About this role
Job SummaryThe services provided by the Health Technician consist primarily of phlebotomy, specimen collection, specimen processing, preparation and storage of specimens, packaging and manifesting specimens for transport to send-out reference laboratories, accessioning samples, performing Chain of Custody Employee Drug Collection (EDC), and performing waived testing. As well as intakes patients, validates patient identity, confirms order status, and manages the patient queue in outpatient phlebotomy.
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/22/2026. Individual Occupational Requirement: Applicants who meet the Individual Occupational Requirements described below are fully qualified for the specified entry grade and must also meet the specialized experience and/or education requirements. Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. OR, Education and Training For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. In addition to meeting the above Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR), applicants must also meet the experience and/or directly related education relevant to this position. For a GS- 05 position Candidates may be advanced without time restriction to position is up to GS-5 if the position to be filled is no more than two grades above the lowest grade the employee held within the preceding 52 weeks under his or her latest non-temporary competitive appointment. Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Experience accessioning specimens and processing blood and other specimens for analysis. Manifesting and Packaging Specimens for shipment to reference laboratories Performing and documenting Quality Control and instrument maintenance. Provides customer service or managing queues in a high-volume setting. Familiarity with chain-of-custody urine drug collections. Performs blood draws in either a hospital (inpatient) or clinic (outpatient) environment drawing blood from the arm or hand. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have .Successfully completed four (4) year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business or technical school, junior college, college or university for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. Note: Transcripts are required. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an Equivalent combination of successfully completed post-high school education (beyond the second year or 60 semester hours) and specialized experience which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include courses directly related to the work of the position. Note: Transcripts are required. Preferred Experience: Phlebotomy certification You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: 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/.
Major DutiesDraws blood from patients for requested laboratory tests, while observing the proper order of the draw. Verifies patient identity using 2 unique identifiers. Labels all tubes per protocol in front of the patient and verifies correct labeling by confirming label with the patient. Assures proper tubes are used, and that the correct amount of blood is drawn. Processes samples for analysis and/or dispatch to reference laboratories, ensuring the physiologic state of the specimen is maintained. Advises other laboratory personnel or healthcare workers on appropriate collection and handling of specimens. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks (such as centrifuges). Maintains courteous interactions with all patients and staff, addressing situations promptly as they arise. Performs specialized patient sample collections per individual laboratory requirements such as Blood Culture, Blood Bank Specimen Verification, and other specialized sample collections. Treats adverse reactions to phlebotomy. Adheres to established protocols ensuring correct patient identification and sample collection, including age and patient safety criteria. Advises patients in the proper collection, storage and transport of self collected samples. Identifies quality control variations and initiates corrective action to correct the problem within established guidelines. Performs daily quality control to assure reagents, equipment and temperatures are within recommended guidelines. Performs laboratory upkeep duties such as light housekeeping duties ensuring laboratory cleanliness and stocking supplies. Adheres to safety, infection control, Universal Precautions and HIPAA standards at all times. Packages specimens for shipment in accordance with Department of Transportation guidelines. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30 pm. Monday- Friday with alternating weekends and Holidays, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. NOTE: Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement, with various work schedules assigned based on the staffing needs of the Specimen Collection and Specimen Processing section. Potential additional tours include 9:30am -6:00pm, 10:30am-7:00pm, 6:00am-2:30pm, or 6:30am -3:00pm. Shifts will be discussed during interview. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician - Phlebotomist (Specimen Collection and Processing)/PD07332A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedRequirementsYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. All 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. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: The work requires extensive and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending, lifting, walking, stooping and stretching. The work requires manual dexterity and a large degree of concentration. A pre-placement evaluation maybe be required. Subject to background/security investigation 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.