Health Technician - Phlebotomist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Muskogee (OK); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System is seeking a multi-skilled Health Technician to perform essential duties while ensuring compliance with laboratory regulations. This role involves using technical methods, performing diverse tasks within the Pathology and Laboratory Medical Service, and requires specialized experience in health settings.

Qualifications

• 1 year of specialized experience at GS-05 level.
• Experience in laboratory equipment operation and patient care techniques required.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, VA regulations, and compliance protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing, adhere to quality protocols, and assist medical personnel.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and records, ensuring compliance with CLIA regulations.

Skills

Technical methods and procedures

Compliance with medical regulations

Patient care techniques

Laboratory equipment operation

Job description

Position is with the Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System (EOVAHCS) in the Pathology and Laboratory Medical Service. The multi-skilled Health Technician performs a wide range of functions including compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and The Joint Commission regulations for laboratory testing, clerical, and health technician functions. The Health Technician uses knowledge of technical methods and procedures to carry out a variety of essential duties.

Duties

Duties Include:

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 740(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• In accordance with 5 CFR 330-502, a 90-day general restriction on movement applies for the Direct Hire Authority ONLY.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel

Qualifications

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

An Individual Occupational Requirement must be met by all applicants applying for GS 4 and above:

• Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Technician experience involves applying the knowledge, methods, and techniques relevant to the position.

AND,

• For GS-06, all applicants must meet 1 year of creditable, specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-05. Examples include: setting controls, calibrating, and operating laboratory equipment such as occult blood analyzers; cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment; maintaining records for point of care testing and laboratory maintenance; performing occult blood testing; measuring and recording vital statistics; adhering to quality and infection control protocols; using proper specimen collection techniques (venipuncture, arterial puncture, finger sticks, urine, sputum, tissue); using correct containers and labels; monitoring patients for adverse reactions; possessing knowledge of direct patient care techniques, medical and technical terminology, applicable laws, VA policies, regulations, and station directives; understanding of Privacy Act, FOIA, HIPAA; knowledge of medical and administrative records systems; familiarity with College of American Pathology regulations and proficiency testing; ability to interpret rules and policies; tact and diplomacy in dealing with individuals; completing reports and reviews timely; skill in using tools, materials, and laboratory equipment.

There is no educational requirement, substitution, or combination for GS-06 in this series.

For more information on these qualification standards, visit the OPM website.

Experience includes paid, unpaid, volunteer work, and service through programs like Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. Volunteer work can build relevant skills and experience, which will be credited towards qualifications.