Health Technician - Outpatient Lab Job in Tyler, TX

Vacancy No. CAZM-12607903-25-KH Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $44,117.00 to $57,354.00 Grade 6 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/13/2024 Close Date 11/18/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Tyler, TX


Summary

The Outpatient Lab Health Technician functions as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team and is responsible for performing multiple duties where much of the work is in support of patient diagnosis and/or treatment.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to:

  • Collection of laboratory specimens (blood, urine, and stool). Processing of specimens by centrifuge to separate plasma and serum. Separation of specimens into correct tubes for transportation to various labs. Performs D- Sticks for Metabolic studies.
  • Obtains timely and appropriate blood samples as ordered per unit policies and procedures. Recognize abnormal lab values and reports to Charge Nurse and Physician.
  • Exercises sound judgment to identify patient care needs, implement treatment protocols and collect pertinent data.
  • Directs and supports patients in the implementation of unit protocols, treatment goals and provides input into the treatment and discharge plan. Instructs patients on their role in various procedures and metabolic protocols covering information previously discussed with the patient by the Physician or RN.
  • Reviews current treatment plan, CPRS records on assigned patients prior to initiation of any procedures or protocols, to ensure quality care.
  • Documents in the clinical record the patient's progress toward protocols, medical treatment needs and interventions; discharge planning and referral data.
  • Obtain venous blood samples by aseptic venipuncture technique from patients in the Outpatient Clinic
  • Proficiently collects blood samples with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising, or required resticks.
  • Verifies patient information and tests ordered in the computer system.
  • Specimens must be properly labeled and initiated, following specimen procurement policies and procedures.
  • Performs a range of support duties to include obtaining specimens, including, but not limited to, blood (phlebotomy), urine, feces, nasopharyngeal swabs, fecal occult blood specimens (FOBT kit).
  • Performs the processing of all clinical laboratory specimens and is responsible for the timely and proper distribution of specimens to the reference laboratories to include centrifuges, decants, and aliquots specimens as appropriate.
  • Responsible for proper disposition of laboratory waste in the laboratory.
  • Packages supplies and specimens for pick up or shipment, following established packaging requirements.
  • Obtains and documents patients' vital signs, 12 Lead ECGs and reports abnormal findings to PACT team members.
  • Moves, lifts, transfers, and transports patients as necessary.
  • Knowledge of pain scale monitoring
  • Incumbent is also responsible for monitoring technical equipment and performing maintenance and quality assurance on instrumentation.
  • Incumbent also monitors lab environment: such as temperatures, freezers, refrigerators and incubators to ensure that they are working as expected.
  • Incumbent has a general knowledge of Laboratory accreditation requirements that are recommended by CAP, FDA and Joint Commission.
  • Performs ancillary testing such as CLIA waived testing and operates instrumentation necessary for testing.
  • Completes eyewash station testing.
  • Performs urine pregnancy testing to include controls.
  • Perform quality control (QC) on glucose testing machine.
  • The incumbent must possess the ability to work with all levels of healthcare system personnel and willing to assist the healthcare system staff with a variety of laboratory policies and procedures.
  • The incumbent will have contact with veteran patients, family members, all levels of NTX staff including physicians, nurses, technicians, etc. The employee must be able to effectively interact with personnel at all levels of the facility and foster harmonious working relationships, and is expected to maintain an attitude of professionalism, courtesy, cooperation, and respect towards all contacts.
  • Patient/family teaching
  • Basic computer knowledge
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:00pm or 8:00am-4:30pm
May be required to work other shifts, be on call, work weekends and/or holidays as patient care and needs of the service require. Should operational needs dictate, candidates must be willing to work within other units (including community based outpatient clinics, for example) to assist and support continuation of the provision of care/services.
Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician - Outpatient Lab/PD05022A and PD549-5022A
Physical Requirements: The work on the Unit requires some physical exertion. The Technician must be able to transport patients by wheelchair or stretcher, patients who require observation or monitoring. The duties require extensive periods of standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling. It involves positioning patients and transferring patients to wheelchairs, chairs, and stretchers. The Technician must demonstrate some agility and dexterity to perform phlebotomy, IV therapy, laboratory procedures, and EKGs. The Technician must be able to work 8-12 hour shifts. Technicians must have the ability to function in stressful situations.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • 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.

Specialized experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS 05 in the federal service, that equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position and that is typically in and/or related to the position being filled. Specialized experience includes: Initiates patient care such as collection of laboratory specimens (blood, urine, and stool); documents in clinical record; promotes infection prevention control such as hand washing, wiping down exam tables or equipment in between patients; provides emergency care such as but not limited to: vital signs, patient condition, pain level and recognizes abnormal findings and reports to Charge Nurse.

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

There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

Documents Required:
  • Resume

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 11/18/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12607903.

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.

Agency contact information

VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
Address
Dallas VA Medical Center
4500 South Lancaster Road
Dallas, TX 75216
US
Learn more about this agency

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.