Health Technician - Podiatry

Summary

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.

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. Technical & Quality Responsibilities 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. Administrative & Training Support 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. General Clinic Operations 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. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician - Podiatry/PD00370A Physical Requirements: Works involves various physical demands requiring the employee to be versatile in the many functions performed. These include sedentary work performed at a desk with intermittent standing, walking, bending, and lifting of lightweight records and supplies (rarely exceeding 25 pounds). The demands may unpredictable requiring the incumbent to adjust accordingly. May be required to assist in transporting and transferring patients from wheelchair or stretcher to the examination environment. Will be responsible for moving equipment, as necessary. Sufficient hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to assemble and clean endoscopic instruments is required. The ability to bend, stoop, stretch, lift, and position patients is frequently necessary. Work Environment: Work is performed in a busy clinic setting. Procedures take place in the rear confined procedure area, behind closed doors. Work is also performed within full view and hearing of patients and the general public. There are moderate risks that require safety precautions. Employee is subject to exposure of communicable diseases and/or patients with diabetes or other morbidities. Patients may also have adaptive or life supporting equipment. The use of personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, gloves and protective clothing is required. Will have exposure to biohazard materials and sharps and will have close association with highly technical equipment. Travel: Occasional travel may be required to Fort Worth facility. Must maintain/obtain Driver's license to operate government vehicle.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/09/2026. 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. In addition to the Individual Occupational Requirements, 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-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. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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/.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application