The incumbent serves as a phlebotomy /lab Health Technician in the Community Based Outpatient Clinics. The Health Technician is an integral part of the team and many times is the initial contact for the patient. The Health Technician provides clinical and administrative support to a wide variety of support services in the CBOCs. The Health Technician is able to perform duties in ambulatory care setting.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes but are not limited to: Knowledge of providing direct patient care to patients including venipuncture, EKGs, obtaining vital signs, and assisting with emergency response Ability to recognize signs of a medical emergency and respond appropriately utilizing knowledge of BLS principles and basic first aid Ability to work as a member of a team, communicate professionally, take delegation from nursing and providers, and multitask well Active AHA BLS preferred Preferred experience: At least 1 year experience in performing phlebotomy/venipuncture Note Please ensure your resume detail the special experience needed for consideration. OR Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, if required OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of education and experience equivalent to the requirements for a GS-5.Note: Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to 1 year of specialized experience. Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-05 level. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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. Physical Requirements: Rotation of tours of duty and/or overtime may be required. Requires pushing, pulling and lifting no greater than 20 pounds over a 12 hour period. Requires the ability to function in stressful situations.
Performs a range of diagnostic laboratory support duties such as collection and labeling of specimens for the Laboratory. Performs routine repetitive diagnostic tests and procedures such as venipuncture for collection of blood specimens and collection/acceptance of other body fluids such as urine or sputum. Uses proper sterile techniques for the collection of samples. Adheres to special instructions, such as coordination of transportation of lab specimens in accordance with laboratory protocols on ice, deliver immediately, protect from light, etc. Verifies the patient as the individual denoted on the request/labels using two approved forms of identification and assures all tubes are labeled with at least the patient's full name, full social security number, date and time of draw, and the first initial, last name of individual obtaining specimens. Adheres to safety, infection control, and standard precautions at all times while drawing blood or performing testing. This includes, but is not limited to, such things as removing tourniquets and wearing gloves. Must be proficient in the area of phlebotomy, being able to draw all but the most difficult patients and follow proper procedures for redrawing blood. Responds to calls for assistance in the collection of blood on the most challenging patients; blood samples are collected with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising, or required restocks. Uses hospital computer system to accurately perform routine work such as reviewing and accepting lab orders, gathering information required to complete assigned duties, and researching and resolving problems. Assists patients and their representatives with log-in procedures for phlebotomy and other laboratory testing. Provides other assistance to patients and customers as needed, including giving directions and accurately answering questions, not limited to laboratory services. Must be able to respond to, report, and assist in emergency situations. Must know CPR and preliminary first aid procedures for the care of patients who bruise, become sick, arrest or faint while having blood drawn. Observes and reports patients' physical or mental changes or unusual situations encountered (for example, patient in crisis) to appropriate personnel. Demonstrates self-control in difficult or emergency situations with minimal assistance. Monitors supply inventory, rotates stock and minimizes outdating. Responsible for determining that no outdated reagents, tubes, etc., are in work area or in use. Orders or requests additional supplies as needed using established protocols. Performs a range of diagnostic and support duties such as vital signs and weights including reporting deviations to the provider, labeling and then transporting specimens to the laboratory, and assisting the provider in a variety of diagnostic examinations by positioning, draping patients and providing instruments. Performs EKG's as ordered. Cleans and assures equipment in working order and reports any malfunctions. Provides patient care that is appropriate to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult/geriatric patient. Serves as support for patients, families, visitors, staff, by providing guidance and direction on hospital policy and procedures. Demonstrates sensitivity and compassion in interactions.Maintains knowledge of the correct care of precleaning/disinfection of reusable medical equipment (RME).Open to shadow opportunities for new HT staff when orienting and provides support in the orientation into the clinic area on clinic activities, provider needs and procedures. Serves as a responsible member of and contributes positively to the overall morale of the CBOC team. Shows a willingness to learn, adapt to change, and accept additional responsibility while demonstrating flexibility and problem solving skills. In the performance of official duties the employee has regular access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive data which must be protected under the provision of the Privacy Act and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. The employee is responsible for: (1) protecting that data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion, and (2) following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in an automated information system security access agreement which the employee signs. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.