This position, located at the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System (OKC VAHCS) and Community Care clinics in the Pathology and Laboratory Medical Service (P&LMS), performs a wide range of administrative functions which include compliance to CLIA and The Joint Commission regulations for laboratory testing, clerical and health technician functions. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Specialized Experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. To qualify for this position at the GS-05 level, applicants are required to have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 Grade Level in the federal service. To qualify for this position at the GS-06 level, applicants are required to have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 Grade Level in the federal service. Specialized Experience includes: a knowledge of federal and department personnel management policies and practices, clinic organization, functions, specialties, and programs such as social work, nursing laboratory, and supply business office functions, etc., as well as medical and technical terminology; a comprehensive working knowledge of applicable public laws, (College of American Pathology regulations,) VA policy and regulations, station directives, medical and administrative records systems, the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act, and HIPPA laws as they relate to the release of information and the protection of patient privacy; the ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures to make sound decisions using good judgment, as well as being equipped to react to situations quickly, precisely, and accurately, all while identifying and resolving a variety of problems quickly and decisively while exercising initiative and originality; the ability to deal with a variety of individuals with tact and diplomacy, to interpret and explain VA policies to house staff, patients, employees and others, and to deal with individuals who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or have severe psychiatric problems; the ability to present oneself in a professional manner and to create a positive impression as a representative of management; skilled in the precise use of tools, materials, and specialized laboratory equipment; an in-depth knowledge of the terminology used in the specialized area of the facility where the work is performed, as well as critical lab values and the procedure for documentation of follow-up care. **Preferred Experience** - at least one (1) year of Phlebotomy experience, to include drawing blood and various other collections and processing specimens. Will be required to travel between clinic locations for coverage and recruiting throughout the week, alternating weekends, and holidays. Education (For GS-5 level only): Applicants may use the following education requirement to qualify for this position at the GS-05 level: 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. If education is used to meet specialized experience requirements, then such education must include courses directly related to the work of the position. Combining Experience and Education: Equivalent combinations of education and experience can also be used to qualify for this position by using the calculation of the percentages of education and experience determine eligibility. There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level. 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. ["Major duties of this position include but is not limited to: Adjusts equipment of laboratory testing, set up all necessary accessories and supplies regarding laboratory testing, and ensures proper cleaning and minor maintenance of laboratory equipment is performed with adjustments as needed Responsible for all point of care laboratory testing which includes Pregnancy Testing, Stool Hemoccult, Rapid Flu, rapid SARs CoV2 Antigen testing, and finger stick blood glucose; knowledgeable of appropriate technique during procedures and informs the teams of critical changes in testing status and lab values Ensures that all quality control materials are run and acceptable daily or as required by regulations; runs any proficiency specimens correctly and within required timeframe Maintains all records for lab certification, point of care testing and maintenance on laboratory machines, assigning proficiency tests, and monitors all survey results; assists in validations throughout the laboratory including validation of ancillary testing analyzers Collects, labels, processes, stores, and either ships specimens that require reference lab testing or delivers to laboratory areas that performs tests that are outside of the Health Tech scope of testing or not performed at our facilities Monitors and documents temperature and humidity of room and equipment, refrigerators, instruments etc.; performs daily, and monthly maintenance as required and documents such appropriately Organizes work so that efficiency is paramount and work area is neat, tidy, and meets all regulatory requirements for sanitization required for laboratory certification Processes orders and appointments, collects specimens, and evaluates tests for processing determination; contacts providers to correct order errors and to place orders if a patient arrives with no orders in the system Must be skilled at phlebotomy, and the preparation the patient for the blood or urine collection according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) and The Joint Commission (TJC) guidelines. This includes accepting the patient orders, printing labels, selecting proper tubes and containers, PPE, labeling specimens with all required information in front of the patient Work Schedule: Variable Shifts. May be required to work alternating weekends and holidays. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Phlebotomy)/12998-A, 12997-A Physical Requirements: The work requires much walking through the clinic, with occasional requirements to lift objects, computer work, and operating office equipment and require the ability to process written and electronic information. The work requires the ability to physically control or defend against emotionally distressed patients and requires above-average agility and dexterity due to the fine skills of some of the point of care lab testing. The work may require heavy lifting of equipment or patients and may be required to commute between two outpatient clinics within the work week, depending on the clinic workload. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level."]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.