Health Technician (Surgical)

Summary

Health Technicians (Surgical) for the Phoenix Indian Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ. The Surgical Technician will provide surgical scrub technician support for surgical operations ranging from minor surgical procedures to more complex and extensive surgical procedures. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Duties

Responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures. Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure, ensures all supplies and equipment are available prior to surgical procedures. Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies and equipment. Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time. Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures. Prepares prosthesis and surgical devices during procedures. Recognizes potentially hazardous situations (e.g., frayed cords, water on floor) and takes corrective actions. This position is being announced concurrently under Merit Promotion and Excepted Service procedures. Please review vacancy announcement number IHS-26-HQ-13020521-ESEP/MP; for eligibility requirements. NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. 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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Monitoring and maintaining aseptic technique throughout procedures; coordinate or participate in the positioning of patients, using body stabilizing equipment or protective padding to provide appropriate exposure for the procedure or protection; and maintaining an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment; OR Completed 1 year (18 semester hours) of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position; OR Possess a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for this GS-07 grade level. Note: Only education beyond a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation can be used to qualify as education when using the combination of education and experience option and transcripts are required to qualify using this option. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: In addition to the minimum requirements, the following certification is determined to be essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of a particular position. Applicants who do not meet a selective placement factor are ineligible for further consideration. Must attach copy of certification. Certified Surgical Technician (CST) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA); OR Certified Technician in Surgery (TS-C) by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

If you are substituting education for experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation. 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. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.