The incumbent will serve as a Health Technician, with the facility title of Health Technician (Micro), organizationally aligned to the Microbiology Section, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. The incumbent is responsible to perform the duties to include, but not limited to, receiving and processing specimens including computerized accessioning, centrifugation, aliquoting, determining specimen acceptability, & delivery to the point of analysis.

Duties

The Duties of the Health Technician - Microbiology are not limited to the following: Receives specimens into the laboratory area following all applicable policies and procedures. Verifies patient identification and specimen labeling prior to acceptance into the laboratory. Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. Follows established protocol for handling of mislabeled/unlabeled specimens. Ensures acceptable orders have been placed by provider and accurately accessions specimens and maintains correct identification by name and/or accession number through each phase of processing/testing. Accessions tests into the laboratory computer system and ensures all applicable orders are utilized. Recognizes emergency testing situations and takes necessary action to direct the sample to the proper location. He/she notifies the laboratory staff of the need for emergent testing. Demonstrated ability to cope with stressful situations and troubleshooting to deal with problem samples. Processes samples as required following all applicable policies and procedures. Labels, relabels, and/or aliquots specimens when necessary. Responsible for microbiology set-ups to include plating and accessioning of microbiology samples following all established protocols. Ensures sound infection control practices are followed and that the correct personal protective equipment is used for tasks performed. Safely disposes of all chemical and biohazardous waste materials in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Performs and completes all proficiency and competency testing to meet deadlines and with satisfactory performance. Promotion Potential: GS-6 is the Full-Performance Level. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: 92086A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): 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, 12/31/2024. 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-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to the: Knowledge of laboratory procedures and terminology for all disciplines of the laboratory. Knowledge of regulatory and laboratory accreditation agency requirements surrounding laboratory specimen receipt, processing, and handling, in addition to various testing requirements. Knowledge of general laboratory policies and procedures such that the incumbent is able to communicate requirements to and answer questions from patients and clinical staff. 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/. Physical Demands The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform specimen processing as well as walking between different areas within the laboratory. The work involves utilizing a computer, visual acuity, and manual dexterity and the use of both hands. Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center 1481 West Tenth Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 US
• Name: Cammie Shakir
• Email: [email protected]