The Central Texas Health Care System is recruiting for a highly qualified Medical Technician for our Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service located in Temple, Texas.

Duties

The Medical Technician serves as a phlebotomist and specimen collection handler in the Specimen Handling Section, wards and outpatient clinics. Work may be performed in the laboratory or in patient care areas. Major duties include but are not limited to: Performs phlebotomy (venipuncture) and urine specimen collection on patients ranging from minimally to critically ill who may be hard to draw. Works as a phlebotomy technician, obtaining venous blood specimens from adults using knowledge of human anatomy, aseptic technique, and phlebotomy material selection (i.e. vacutainer, syringe, butterfly). Uses judgment in selection of phlebotomy site based upon the patient's condition, age group, and type of test to be performed. Prepares phlebotomy site for proper specimen collection, based upon knowledge of blood specimen types, request forms, anticoagulants and transport conditions testing procedures. Assists in training other personnel (employees and student trainees) in proper phlebotomy and specimen collection techniques. Performs processing procedures (centrifugation, splitting specimens into aliquots under the guidance of others, requiring knowledge of the correct type tube, amount of specimen needed, and procedure to be followed according to the test requested). Performs glucose tolerance testing by administering pretest substances, drawing blood at specific time intervals. Assists in disinfecting and closing the Phlebotomy Room at the end of the shift. Contacts Medical Staff in handling patients in cases of fainting, convulsions, and illness. Conveys to the patient the intention of performing a phlebotomy while showing understanding and empathy for the patient's condition. Following initial instruction or by following SOPs, receives specimens and accompanying request forms for any of the tests that can be performed, and checks each for proper identification. Performs accessioning procedures by use of computer system; labels specimens and request form, where applicable, with Accession No. labels; and distributes specimens to the laboratory Sections responsible for performing the test, including transfer of the specimen and request to an outside laboratory when required. Files results of completed laboratory tests. Insures proper identification of patients. Clearly labels specimens after drawing with patient's name, identification number (SSN), phlebotomist's initials, collection time, and date as required. Follows universal precautions, and infection prevention and control guidelines in the performance of all procedures, wears task appropriate PPE, disposes of needles and contaminated waste, and patient isolation requirements in the performance of all procedures. Follows proper procedures in the storage and disposal of needles and syringes. Maintains adequate stock of supplies, inventories supplies as needed and informs Supply Tech of requirements in order to replenish the present stock. Rotates stock as needed to insure supplies are used according to expiration dates. Occasionally serves as receptionist at the laboratory front desk, greeting and processing patient lab orders, providing them with appropriate guidance, answering nontechnical inquiries, and referring technical inquiries to the appropriate laboratory staff member. Similarly, receives other persons visiting or calling the laboratory reception area. Trains employees and student trainees in venipuncture, specimen processing, etc. Insures that standard operating procedures for the assigned section are followed and kept current. Understands requests issued by medical staff and recognizes proper medical staff to contact for clarification of request, if necessary. Assists the receptionist in accessioning patients and in providing instructions for testing (i.e. clean catch urines, GTT's, 24 hour urines, etc.). May be assigned the duties of Acting Supervisor for the section during brief, specific times during the absence of the Supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 4:00pm - Midnight, rotating weekend and holidays. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician/674-4937A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination programs are requirements for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/02/2023. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-03 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. General Experience is defined as: (l) Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Specialized Experience is defined as: experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: (a) Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings OR (b) technical support work in a closely related field, e.g., biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of (a) an associate-degree course of study of which the 2nd year of the 2-year program included successful completion of a training course of approximately a year's duration in a certified laboratory assistant school approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency; (b) 1 year of study that included 6 semester hours in chemistry and/or the biological sciences, plus successful completion of the training course as described in (a) above for GS-3; OR (c) 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours of chemistry and/or biological science course work that must have been directly related to the specialization of the position to be filled. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education. Note: If education is used to meet specialized experience requirements, then such education must include courses directly related to the work of the position. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Specimen Collection Customer Service Patient Care Quality Assurance Computer Skills Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); pushing (4 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking (4 hours); standing (4 hours); kneeling (2 hours); repeated bending (4 hours); both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; both eye required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of of colors; hearing (aid permitted); far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other; mental and emotional stability required. The work requires extensive and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending, walking, stooping, sitting, and stretching. The incumbent must have the digital dexterity and adequate vision to perform safe venipuncture procedures. Lifting will not exceed a weight of 10 pounds. The incumbent must fully utilize all safety practice and equipment provided by the medical center, and in compliance with local and accrediting agency requirements. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Contacts

• Address VA Central Texas Health Care System 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive Temple, TX 76504 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]