This position works for the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) and covers the following major sections: Chemistry, Immunology, Urinalysis, Hematology, Coagulator, and Toxicology. This position is located in Pensacola, FL.

Duties

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** The major duties include but are not limited to: Utilizes knowledge of the P&LMS computer system pertaining to collecting, receiving, and accessioning samples, to include adding, deleting and reporting of results. Performs various types of venipunctures using needle and syringe, evacuated tube systems, fingerstick procedures, butterfly adapters and bleeding time systems as necessary. Performs and reports finger stick glucose analysis. Responsibilities include utilizing knowledge of proper tube to be used, the correct amount of blood to be drawn, and proper specimen identification procedures. Collects and/or evaluates suitability of specimen for testing, prepares it, carries out the tests ordered and other ones if indicated. Performs laboratory verification of outpatient glucose meters with educational assessment of patient's whole blood glucose testing technique. Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of non-routine and specialized test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Performs the following tests: Hematology - Performs cell counts and differentials on blood with smears when necessary, and reticulocyte counts Coagulation - Performs Prothrombin Time and Partial Activated Prothrombin Time tests. Microbiology - Prepares specimens to be shipped to Biloxi and/or reference laboratory. Urinalysis - Performs routine urinalysis. Chemistry - Performs routine and stat testing procedures. Checks analysis and makes determinations based on Anion Gap or other physiological interpretation as to whether the results are compatible and if further testing is required. Performs complex tests such as total lipid profiles, hormone levels and iron binding capacities. Immunology - Performs routine testing to detect infectious diseases such as HCG'S and H. Pylori. Toxicology - Performs routine and stat drug testing that include therapeutic drugs. Perform other related duties as assigned Work Schedule: Various shifts, Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm, 7:30am - 4:00pm, 8:00am - 4:30pm; Possible weekends and extended hours. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: May be authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: 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. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.

Requirements

Qualifications

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position. EXPERIENCE: One (1) full year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level, that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is: (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. At this level, specialized experience should include experience performing a variety of relatively standardized tests, examinations, and determinations. The procedures and techniques are well-established but involve many meticulous sequential steps to complete a test; and following written procedures which give carefully detailed instructions on each step of the assigned test and examinations. ~OR~ EDUCATION: Successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects appropriate to the position to be filled. (Transcripts must be submitted at time of application) ~OR~ COMBINATIONS OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Equivalent combinations of post-high school education and specialized experience, as described above? Note: only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience. (Transcripts must be submitted at time of application) You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Computer SkillsCustomer Service (Clerical/Technical)Patient CareQuality AssuranceSpecimen Collection IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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; religious; 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. 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

IMPORTANT: 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.

Contacts

• Address Biloxi VA Medical Center 400 Veterans Avenue Biloxi, MS 39531 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]