Lead Medical Technician
- Hematology,
- Urinalysis,
- Coagulation,
- Chemistry,
- Limited microbiology under supervision of a medical technologist.
- Follows procedures for patient identification, sample procurement, and specimen labeling.
- Receives all patients, employees reporting for laboratory tests. Performs computerized accessioning of patient specimens.
- Performs routine venipuncture specimen collections from inpatient, outpatients, and ambulatory inpatients as requested by the provider.
- Performs phlebotomy using approved methodology for sample collection to include the importance of proper patient identification.
- Follows the laboratory procedures for collecting specimens in the appropriate container, maintains specimen under appropriate conditions, follows guidelines for collecting timed specimens at the appropriate times to insure specimen viability.
- Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiological state of the specimen properties is maintained.
- Performs sterilization using the autoclave, assists in the treatment and control of spills in various areas and cleans glassware and other reusable items following established medical center and P&LMS safety policies and procedures.
- Responsible for training new phlebotomy staff and may be requested to teach phlebotomy techniques, safety policies and universal precautions to personnel from other areas of the medical center. Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques providing them with written procedures, reference materials and supplies.
- Assists in preparing schedules and verifies attendance of employee.
- Performs other duties as requested encompassing involvement in ongoing quality assurance.
- Provides for development, implementation and evaluation of CAP and Joint Commission standards and trains staff of compliance requirements.
- Conducts work according to Laboratory Safety Regulations and may assist with instructing coworkers on safety policies and procedures.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this 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
- 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)
- 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
Individual Occupational Requirement:
Specialized Experience For positions at GS-4 and above: (a) Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings or (b) technical support work in a closely related field, e.g., biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for 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 appropriate to the position to be filled
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. Specialized experience includes directing and monitoring overall workflow of specimen processing areas; coordinating training for lab safety, data entry, specimen collection, and processing, knowledge of testing methodologies used in the clinical laboratory and is familiar with the different type of instrumentation used; ability to maintain liaison with reference laboratories and ensures all reference tests are collected, processed correctly; and ability to resolve problems and discrepancies concerning patient or specimen identification, lost or improperly drawn specimens, and takes appropriate action to resolve the problem, distributing and balancing workload among employees assuring timely completion. OR,
- Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation (chemistry, hematology, blood banking and microbiology (including serology), etc. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED). OR,
- Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education as described above
- Specimen Collection
- Diagnostic Medical Testing
- Oral Communication
- Reading
- Computer Skills
- Leadership
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: Physical demands may involve minimal lifting of supplies and materials, standing, foot travel, bending, and sitting. The incumbent must have the digital dexterity and adequate vision to perform safe venipuncture and testing procedures. Lifting will not exceed a weight of 10 pounds. The incumbent must fully utilize all safety practices and equipment provided by the medical center assuring compliance with local and accrediting agency requirements
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at .
Education
IMPORTANT: 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: . 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: .
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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.
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.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .
- Benefits
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. .
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.
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this 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
- 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)
- 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
Individual Occupational Requirement:
Specialized Experience For positions at GS-4 and above: (a) Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings or (b) technical support work in a closely related field, e.g., biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for 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 appropriate to the position to be filled
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. Specialized experience includes directing and monitoring overall workflow of specimen processing areas; coordinating training for lab safety, data entry, specimen collection, and processing, knowledge of testing methodologies used in the clinical laboratory and is familiar with the different type of instrumentation used; ability to maintain liaison with reference laboratories and ensures all reference tests are collected, processed correctly; and ability to resolve problems and discrepancies concerning patient or specimen identification, lost or improperly drawn specimens, and takes appropriate action to resolve the problem, distributing and balancing workload among employees assuring timely completion. OR,
- Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation (chemistry, hematology, blood banking and microbiology (including serology), etc. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED). OR,
- Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education as described above
- Specimen Collection
- Diagnostic Medical Testing
- Oral Communication
- Reading
- Computer Skills
- Leadership
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: Physical demands may involve minimal lifting of supplies and materials, standing, foot travel, bending, and sitting. The incumbent must have the digital dexterity and adequate vision to perform safe venipuncture and testing procedures. Lifting will not exceed a weight of 10 pounds. The incumbent must fully utilize all safety practices and equipment provided by the medical center assuring compliance with local and accrediting agency requirements
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at .
Education
IMPORTANT: 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: . 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: .
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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.
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.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .