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

Patient Phlebotomy and Accessions Laboratory Orders - 50% 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 and collection/acceptance of other body fluids such as urine or sputum 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 Clinical and Administrative Support - 50% Must be able to respond to, report, and assist in emergency situations Must know preliminary procedures for the care of patients who bruise, become sick, arrest or faint while having blood drawn Observes and reports patient's physical or mental changes or unusual situations encountered (for example, patient in crisis) to appropriate personnel Demonstrates self- control in difficult or emergency situations with minimal assistance Monitors supply inventory, rotates stock and minimizes outdating Responsible for determining that no outdated reagents, tubes, etc., are in work area or in use Requests additional supplies as needed using established protocols Performs a range of diagnostic and support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 patient 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 Maintains knowledge of the correct care of precleaning/disinfection of reusable medical equipment (RME) . Preferred applicants will possess and maintain a current, unrestricted driver's license due to the requirement for Health Technicians to travel to surrounding clinics. Work Schedule: 6am - 2:30pm (May be required to work varied day tours depending on the needs of the Laboratory) Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: phlebotomy, specimen accession, clerical duties and point of care testing. This person has the following major areas of responsibility: (1) Collect blood specimens by venipuncture (2) Accessions specimens into the computer system, using both automated and manual methods; (3) Specimen processing; (4) Performance of waived testing (5) Answers questions relative to patient specimens and testing; (6) Instructs and assists new staff members; OR Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a Bachelor's or equivalent degree, or 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. Transcript/s must be submitted with your application or you will not receive credit. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Selective Placement Factor (SPF): Selective Placement Factors represent a knowledge, skill, or ability that is essential for successful job performance and cannot reasonably be acquired on the job during the period of orientation/training customary for the position being filled. The SPF for this position is: You must have performed blood draws on a live human patient within the last year. 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.

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.

Contacts

• Address James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard Altoona, PA 16602 US
• Name: Tawana McKinney
• Phone: 937-516-0843
• Email: [email protected]