Health Technician (Microbiology)

Summary

The incumbent will serve as a Health Technician, with the facility title of Health Technician (Micro), organizationally aligned to the Microbiology Section, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. The incumbent is responsible to perform the duties to include, but not limited to, receiving and processing specimens including computerized accessioning, centrifugation, aliquoting, determining specimen acceptability, & delivery to the point of analysis.

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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

1 vacancy 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-12457017-24-CS

• Control number

798182900

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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 US 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

• Microbiology are not limited to the following:

• Receives specimens into the laboratory area following all applicable policies and procedures.

• Verifies patient identification and specimen labeling prior to acceptance into the laboratory.

• Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable.

• Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained.

• Follows established protocol for handling of mislabeled/unlabeled specimens.

• Ensures acceptable orders have been placed by provider and accurately accessions specimens and maintains correct identification by name and/or accession number through each phase of processing/testing.

• Accessions tests into the laboratory computer system and ensures all applicable orders are utilized.

• Recognizes emergency testing situations and takes necessary action to direct the sample to the proper location. He/she notifies the laboratory staff of the need for emergent testing.

• Demonstrated ability to cope with stressful situations and troubleshooting to deal with problem samples.

• Processes samples as required following all applicable policies and procedures. Labels, relabels, and/or aliquots specimens when necessary.

• Responsible for microbiology set-ups to include plating and accessioning of microbiology samples following all established protocols.

• Ensures sound infection control practices are followed and that the correct personal protective equipment is used for tasks performed.

• Safely disposes of all chemical and biohazardous waste materials in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Performs and completes all proficiency and competency testing to meet deadlines and with satisfactory performance.

This is an open continuous announcement. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred every two weeks.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Compressed/Flexible: Not Available

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: 92086A

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: GS-6: 1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level GS-5 (developmental). Specialized experience must be demonstrated in applicant's resume.

To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-5) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this occupation are to include, but not limited to:

• Receives specimens into the laboratory area following all applicable policies and procedures.

• Verifies patient identification and specimen labeling prior to acceptance into the laboratory.

• Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable.

• Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. Follows established protocol for handling of mislabeled/unlabeled specimens.

• Ensures acceptable orders have been placed by provider and accurately accessions specimens and maintains correct identification by name and/or accession number through each phase of processing/testing.

• Accessions tests into the laboratory computer system and ensures all applicable orders are utilized.

• Recognizes emergency testing situations and takes necessary action to direct the sample to the proper location. He/she notifies the laboratory staff of the need for emergent testing.

• Demonstrated ability to cope with stressful situations and troubleshooting to deal with problem samples.

• Processes samples as required following all applicable policies and procedures. Labels, relabels, and/or aliquots specimens when necessary.- Responsible for microbiology set-ups to include plating and accessioning of microbiology samples following all established protocols.

Purpose of the Position: To perform duties of a Health Technician (Health Tech

• Microbiology) in the clinical laboratory of the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center.

NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hour worked per week.

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

There is no education to substitute for this grade.

Additional information

VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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.

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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.