The Medical Technician position is assigned to Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Veterans Integrated Services Northwest Network (VISN 8), Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, in Bay Pines, FL. The Medical Technician carries out duties in phlebotomy, specimen processing, and responds to the Outpatient Lab and Central Specimen Processing Supervisors.
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. In addition to the language proficiency requirement, the following is also required: EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level in the Federal service 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. ~OR~ EDUCATION: 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. (Transcripts must be submitted at time of application) ~OR~ COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: An equivalent combination of post-high school education and 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. (Transcripts must be submitted at time of application) SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: 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 requirement for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration. 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 Skills Customer Service (Clerical/Technical) Patient Care Quality Assurance Specimen 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: 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. 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. The Medical Technician must have normal color vision correctable to 20/20. The position may also require assisting geriatric and/or disabled patients. 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/.
***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Serves as a Medical Technician in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. Performs specimen collection, examination, receipt, processing, and shipment procedures as well as phlebotomy in an inpatient and outpatient setting. Develops and maintains positive clear communications with all customers, including patients and visitors. Operates with a sufficient level of expertise (garnered through extensive and intensive specialized experience and on-the-job-training) to independently work with complex laboratory tests and laboratory equipment requiring advanced skill levels. Possess knowledge and skill to provide technical advice, review processes, inspect and correct physical safety issues, share in education and training, and execute problem solving applicable to test procedures and processes within the laboratory. Possesses extensive knowledgeable about the specimen requirements for each reference laboratory test, specific to the receiving reference lab. Reviews requests for laboratory testing to verify the accuracy and completeness of the order. Reviews specimen labels for completeness to include a minimum of two (2) patient identifiers, date / time of specimen collection, phlebotomist initial. Assesses specimen integrity for correct tube type; adequate sample volume; correct storage and shipping environment; sample is free of contaminants such as abnormal lipids (fats), high level of bilirubin present; or high level of red blood cells. Troubleshoots and resolves specimen label or specimen integrity issues to prevent delays in patient care. Communicates with the patient's care team to resolve lab order discrepancies and/or special needs. Identifies unusual test results or discrepancies/conditions that can be erroneous results (instrument malfunction, conditions of test performance, reaction systems, specimen integrity, and/or test procedures). Demonstrates knowledge of quality control & quality assurance procedures on elaborate and complex laboratory instrumentation sufficient to ensure test accuracy and precision. Performs clerical duties while maintaining exemplary customer service, a high level of patient privacy, and ensuring laboratory safety and security. Receives telephonic inquires and communicating results to appropriate personnel using exemplary customer service and professionalism. Performs other duties as assigned. 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. Work Schedule: Part-time, 20 hours per week; Hours vary; Rotating weekends and holidays required Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved