HEALTH CARE TECHNICIAN II

8308F1

Pay Grade: 20

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is advanced technical work in a variety of specialized areas in which an employee is responsible for administering a specialized test, procedure, or function of patient care.

Work involves operating electroencephalograph or electrocardiograph equipment; performing hydrotherapy treatment procedures; and work may include training or instructing staff in a health care specialty or procedure.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.

Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant.

Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required.

Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Health Care Technician I class in which the incumbents assist professional staff in the diagnostic care, treatment and medical research of patients in a medical or institutional setting.

Differs from the Licensed Mental Health Technician classes in which the incumbents perform paraprofessional work for the active treatment of patients in a state-operated treatment facility for the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Relaxes, positions and informs patient with regard to the test and/or treatment procedure to be administered.

Operates electroencephalograph equipment to produce a record of brain waves; selects appropriate combinations of instrument controls and electrodes to produce quality tracings.

Operates electrocardiograph equipment to produce tracings of variations in electrical potential produced by the heart, and forwards the information to the cardiovascular division computer, to produce an initial printed and visually presented interpretation of the electrocardiogram.

Attaches holter-monitor electrodes to patients to record an electrocardiogram on magnetic tape.

Prepares hydrotherapy tanks and associated equipment; submerges burn patients in tanks and performs treatment procedures such as dressing changes and cleaning burns with appropriate instruments and solutions or the application of prescribed medications.

May provide orientation, technical instruction and/or on-the-job training in a specific health care/treatment specialty to subordinate health care technician and other staff.

Performs basic audiologic screening.

Directs preparation of medical and surgical instruments, equipment and supplies for sterilization; ensures proper loading of autoclave carts and functioning of autoclaves; oversees centralized storage, inventory and distribution of medical supplies.

May plan, assign and evaluate the work of a staff performing direct patient care, including the administration of simple therapeutic treatments and/or procedures.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge

Knowledge of electroencephalographic principles, techniques, terminology and equipment.

Knowledge of standard and specialized techniques of electroencephalographic procedures.

Knowledge of medical emergencies occurring in laboratories and proper responses.

Knowledge of the principles of patient care, including those relating to first aid, ward housekeeping and patient needs.

Knowledge of operating room techniques and procedures, including sanitation.

Abilities

*Ability to adapt available equipment and supplies to solve laboratory problems of a new or unusual nature.

Ability to recognize machine malfunctions and make minor repairs.

*Ability to relax patients and explain procedures in a clear, concise manner.

*Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with professionals.

Ability to meet precise limits, tolerances, or standards in positioning electrodes or in recording graphs and photos.

*Ability to relate to the patient with empathy and understanding while following test procedures and manipulating machines and equipment with care and exactness.

*Ability to function as a member of a group of technicians.

*Ability to function with complete effectiveness under conditions of stress.

*Ability to work with speed and accuracy in critical situations.

*Ability to follow oral and written directions in detail and to prepare necessary records and reports.

*Ability to maintain a sympathetic attitude for patients.

*Ability to perform routine procedures accurately.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

One year of experience in direct care.  Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

Necessary Special Requirements:

Some positions require an approved drug test unless promoting, transferring, or demoting from another designated position within the same agency.  Some positions require a valid driver’s license.

NC:   06/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05
REV: 06/08