This position is located within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the VA Medical Center located in Newington, CT.

Duties

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Major duties include but may not be limited to: Performs blood collection using a variety of phlebotomy techniques such as vacutainer systems, syringe, butterfly, and/or capillary finger sticks. Utilizes a computerized phlebotomy list and performs data entry associated with phlebotomy. Identifies patient before any blood specimen by checking ID bracelet and correctly labels all specimen draws. Responds in a timely and appropriate manner to all urgent requests. (i.e., STAT, ASAP and Routine). Adheres to blood borne pathogen standard precautions and follows safety policies, when performing phlebotomy. Delivers specimens to Laboratory ensures proper transport container is used. Starts glucose tolerance procedures and collects remaining specimens at required times. Sorts and processes specimens received in central specimen receipt area of department in order of priority for best patient results and to meet turnaround time goals. Uses problem solving skills identifies and corrects any problems arising with the received specimens. Handles relevant phone calls for the clinical and/or anatomic accessioning areas and resolves issues based on knowledge and experience. Maintains accurate and orderly operational and quality control logs, records and worksheets. Performs other specialized procedures as directed in Hematology, Special Hematology, Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Blood Bank (blood gases) and in Microbiology (blood cultures). Maintains a clean, neat and safe work area. Collects pre-employment urine specimens, performs related paperwork and delivers specimens to the mailroom. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved 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

All applicants must meet the English Language Proficiency described below: 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. ~AND~ To qualify for this position at the GS-05 level, you must meet at least one of the following: EXPERIENCE: At least 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. (Resume should clearly document this experience to be creditable.) ~OR~ EDUCATION: 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 appropriate to the position to be filled. (Transcripts must be submitted at time of application) ~OR~ COMBINATION: Equivalent combinations of post-high school educationand 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) In addition, all applicants must meet the Selective Placement Factor described below: This position includes a Selective Placement Factor (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration. Resume(s) should clearly document this experience to be creditable. The Selective Placement Factor for this position is: Experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients. 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. Physical Requirements: The work requires moderate standing, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching, walking, bending, lifting light/moderate objects (

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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Contacts

• Address West Haven VA Medical Center 950 Campbell Avenue West Haven, CT 06516 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]