CLASS CODE: 5519
PAY GRADE: 011

CLASS TITLE:HEALTH SUPPORT TECHNICIAN - F/C

ALLOCATION FACTOR(S)

This is work involving the provision of health support services under the supervision of a pharmacist, a physician, a surgeon, a nurse, or other medical practitioner in one of the following areas: (1) dispensing or distributing prescribed medication and assisting in performing other prescribed treatment; (2) performing health support functions in a mobile health clinic and outlying clinic sites; (3) taking samples of blood and other specimens; (4) operating electroencephalograph equipment; or (5) molding and removing plaster casts for patients. The employees(s) in the positions(s) allocated to this class must spend a minimum of 75 percent of their time performing duties which involve contact with patients/inmates in a correctional or forensic facility or institution.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

(Note: The examples of work as listed in this class specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position. Examples of work performed are not to be used for allocation purposes.)

  • Sets up, administers, and records medication issued or treatment given.
  • Makes rounds, and assists physicians and nurses in physical examinations, and the care and treatment of patients.
  • Sets up trays for surgery, passes instruments and sutures to surgeon.
  • Takes weights and measurements of patients and blood pressure readings.
  • Draws blood samples and performs routine laboratory tests for diabetes and tuberculosis.
  • Assists in keeping medical records and maintaining inventory of medical or pharmaceutical supplies.
  • Delivers pharmaceuticals or drives mobile clinic to assigned locations and keeps the clinic and all equipment in operating order which includes minor maintenance and repair.
  • Obtains specimens, separates the specimens into component fractions for subsequent testing and transports specimens to the laboratory.
  • Collects and completes medical information for appropriate hospital, clinic, or pharmacy based reporting statistics and research projects.
  • Schedules patients for electroencephalograph tests.
  • Abstracts relevant information from the patient's clinical record and obtains additional information by questioning.
  • Prepares patient for tests to include measuring and marking cranial area and fastening electrodes to specified positions.
  • Operates electroencephalograph equipment to record patients' brain waves, studies wave characteristics during tests to detect evidence of brain disorders and the need for localizing tests, and labels graphs with identifying information.
  • Assists in casting patients by applying dressings and plaster for holding broken bones in position.
  • Removes casts using electric cutter, spreader and shears.
  • Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

(Note: The knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of this class. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities may be applicable for individual positions in the employing agency.)

  • Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
  • Knowledge of basic pharmaceutical terminology and calculations.
  • Knowledge of basic computer software.
  • Skill in using medical instruments or testing equipment.
  • Skill in using unit dose equipment, unit dose pump, and heat sealers.
  • Skill in calibrating liquid unit dosing equipment and dose exchange systems.
  • Skill in taking blood pressure readings.
  • Ability to interview patients and obtain a complete medical history.
  • Ability to follow instructions.
  • Ability to keep accurate records.
  • Ability to distribute prescribed medications.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Completion of a training program to become a licensed practical nurse, a medical technician, or electroencephalograph technologist, or a certified nursing assistant; or
  • Completion of a certified pharmacy technician program, possession of a certificate of award, and one year of providing pharmacy technical services; or
  • One year of experience assisting in molding and removing casts for patients; or
  • One year of experience in providing nursing or direct patient care services of a medical nature in a public health, medical or clinical laboratory; hospital; clinic; infirmary; nursing or convalescent home; or correctional or forensic facility or institution.

EFFECTIVE:

2/13/1998

HISTORY: