The incumbent serves as a Health Technician (HT) in the VAMC Pittsburgh Laboratory. The Health Technician is an integral part of the team and many times is the initial contact for the Laboratory customers. Important interfaces and collaborations also occur with larger health care system providers including VA and Non-VA specialists, hospitals, diagnostic and treating facilities, and community-based programs.

Duties

The incumbent serves as a Health Technician (HT) in the VAMC Pittsburgh Laboratory. The Health Technician is able to perform duties in the Laboratory setting to include, but is not limited to: phlebotomy, specimen accession, clerical duties and point of care testing. This person has the following major areas of responsibility: Collection of blood specimens by venipuncture, accessions specimens into the computer system, using both automated and manual methods, specimen processing, performance of waived testing, answers questions relative to patient specimens and testing, instructs and assists new staff members, and additional duties as assigned. Patient Phlebotomy and Accessions Laboratory Orders Performs a range of diagnostic laboratory support duties such as collection and labeling of specimens for the Laboratory. Performs repetitive diagnostic tests and procedures such as venipuncture for collection of blood specimens. Uses proper sterile techniques for collection of samples. Adheres to special instructions, such as coordination of transportation of lab specimens in accordance with laboratory protocols on ice, deliver immediately, protect from light, etc. Verifies the patient as the individual denoted on the request/labels using two approved forms of identification and assures all tubes are labeled with at least the patient's full name, full social security number, date and time of draw, and initials of individual obtaining specimens. Adheres to safety, infection control, and standard precautions at all times while drawing blood or performing testing. This includes, but is not limited to, such things as removing tourniquets, and wearing appropriate PPE to include gloves. Must be proficient in the area of phlebotomy, being able to draw all even the most difficult patients and follow proper procedures for redrawing blood. Responds to calls for assistance from the nursing staff in the collection of blood on the most challenging patients. Blood samples are collected with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising, or requiring redrawn specimens. When performing special drawing procedures such as collecting timed specimens, inform patient and nursing staff in procedure to be followed prior to, during and after the test in order to obtain the specimens at the required time. Provides other assistance to patients and customers as needed, including giving directions and accurately answering questions not limited to laboratory services. Clinical and Administrative Support: Monitors supply inventory, rotates stock and minimizes outdating. Responsible for determining that no outdated reagents, tubes, etc., are in work area or in use. Requests additional supplies as needed using established protocols. Performs a range of diagnostic and support duties such as reporting deviations to the provider, labeling and then transporting specimens to the laboratory. Performs Point of Care testing as ordered. Cleans and assures equipment in working order and reports any malfunctions. Provides patient care that is appropriate to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult/geriatric patients. Serves as support for patients, families, visitors, and staff by providing guidance and direction on hospital policy and procedures. Demonstrates sensitivity and compassion in interactions. Testing: Incumbent is responsible for waived patient testing. The individual is required to prepare the patient or sample for testing, prepare the reagents (if necessary), perform the test procedure, verify the accuracy of the results, and report the results in VISTA. The incumbent performs established quality control procedures to check the accuracy and validity of the test results. Any deviations in quality control are documented and reported to the supervisor. Prior to reporting patient test results, the incumbent takes action to correct the quality control deviations. Incumbent handles specimens in accordance with the current test procedure, identifies unusual results or discrepancies/conditions which cause erroneous results. Uses high degree of expertise to determine the validity of results and the potential for invalid results. Performs follow up testing to confirm abnormal results. Work Schedule: Full-time and part-time (24 hrs/wk) available. Multiple Schedules, rotating shifts: 0530-1400, 0600-1430, 0630-1500, 0700-1530, 0730-1600, 0745-1615, and 0830-1700. Rotating holidays, weekends, and on-call. Primary located at University Drive Campus, may require coverage at Monroeville VA Medical Clinic Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD01803A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/28/2023. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Collecting blood specimens by venipuncture, specimen processing, use of computer systems for processing, and answering patient questions relative to the procedure. 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 full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. *Note: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience are also qualifying. The combinations described below are those most typical for these positions, i.e., for grades GS-3 through GS-5. If education is used to meet specialized experience requirements, then such education must include courses directly related to the work of the position. 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. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for GS-5. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to DetailSpecimen CollectionTechnical Competence 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: The work involves long periods of standing and walking with regular recurring bending and lifting. It also involves computer, keyboard, and telephone work. 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.

Contacts

• Address Pittsburgh VA Medical Center 1010 Delafield Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215 US
• Name: Ashley Bethke
• Phone: 412-822-1956
• Email: [email protected]