Health Technician - Veterans Administration

General Requirement. Vancro is seeking an experienced Health Technician (HT) to perform direct care services primarily in the Residential Program in the Domiciliary Service located at Menlo Park Division of the Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) at 795 Willow Road, Building 347, Menlo Park, California, 94025. This is a full-time position and will start on or about 1 January 2023.

Environment. The HT will work under the Domiciliary' s 100-bed residential treatment

program. The treatment program has within the one residential program two treatment tracks, "Unhoused Track" and "Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Track" with a length of stay ranging from 3 to 6 months. In addition, in the building, there is an 8-bed medical Isolation Unit for Veterans. This section of the building is specifically for Veterans initially entering residential treatment. Veterans are housed in the Isolation Unit for 7 to 10-day monitor for any indications that they may have contracted COVID-19 prior to joining the program's Veteran general population. This unit is required by the VAPAHCS to reduce any risk of transmitting the COVID-19 virus to other Veterans in the residential program. The age of patients treated and cared for are between the ages of 18-80 years of age. The position requires the HT to possess or develop an understanding the types of patients and specific needs. Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved.

Skills you will bring:

• Knowledge of anatomy to understand how the human body functions
• Understanding of medical terminologies to be familiar with procedures, instructions, and medications
• Ability to exercise patience in dealing with patients who may prove difficult
• Good temperament to handle patients' agitations and complaints during treatment process
• Technical know-how of medical testing equipment to operate them properly
• In-depth knowledge of computers, information systems, Microsoft Office Suite and data management
• Able to quickly learn and utilize proprietary software programs used by the VA
• Ability to multitasking and accomplish several tasks during a shift
• Able to operate on a team or as an individual
• Ability to carry out instructions effectively in line with doctors' directive
• Must be physically strong to move and stand, and to carry both patients and equipment
• Able to communicate effectively, displays respect and courtesy with veterans and family members
• Skillfully handle conflict, able to formulate a place and deal with issues
• Experience with behavior patterns common to persons who have experienced homelessness and/or to persons diagnosed with a SUD.
• Ability to work with patients and families who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and
• Social problems utilizing individual, group, and family counseling skills
• Perform services in accordance with ethical, professional, and technical standards of the healthcare industry consistent with VA policy, regulations, procedures and protocol
• Proficient in the English language; speak, read and write

What You are Required to Do:

• Proficient in taking vital signs, record EKGs, collect patient specimen and laboratory testing, perform phlebotomy and administer injections. to be tested in the laboratory; and instruct patients on specific specimen needed
• Ensure "chain of custody" is implemented with all lab specimens and personal records
• Stay close to psychiatric patients, observing their every move to prevent them from causing harm to themselves and to people around them
• Administer medication to patients in accordance with the doctor's instruction and persuade patients to follow medication diligently for their own benefits, including taking of drugs and engaging in therapeutic activities
• Bathe and groom patients, especially when they are in severe conditions and can't do such things by themselves
• Aide patients' movement from one place of treatment to another and get them the needed items they cannot get by themselves
• Take stock of medical instruments in the unit and refill those in short supply to avoid obstruction of treatment due to unavailable instruments
• Clean equipment used for treatment, service them periodically, and facilitate repairs in the event of damage; also, carryout total maintenance procedures to keep equipment running well
• Facilitate or co-facilitate the daily/evening community meeting, clinical groups, classes on topics such as communication skills, problem solving and relapse prevention
• Manage an assigned caseload of Veterans or assist clinical staff
• Attend all required staff meetings, case manager meetings, and monthly service meetings.
• Complete all required clinical documentation; treatment progress notes, treatment plans, notes indicating treatment plan change, and daily log for shift as required
• Comply with Federal and State privacy laws by processing patient forms and ensuring that all patient medical records are accurate and organized for Physicians and other medical staff.

Education:

• Associates Degree – Patient Care Technician, Medical Assisting or similar recognized professional program.
• Certification in Addiction Studies and/or Certification in Drug and Alcohol Counseling
• Meet or exceed recognized National Standards as established by the Joint Commission and shall perform the services in accordance with the ethical, professional, and technical standards of the VA
• Minimum 1-year experience working with homeless individuals and/or individuals with substance use disorders

Good To Have:

• Prior experience working with the VA or similar type environment
• Prior military

What We Can Offer:

• Above average compensation package
• 28 paid days off per year
• 401K
• Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)

Current Openings for Health Technician Veterans Administration Jobs at Vancro Incorporated