Health Technician - Phlebotomist (Specimen Collection and Processing)

• Draws blood from patients for requested laboratory tests, while observing the proper order of the draw. Verifies patient identity using 2 unique identifiers. Labels all tubes per protocol in front of the patient and verifies correct labeling by confirming label with the patient. Assures proper tubes are used, and that the correct amount of blood is drawn. Processes samples for analysis and/or dispatch to reference laboratories, ensuring the physiologic state of the specimen is maintained. Advises other laboratory personnel or healthcare workers on appropriate collection and handling of specimens. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks (such as centrifuges). Maintains courteous interactions with all patients and staff, addressing situations promptly as they arise. Performs specialized patient sample collections per individual laboratory requirements such as Blood Culture, Blood Bank Specimen Verification, and other specialized sample collections. Treats adverse reactions to phlebotomy. Adheres to established protocols ensuring correct patient identification and sample collection, including age and patient safety criteria. Advises patients in the proper collection, storage and transport of self collected samples. Identifies quality control variations and initiates corrective action to correct the problem within established guidelines. Performs daily quality control to assure reagents, equipment and temperatures are within recommended guidelines. Performs laboratory upkeep duties such as light housekeeping duties ensuring laboratory cleanliness and stocking supplies. Adheres to safety, infection control, Universal Precautions and HIPAA standards at all times. Packages specimens for shipment in accordance with Department of Transportation guidelines. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30 pm. Monday- Friday with alternating weekends and Holidays, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. NOTE: Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement, with various work schedules assigned based on the staffing needs of the Specimen Collection and Specimen Processing section. Potential additional tours include 9:30am -6:00pm, 10:30am-7:00pm, 6:00am-2:30pm, or 6:30am -3:00pm. Shifts will be discussed during interview. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician - Phlebotomist (Specimen Collection and Processing)/PD07332A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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/.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. All 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. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: The work requires extensive and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending, lifting, walking, stooping and stretching. The work requires manual dexterity and a large degree of concentration. A pre-placement evaluation maybe be required.

Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct;

the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Resume Requirement: Your resume must include the following information: Job title description of duties beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment average hours worked per week The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.

Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply.

Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.

HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students.

HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement.

Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.