Health Technician

Fort Harrison, Montana, Montana, This position is located in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS). The position performs a variety of functions, including: Accessioning specimens into the computer system; collecting, evaluating and processing patient specimens; answering questions related to sample collection; instructing and assisting patients and sending out specimens for testing. Follows policies and procedures established by the service, medical center, the VA and regulatory agencies. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/30/2023. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: 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: Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings, technical support work in a closely related field, e. g. biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for the positions being filled; experience performing phlebotomy/blood draw procedures on human patients. 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 major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects appropriate to the position to be filled.

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. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to Detail Clerical Customer Service Manages and Organizes Information Technical Competence 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.

Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. 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. 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/. [“Include but not limited to: Collects and processes blood and body fluid specimens, ensuring safety and non-traumatic processes are used with critical concern for the patient and the quality of the specimen with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising, or required re-sticks. Verifies that the proper tubes are used and the correct amount of blood is drawn. Performs blood collection duties in a courteous manner.

Adheres to safety, infection control and universal precautions at all times while collecting samples. Responsible for maintaining the integrity of the collection process, ensuring the privacy of the donor, ensuring the security of the specimen. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the Chain of Custody Form, including all required signatures of the collector and patient, and accurately adheres to and records all specimen data/temperature measurements to ensure no tampering has occurred during the collection. Instructs patients in proper sterile midstream urine collection, 24 hour urine collection, and collection of stool specimens for culture and sensitivity, ova and parasites and occult bloods. Observes and reports any physical or mental changes while patients are being drawn to clinical or supervisory personnel. Provides care based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety and related criteria appropriate to the age of patients served. Investigates missing or incomplete patient laboratory orders. Processes all specimens according to strict guidelines to assure specimen integrity. Responsible for receiving and storage of Laboratory supplies. Work Schedule: Variable Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD10174A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required”]

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