This position serves as the Health Technician and will be assigned to perform phlebotomy and specimen processing for the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS). The Veterans Affairs Southern Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS) is a Level lb facility and ranks among a complex system in the VA serving the VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21). To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/06/2024. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: 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: Provides general clerical and administrative support for the department through scheduling of appointments and other tests and referrals. Answers the telephone and responds to the needs of the customers. Provides a range of supportive clinical skills in special patient instruction for test procedures. Demonstrates clinical knowledge to provide individual or group patient and family education. As a well prepared individual, this position requires accuracy in gathering patient-related clinical information as well as proficiency in the clinical skills necessary. Assists patients, visitors, and other requesting information guidance or referral for special assistance. Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representative, visitors, and all VA staff) in a cou'rteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Knowledge of guidelines related to Phlebotomy Procedures. Knowledge of current laboratory specimen regulations/requirements OR Completed 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation. 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. 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/. ["Applicants will be sent forward based on application date and time. 50 applicants will be reviewed and if no selections are made, an additional review of the next 50 applicants will be submitted. Major Duties but not limited to: Explain work requirements and procedures, giving special instructions with regard to specimen collection, specimen preparation, special specimen handling and test analysis. Consists of related steps, processes associated with the accessioning, processing, and phlebotomy duties. Perform a wide variety of blood collection of a responsible nature requiring a representative knowledge of clinical science to understand the multiplicity of tests and specimen requirements, the mechanics of venipuncture and patient preparation. The collection will be from a variety of outpatients, inpatients, and employees. Perform all clerical duties required of the position, including work lists, logs, etc. Sets up equipment for all phlebotomy procedures, making sure that all phlebotomy and ancillary equipment is functioning to standard. Provides orientation/training in performance of phlebotomy and test procedures with the information and experience required to understand underlying disease processes and inform the healthcare provider if unable to obtain. Orders and maintains specialized supplies pertaining to ancillary instruments used in the drawing areas. Recognizes abnormalities and brings them to the attention of the appropriate Medical/Health Care Provider. Must exercise a high degree of flexibility and ability to function in emergent patient care situations. Adheres to the Infection Control Guidelines for the Medical Center. Responsible to transport specimens to the laboratory including those requiring special handling. Responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization of equipment and ancillary equipment according to Medical Center Policies and Procedures. Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities. May be required to work cross functionally in teams whose members may be drawn from several services, thus aiding the Medical Center in meeting its mission to the Veteran. Timeliness of service accuracy of service customer satisfaction and comfort to the patient are the key processes. Establishes and maintains effective interpersonal skills with patients, families, and all Medical Center employees. The employee uses initiative in direction the activities of the phlebotomy area and works independently without specific instruction. Obtains assistance from the Supervisory Medical Technologist for unusual patient issues and/or unfamiliar situations. Work Schedule: 1:30pm-10:00pm Sunday-Thursday. Rotating Holidays. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD01582A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
