at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in North Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary Vaccinations- COVID-19 fully vaccinated, NO EXEMPTIONS. Flu vaccination, preferred. This position is located in the Directorate for Fleet Medicine, Immunization Clinic Department of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC), in North Chicago, IL. This position is to provide supportive and direct clinic care in support of patient activities. The incumbent is required to work safely and with competence in providing immunizations, allergy medicines, and TB skin tests. Responsibilities Major Duties include but are not limited to the following: Immunization and Allergy Medications/TB Skin Test (70%} After confirming patient Identity and screening for contraindications, the health technician will provide tuberculin .skin tests {TST} and prescribed vaccines to eligible patients. Incumbent provides allergy serum to patients requiring immunotherapy as prescribed by the medical provider. All vaccines, TSTs and allergy sera are given under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Allergy sera are given only on days when the ENT/Allergist ls available for emergency care. Administers oral, intradermal, intranasal, subcutaneous and Intramuscular medication; with proper dosage drawn up as ordered by provider or specification In the standing orders; Interprets TST reaction after 48 to 72 hours and records administered TSTs Into the electronic and hard copy medical record. Interviews patient and Identifies risk factors for tuberculosis exposure. Refers patients with positive TST to the Preventive Medicine Division. Records immunizations and allergy serum administration into the electronic medical record (AHLTA), and hard copy medical record. Records Immunizations and TST for active duty members In the Medical Readiness Reporting System {MRRS), Reports and records vaccines and/or allergy sera administered on forms presented by patient or sponsor, e.g., Immunizations records for schools. Educates patient regarding each vaccine prior to administration In accordance with the vaccination Information statements (VIS), Due to potential for allergy and other adverse reactions from vaccination, Incumbent screens patients for contraindications before every vaccination, Patients that have received vaccines are observed for a minimum of 15 minutes post-vaccination and 20 minutes post-allergy Injection, Recognizes vaccination or Injection-related adverse health effects ranging from vaso-vagal response to anaphylaxis. Responds calmly and appropriately In emergency situations. Promotes and assists in the dissemination of information to patients or parents of patients regarding vaccine Information, Instructions on what to do if reactions occur post-vaccination. Disseminates Information regarding disease prevention through proper vaccination. Administrative Duties {30%) Performs and documents calibration of test equipment as applicable. Responsible for the safe and effective operation of assigned-medical equipment, and remains cognizant and compliant with all equipment preventive maintenance cycles. Establishes and maintains stock levels of all equipment, forms and consumable supplies necessary to fulfill the purpose of the Immunization Section. Maintains all equipment, Identifies malfunctions and Initiates corrections, Ensures supplies on hand do not exceed expiration dates, and replenishes those that are outdated, Ensures seamless. supply of vaccines and medications are available at all times, Ensures documented proof of vaccine cold chain whenever vaccines are moved or transported. Monitors vaccine refrigerator and freezer temperatures and initiates vaccine safety protocols when fixed storage equipment temperature Is not within acceptable ranges, Ensures physical security of needles and syringes in locked supply cabinets. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 4:00pm Retention Incentive: Authorized after 90 days in position Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description Number: 06308A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this 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. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/19/2024. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-05 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-04. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. 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-04, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. This is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Utilizing computerized systems. Experience working with patient conditions and medical interventions. Knowledge and understanding of clinical principles and impact on patient care. Communicating effectively orally and in writing. OR, Education: To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 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. Transcript is 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 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation. A transcript is required. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to Detail Communication Customer Service (Clerical/Technical) Patient Care 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 t
