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.

Requirements

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) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: 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. Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.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/. Note: If your school has changed names or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/02/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13068067. 1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Required documents

Documents Accepted: Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Documents Required: Resume Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted. Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position. Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.