The position is located at the Orlando VA Medical Center, Pathology and Laboratory Service. The selectee will perform work in a clinical laboratory providing a range of technical functions to include blood-drawing procedures, assisting patients and specimen processing. The selectee will provide assistance of a technical specialized or support nature to health and medical personnel in the diagnosis or treatment of patient illness or medical conditions.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/19/2025. This occupational series has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) which is a minimum qualification requirement. To be considered for the position, you must ensure that the experience is reflected in your resume and/or if applicable, transcripts must be uploaded to support education requirement or substitution. Specialized Experience For positions at GS-4 and above: (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. OR, For GS-5: 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. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration. Experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients. 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-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: (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. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed 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. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Computer Skills Customer Service (Clerical/Technical) Patient Care Quality Assurance Specimen Collection 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. 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. 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 Page 7 of 8 procedures. Data entry includes patient information, test orders, and other critical data in a computer that may result in physical problems from the effects of repetitive motion and eyestrain. Specific visual requirements include vision for both eyes, depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, and the ability to read ordinary type without strain. The incumbent must have adequate hearing (aids permitted), and the emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations. 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/.
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Provides assistance of a technical specialized or support nature to health and medical personnel in the diagnosis or treatment of patient illnesses or medical conditions. Performs a range of diagnostic support duties such as taking and labeling specimens for the laboratory. Adheres to safety, infection control and universal precautions at all times while drawing blood. (This includes such things as site preparation, removing tourniquets, wearing gloves and protective gowns, and following all isolation procedures while drawing patients. ) Performs standard diagnostic test or procedures such as venipunctures for collection of blood specimen, bleeding time and timed collections, according to written protocol or as directed by the physicians or other professional staff. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Performs blood-drawing duties in a courteous manner. Makes the patient feel as comfortable as possible. Explains the procedures and positions patient for standard procedures. Instructs patients in the proper midstream urine collection, 24-hour urine collection, collections of specimens for culture and sensitivity. Receives request for testing into the Laboratory. Functions as a resource person for VAMC personnel on specimen collection requirements and patient preparation for any lab request. Verifies the accuracy and completeness of request through the use of VISTA or CPRS computer systems. Interacts with hospital/clinical personnel to correct discrepancies. Receives samples for testing into the laboratory, labels specimens, centrifuges and processes samples and distributes them to the appropriate area (i.e. Chemistry, Hematology etc.). Verifies identifiers such as patient identification, time of sample, type of test requires. Identifies unusual conditions and discrepancies which may cause erroneous test results. Receives and relays incoming telephone calls and messages. Provides general or basic information. Maintains the laboratory facilities and equipment. Controls supplies and maintains and controls laboratory records. Maintains the blood drawing room, including the replacement of supplies as needed. Keeps the appropriate staff informs of any needed supplies in a timely manner and is responsible for ensuring no outdated supplies are left on the shelves. Supports the testing and examination procedures carried out in a medical laboratory by coordinating the general flow of specimens from the phlebotomy area to the individual sections to the laboratory. Picks up and transports specimens from other blood drawing areas to the main laboratory for processing and distribution. Ensures appropriate handling and timely delivery of specimens. Work Schedule: DAYTONA: Mon-Fri, 7:00am - 3:30pm; VIERA : Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:00pm; ORLANDO: Rotating 8 hour shifts including weekends and holidays Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician/PD08001A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized