Summary The Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT) serves in a generalist role to support Telehealth clinical programs from the patient location. The TCT functions under the supervision of an RN and/or MD but must successfully and consistently demonstrate the exercise of independent technical judgment without the need for readily available supervision. Responsibilities The TCT must have a thorough working knowledge of the most complex or difficult practices and procedures and serve as a leader or co-leader in a nursing unit or for a specifically identified group of patients. A position at this grade level requires broader knowledge and skills to include multitasking, planning, resolving problems and expediting work flow because supervision is more general: this employee is expected to be involved to a greater degree in the development, implementation and modification of treatment plans. LPN/LVN responsibilities include: Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT) is an LPN that serves in a generalist role to support Telehealth clinical programs from the patient location, while independently providing day-to-day programmatic oversight under general supervision to ensure Telehealth services are delivered seamlessly to the Veterans at the SVAMC, Kernersville HCC, Charlotte HCC and the Charlotte CBOC Serves as the site imager for Store and Forward Telehealth (SFT) applications and facilitator for real time Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) encounters and VA Video Connect (VVC} encounters Resource and trainer for CVT tele-providers, VA Video Connect (VVC) providers, as well as, the video teleconferencing system expert at his/her location with V-Tel and VVC equipment installation for clinical use, providing technical support, and other program support duties, as assigned Performs Telehealth imaging, including Teleretinal screening Performs Teledermatology, Teleortho and Telewound care as technology becomes available, as identified and referred by the primary care provider, other providers, and the imager The TCT is expected to exercise independent technical and/or clinical judgment and expected to possess and apply a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles of practical nursing Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the clinical video conferencing, training, SFT, and Telehealth clinics Uses independent technical knowledge and skills, complex in nature, which contributes to the Veteran's treatment plan and supports the successful completion of the Telehealth visit Implements, monitors, and facilitates feedback to the FTC on all new clinical Telehealth technologies and programs Contributes to the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures and facilitates the application at the patient and provider locations Conducts quality control procedures on equipment and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports and workload reporting Responsible for video-conferencing technologies, Telehealth technology and scheduling software to coordinate and connect staff, resources, patients and providers in the manner effective to delivery of services, patient care, education and training Responsible for any patient, staff education, training, documentation, and assistance with workload capture that is basic for the completion of the encounter Cross-trained to perform a range of direct care duties that may include, collecting vital signs and other clinical components of a primary care visit as directed by policy or clinic standard Performs personal care, diagnostic support duties and treatments according to procedure under the direction of the professional nurse in a timely manner Responds to patient's nursing needs, including physical and emotional comfort and recognizing deviations from the normal, involving patients and family Discusses difficult/complex Telehealth concerns with medical providers, case managers, and social workers when requests are made for specialty and/or primary care Telehealth to facilitate physicians' written orders for special and/or primary care Telehealth modalities or assistance Functions in a technical support role as the primary contact for the National Telehealth Help Desk (NTTHD) Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Teleretinal Imaging (TRI) Clinic Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Teledermatology Imaging (TD) Clinic Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not eligible Travel: Yes, 25% (Travel to Charlotte CBOC one-time per month) Functional Statement #:000000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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. 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. Must be able to meet physical demands which include strenuous physical activity to include carrying persons and equipment, walking long distances over difficult terrain, running, climbing, working long hours in primitive or arduous conditions, long periods of standing, and bending and stooping. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Education - Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Exceptions include health care education in the military service or training in the military service which is accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment OR granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school AND have at least one year of successful practice as an LPN/ LVN. Licensure - Active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico), of the United States or the District of Columbia. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade. GS-07: The GS-07 grade level is for select, complex LPN/LVN positions, as established by each health care facility. To be advanced, employees must meet all of the following standards, provided the standard is part of their assignment. Completion of at least one (1) year of additional qualifying experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent, fully meeting all of the performance requirements for the GS-06 LPN/LVN. The following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) must be met: Knowledge and skills necessary to care out more specialized patient care duties, including assignments in more complex inpatient and/or outpatient care settings. Ability to assist RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately prioritize overall patient care needs and adjust plans for care delivery making astute observations of subtle, less obvious changes (both physical and emotional) in patient's conditions and taking the appropriate action. Ability to proactively assist the RN or MD/OD in addressing patient's needs for medication/treatments, accurately administering prescribed medications/treatments and appropriately recording patient's response to medications/treatments received. Knowledge and skill to promptly recognize potential urgent or emergent patient care situations. Assists individuals or groups of patients and their families to take an active role in promoting health lifestyles for more positive outcomes. Exercises skill in influencing and communicating with unusually difficult to care for or communicate with patients and/or family members who may exhibit problems with lack of self-control, resistant or abusive behaviors, or impediments in their ability to understand or follow instructions. Skill, creativity, and initiative in contributing to the improvement of overall care delivery and patient and/or family satisfaction levels. Comprehensive practical nursing knowledge and skills in specialized procedures and practices to serve as a resource person for other staff in organizing and implementing more complex/specialized patient care. Ability to support the RN or MD/DO in monitoring the practice of unlicensed nursing or non-medical staff in patient care delivery. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Preferred Experience and Certifications Basic Life Support (BLS) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. NOTE: Current GS-0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who were converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) in implementation of Public Law 98-160, enacted November 21, 1983, or who was converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405 in implementation of Public Law 99-576, enacted October 28, 1986 are considered to have met the Education requirement. The waiver does not apply to persons appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405 after these conversions. Physical Requirements: Eligible applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. Depending on the essential duties of a specific position, usable vision, color vision, hearing or speech may be required. However, in most cases, a specific physical condition or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. Education IMPORTANT: 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/. Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. 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.