.; MEDICAL INFORMATION - Involvement with wound care management and treatment.; TECHNICAL COMPETENCE - Utilizes instrumentation for small procedures including nail debridement and callus pairing under direct supervision. ; TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION - Proper documentation/logs of procedures.; and SAFETY ENGINEERING - Ensures that clinic areas remain clean and free of any obstruction, or known violations of policies.. OR,
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must possess a graduate education or an internship which meets the specialized experience required above GS-5. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) OR,
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond a Bachelor Degree.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• All 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.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

• 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.