Health Technician (Laboratory Send-Outs/Processing)

Summary

The incumbent performs the duties of a Health Technician in the clinical laboratory of the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. These complex duties include receiving and processing specimens including computerized accessioning, centrifugation, aliquoting, determining specimen acceptability, and delivery to the point of analysis or, if analysis is to be delayed, ensuring proper storage conditions are utilized to preserve specimen integrity.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

07/02/2024 to 12/31/2024

• Salary

$44,521 - $57,879 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 6

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Location

3 vacancies in the following location:

• Indianapolis, IN

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Competitive

• Promotion potential

None

• Job family (Series)

0640 Health Aid And Technician

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Not Required

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBSR-12455992-24-CS

• Control number

798185500

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This job is open to

• The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.

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Duties

The Duties of the Health Technician

• Send-Outs/Processing are not limited to the following:

• Processes samples as required for reference laboratory testing.

• Prepares shipping manifest as required for reference laboratory testing.

• Packages specimens in accordance with all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.

• The incumbent must be knowledgeable about the specimen requirements for each test and the ordering procedures for each reference laboratory.

• The incumbent identifies unusual conditions and discrepancies that may cause erroneous test results.

• The incumbent makes sound decisions independently and takes appropriate action to correct and solve problems pertaining to reference laboratory tests. He/she serves as a reference for other healthcare professionals on the collection and processing of reference laboratory testing.

• Contacts reference laboratory as necessary to inquire about specimen suitability, testing status, or results.

• Researches the availability of unusual testing.

• Orders appropriate supplies and materials as necessary for reference laboratory testing, packaging, and shipping.

• Responsible for order testing in the computer system provided by the major commercial reference laboratory and preparing any hard copy requisitions required by other reference laboratories.

• The incumbent processes all reference laboratory specimens according to strict guidelines to assure specimen integrity. This requires knowledge of differing requirements for hundreds of laboratory tests, including specialized procedures for infrequently ordered tests.

• In the processing of samples, the individual uses laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, refrigerators and freezers in addition to consumables such as transfer pipettes, aliquot tubes, and other specimen containers. The incumbent must ensure the equipment is in good working order before use.

• On occasion, the individual is required to measure the volume of a specimen or adjust the pH of a specimen prior to sending the test to the reference laboratory. This requires the knowledge to package specimens with various temperature requirements and meet the federal guidelines for shipping diagnostics specimens and hazardous materials.

• The incumbent is required to maintain a record of all specimens submitted to the reference laboratories by printing accessioning forms and shipping manifests.

• Operates all equipment including, but not limited to automation line, centrifuges, pneumatic tube system, dumbwaiter, testing instrumentation as designed and according to all applicable policies and procedures.

• May perform waived and/or moderately-complex testing as needed by the service.

• Incumbent will accept incoming calls, answer questions, and provide information as able, and field and direct calls to the appropriate subspecialty laboratory area when necessary.

• Provides information, guidance, and technical advice on test ordering, specimen collection and submission to clinical staff.

Promotion Potential: GS-6 is the Full-Performance Level.

Work Schedule: Negotiable Upon Selection

• 10 hour shifts available. Full Time

• Days, Evenings, & Nights; Rotating Weekends/Holidays. Hours TBD.

Compressed/Flexible: Available

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: 92190-A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You 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: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.

• You may be required to serve a probationary period

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

• See "Required Documents" below for details.

• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP)

• See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/31/2024.

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-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to the:

• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and terminology for all disciplines of the laboratory.

• Knowledge of regulatory and laboratory accreditation agency requirements surrounding laboratory specimen receipt, processing and handling, in addition to various testing requirements.

• Knowledge of general laboratory policies and procedures such that the incumbent is able to communicate requirements to and answer questions from patients and clinical staff.

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/.

Physical Demands

The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform specimen processing as well as walking between different areas within the laboratory. The work involves utilizing a computer, visual acuity, and manual dexterity and the use of both hands. Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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• Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window

Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

• Customer Service

• Infection Control

• Technical Competence

• Technology Application

USA Hire Assessments include a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. 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. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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.

Resume Reminder:

• You must include qualifying specialized experience employment periods in mm/yyyy to mm/yyyy format on your resume and indicate Full-Time or Part-Time (if Part-time, must include # of hours worked per week). AND, if you have held a Government position, that position's grade level MUST be listed on your resume; Failure to include all requirements in your resume will result in disqualification.

• Please refer to USAJOBS Help Center

• What should I include in my federal resume? for additional information on resume requirements.