Launch Your Career as a Health Technician with the Department of Defense
Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The Naval Branch Health Clinic in Philadelphia is currently seeking a motivated Health Technician (Occupational) to join their team. This is a unique opportunity to provide high-quality healthcare services to military personnel and their families within the framework of the Defense Health Agency (DHA).
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician, your primary role is to ensure the occupational health of our military force. Your daily duties will include:
- Patient Screening: Conducting thorough medical and occupational history interviews.
- Clinical Testing: Performing vision, vital signs, spirometry, audiometry, and EKG procedures.
- Quality Assurance: Reviewing test results for accuracy and referring abnormal findings to nursing staff or providers.
- Documentation: Managing electronic medical records and verifying that all ancillary studies are ordered correctly.
- Administrative Support: Assisting with patient scheduling, clinical communication, and facility supply management.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent. This includes specific, hands-on experience in clinical screening and medical documentation. Note that for this specific role, education cannot be substituted for the required experience.
Comparison of Key Factors
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job Grade | GS-07 |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Experience | 1 Year Specialized |
| Security Clearance | Secret |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $55,602 to $72,285 per year, inclusive of locality pay. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy the comprehensive federal benefits package, which includes:
- Robust health and life insurance options.
- Participation in the federal retirement system (TSP).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Access to government-wide professional growth and training programs.
How to Apply
Application for this position must be handled through the official federal employment portal. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer, as excess length will disqualify your application. You must also include the number of hours worked per week for each job listed on your resume to verify your specialized experience.
This role is an excellent chance to contribute to the mission of the Department of Defense while sharpening your clinical skills in a professional, supportive environment. If you meet the qualifications, don't wait—submit your application before the November 5, 2026, deadline.
Why This Health Technician (Occupational) Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency as a Health Technician in Philadelphia and play a critical role in supporting the occupational health and readiness of our nation's military personnel.
Health Technician (Occupational) Job Overview
The Naval Branch Health Clinic in Philadelphia is seeking a dedicated Health Technician (Occupational) to provide essential healthcare services. In this role, you will act as a vital member of the medical team, ensuring that personnel receive necessary screenings, medical histories, and clinical tests required for workplace health and safety. This position is being filled under Direct Hire Authority, streamlining the process for qualified professionals to join the Department of Defense team.
Requirements for Health Technician (Occupational)
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in the federal service.
- Experience must include patient history intake, physical exam review, and performing clinical screenings (vision, vitals, spirometry, audiometry, EKGs).
- Must be able to pass a background check and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must be willing to submit to mandatory drug testing.
- Must be available for a one-year probationary period.
- Resume must not exceed two pages; longer resumes will not be considered.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Occupational)
- Strong proficiency in clinical documentation and maintaining patient medical records.
- Demonstrated ability to follow complex standard operating procedures in a clinical setting.
- Strong communication skills for patient interaction and coordinating care with nurses and medical providers.
- Experience managing clinical office administrative tasks including scheduling and supply management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal government health insurance plans.
- ✓Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
- ✓Retirement program including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Eligibility for potential recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified individuals.
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Occupational) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Occupational) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your specialized experience (max 2 pages).
- Complete the online questionnaire through the application portal.
- Upload required supporting documentation (e.g., cover letter, performance appraisals).
- Submit your full application package by the closing date of November 5, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be precise with your dates; ensure your resume lists start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position.
- Use plain language and avoid internal jargon or obscure acronyms.
- Submit your documents well in advance to account for virus scanning delays.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before finalizing your submission; the agency will not assume missing information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the security clearance requirement for this job?
This position requires a Secret security clearance and is classified as a noncritical-sensitive/moderate risk position.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this specific position requires one year of qualifying specialized experience. Education cannot be substituted for the experience requirement.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Per the job announcement, resumes exceeding two pages will be automatically removed from consideration.
Is a drug test required?
Yes, this position requires pre-employment and potentially ongoing drug testing.
Is there room for growth?
While this specific opening has no promotion potential, it serves as a valuable entry point into federal service.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a mission-critical integrated healthcare system that delivers world-class medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members and their families. As part of the Department of Defense, the agency is committed to improving health outcomes and ensuring military readiness anytime, anywhere. Working here means being part of a dedicated team of inspired professionals striving for excellence.