Launch Your Healthcare Career as a Health Technician at VA Puget Sound

Are you seeking a career that blends clinical support with a deep sense of service? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System is currently hiring Health Technicians to join our dynamic Patient Escort Service (PES). This role is perfect for those who are physically active, possess strong interpersonal skills, and want to support our nation’s heroes. As a Health Technician, you are the backbone of patient mobility, ensuring that every Veteran reaches their medical appointments safely and efficiently.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, your daily routine will be diverse and highly active. You will:

Mobility Assistance: Transport patients using wheelchairs, stretchers, and specialized medical beds.
Dispatch Operations: Manage a high-volume, centralized call center, responding to approximately 25 calls per hour.
Clinical Support: Assist medical staff during clinical emergencies and ensure safe transfers utilizing modern handling equipment.
Logistics: Procure and transport blood products and clinical specimens in accordance with strict laboratory safety policies.

Requirements

To qualify for the GS-4 level, candidates must demonstrate:

Six months of general experience (customer service, etc.) and six months of specialized experience (clinical/technical support).
Ability to pass a mandatory drug screening.
Commitment to the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, walking, and standing for extended durations.

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$40,922 - $53,202
Job Series	0640 Health Aid and Technician
Location	Seattle, Washington
Security Clearance	Not Required

Salary and Benefits

Beyond a competitive salary, the VA offers a comprehensive benefits package that is hard to beat in the private sector. This includes generous health and life insurance, the FERS retirement system with agency matching, and a robust leave policy where you earn both vacation and sick time from your first day.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Since May 2025, federal resumes are limited to two pages. Ensure yours is concise.
Be Specific: Do not force the hiring manager to guess your skills. Clearly document your hours per week and specific duties performed in every past role.
Prepare for Assessment: The USA Hire assessment is a critical component of your application. Utilize the practice resources on the OPM website.

Serving the Veteran community is a unique honor. If you are ready to bring your energy and compassion to a team that truly cares, we encourage you to apply for the Health Technician position today. Your skills and dedication can directly impact the quality of care provided to those who sacrificed so much for our country.

Why This Health Technician Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country by joining the VA Puget Sound Health Care System as a dedicated Health Technician.

Health Technician Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a compassionate and detail-oriented Health Technician to join the Patient Escort Service team at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington. In this vital role, you will provide critical mobility assistance, facilitate patient transport, and manage a centralized dispatch operation to ensure the seamless movement of patients and specimens throughout one of the nation's most complex healthcare systems. This is a direct-hire opportunity for individuals committed to the VA's 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.

Requirements for Health Technician

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must possess six months of general experience and six months of specialized experience (or equivalent education/combination).
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening for testing-designated positions.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Must be proficient in English.
Must be able to work unconventional shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Must maintain current vaccinations, including mandatory seasonal influenza requirements.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician

Experience in a clinical or hospital setting providing patient support.
Proven success in high-volume, fast-paced dispatch or call-center environments.
Demonstrated ability to maintain composure when assisting patients in distress.
Familiarity with Safe Patient Handling (SPH) equipment and techniques.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Federal Health and Life Insurance
✓Retirement Savings Plan (FERS) with government matching
✓Paid Annual and Sick Leave
✓Paid Federal Holidays
✓Opportunities for professional growth and training within the VA
✓Access to the VA's extensive wellness and support programs

💡 How to Apply Health Technician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Technician Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Attach all required documentation, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
Complete the online application and the required USA Hire Assessment.
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on September 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to ensure eligibility.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting and content requirements.
Be highly specific about your work experience, including hours worked per week and exact dates.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the online assessment in one or multiple sittings.
Check your application status frequently via your USAJOBS account dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Health Technician in this department?

You will serve as a key member of the Patient Escort Service, transporting patients via wheelchair or stretcher, managing a central dispatch line, and ensuring the timely delivery of medical specimens and products.

Is travel required for this position?

No, this is not a travel position. All duties are performed within the VA Puget Sound medical facilities.

Can I substitute my education for the work experience requirement?

Yes, you can qualify through a combination of relevant college education (at least 12 semester hours in health-related fields) and professional experience.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing care to those who have served is our highest priority. The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is a Level 1a facility—the highest designation for complexity—offering everything from critical care to specialized spinal cord injury units. We pride ourselves on the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.