Duties
Major duties include but are not limited to;
- Specimen Receipt and Processing - Receiving and preparing requests for testing and specimens into the clinical laboratory and verifies the accuracy and completeness of the request. Identifies unusual conditions and discrepancies, which may cause erroneous test results. Accessions all requests into the hospital computer system. Uses order entry by multipurpose ordering option and other laboratory computer options such as accessioning by ward order entry. Follows procedures for processing biological specimens, understands sample requirements for tests and clearly communicates those requirements. S/he separates and routes the specimens to the specific laboratory section that performs the testing. S/he assists healthcare personnel (MT/MLS/CLS) who deliver specimens by directing them to place the specimens in the proper location based on the type of testing and the laboratory section. Recognizes emergency testing situations and takes necessary action to direct the specimens to the proper location. S/he notifies the laboratory staff of the need for emergency testing. Demonstrated ability to cope with stressful situations and troubleshooting to deal with problem samples. Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions to operate various types of laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers, and eyewash stations. Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment used.
- Reference Laboratory Specimen Processing - Receives all specimens that are sent to commercial reference laboratories for testing. The individual must be knowledgeable about the specimen requirement for each reference laboratory test and the test ordering procedures for each of the reference laboratories. S/he verifies proper patient preparation, specimen collection, and specimen transport requirements for all reference laboratory tests. Identifies unusual conditions and discrepancies that may cause erroneous test results. S/he makes sound decisions independently and takes appropriate action to correct and solve problems pertaining to reference laboratory tests.
- Community Based Outpatient Clinics Test Ordering Review - Collect specimens for laboratory testing and transport them to the Roseburg VA laboratory for testing.
- Patient Care Testing Duties - Performs a limited amount of patient testing. Prepare the specimen or patient for testing, prepare reagents (if necessary), and add to the appropriate instrumentation. Exposure to chemicals exists, so safety protocols must be followed.
- Clerical Duties - Answers incoming calls to relay accurate information, perform disposition of add-on orders, function as a resource person and troubleshooter, assists clinical personnel in executing laboratory information system order entry and results options, prepares referral specimens for shipment, contacts physicians for clarification of request and justification of need for send-out testing, packages and ships containers following regulatory guidelines, maintains shipping certification, assists the laboratory in functions such as checking temperatures and other duties as needed.
- Phlebotomy Duties - Draws blood from outpatients for requested laboratory testing. This includes using special drawing techniques, assuring that proper tubes are used, and the correct amount of blood is drawn. Verifies the patient as the individual denotes on the request and labels all tubes with two unique identifiers including patient name, social security number, DOD ID number, date, and time to insure proper identification.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, off on Thursday's; 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/PD30652A
Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a laboratory atmosphere and requires regular and physical exertion such as walking, bending, recurrent standing, and moderate lifting. The work requires specific physical characteristics and abilities and dexterity needed to perform intricate analytical and technical procedures. Entering patient information, test orders, and data in a computer may result in physical problems form the effects of repetitive motion and eyestrain. Laboratory instrumentation makes constant noises which could lead to hearing loss over long periods of exposure. The position may also require assisting geriatric and/or disabled patients. The incumbent must have normal color vision.
Work Environment: The work involves moderate risks or discomfort associated with working in a clinical laboratory with regular and recurring exposure to hazards such as infectious materials, chemicals, electrical appliances, and loud noises. The incumbent takes special safety precautions and must use protective clothing and devises such as gloves, face shields, eye protector, and safety shields in accordance with OSHA guidelines. The incumbent's dress and personal appearance should reflect the professional image of a healthcare worker.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.
Resume Reminder - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:
- Job title
- Duties (be as detailed as possible)
- Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
- Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
- Salary/Rank etc.
- Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
- References, current or recent supervisor
Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
- Classified or Government sensitive information
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Photos of yourself
- Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
The experience stated in your resume must support your assessment responses.
Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
Required Documents
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- Other (1)
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Documents Required:
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
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.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/01/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12577589.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Participation in the seasonal influenza program is 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.