Health Technician (OA) Phlebotomist

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Southern Nevada Healthcare System seeks a Health Technician (GS-5) to perform phlebotomy and specimen processing within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. The role supports the VA Sierra Pacific Network with comprehensive care across multiple services.

Qualified applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date. The position requires standing, exposure to blood products, and adherence to safety guidelines as part of a high‑risk

Qualifications

• Specialized experience includes knowledge of phlebotomy guidelines and procedures.
• Experience monitoring patients during procedures and applying infection control principles.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and venipuncture procedures.

Skills

Phlebotomy procedures

Infection control

Asepsis

Anatomy & physiology

Patient monitoring

Vein anatomy

Education

Bachelor's degree or 24 sem hours related to the position

Job description

The Health Technician performs phlebotomy and specimen processing for the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System. Serves the VA Sierra Pacific Network, offering a full range of comprehensive health care services including Dentistry, Geriatrics and Extended Care, Imaging, Medicine Services, Mental Health Services, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, Primary Care, Radiation Oncology, Rehabilitation Services, Specialty Services, and Surgery.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

GS-5 grade level:

One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-4 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:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade, GS-4, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to knowledge of guidelines related to phlebotomy procedures and procurement. Knowledge and skills required monitoring patients' physical and psychological response to procedures, standard precautions, Infection Control principles and guidelines, asepsis and management of contaminated specimens, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, structure involved in blood drawing, veins, nerves, skin. Setting up, cleaning and routine maintenance of selected clinical instrumentation; directing patients, answering routine inquiries, and making referrals. 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 above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. OR,
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience.

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 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.

There is no educational substitution for the GS-5 level.

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:

The work requires extensive and recurring physical exertion such as standing for extended periods of time, bending standing, lifting, walking, stooping, and stretching. The work requires duty on weekends, holidays, and nights when so assigned. This position is also considered high-risk because of the constant exposure to blood and fluid products, sharps, and chemicals.

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/.