Health Technician (Phlebotomy)

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

Major duties 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. Labels all tubes with the patients name full social security number. date time and thephlebotomists initials and re-identifies patient using full name and SSN.
• Performs blood collection duties in a courteous manner. Makes the patient feel ascomfortable as possible. Explains what is about to happen and any necessaryprocesses required of the patient for specimen collection.
• Adheres to safety infection control and universal precautions at all times whilecollecting samples.
• Assists in teaching laboratory and clinic personnel theoretical and practical aspects of phlebotomy specimen collection and specimen requirements.
• Must be able to respond to report and assist in emergency situations. Must knowCPR and first aid procedures for the care of patients who become sick arrest orfaint while having blood drawn. Observes and reports any physical or mental changes while patients are being drawn to clinical or supervisory personnel.
• Functions as a resource person and troubleshooter for clinic personnel in executing VistA order entry and results options.
• Prints out appointment lists for the lab clinics. Reviews orders in CPRS to ensurethat all necessary orders are drawn. Provides order numbers to technical staff fororders that need to be cancelled for various reasons ie. duplicate order patientno longer on medication etc.
• lnvestigates missing or incomplete patient laboratory orders. Contacts the nurseor provider involved to ensure missing or incomplete orders are placed orcorrected prior to the patient presenting for sample collection.
• Identifies unusual conditions and discrepancies which may cause erroneous testresults. Makes sound decisions independently and takes appropriate action tocorrect and solve problems.
• Processes all specimens according to strict guidelines to assure specimen integrity. Requires knowledge of differing requirements for over 700 laboratory tests. This includes specialized procedures for infrequently ordered send-out tests.
• Incumbent is responsible for receiving and storage of Laboratory supplies.
• The incumbent operates and monitors commonly used equipment which includes instructing positioning and preparing patients; the incumbent performs routine function tests in a clinic setting which includes operating calibrating and maintaining commonly used instruments as described in the illustrations provided.
• Ability to work as a member of a team when performing procedures that require making rapid and accurate observations or adjustments to established practices.
• Effectively demonstrates responsible flexible and self-directed work habits that promote efficient Veteran care and team functioning demonstrated by consistently arriving on time for shifts as recorded in attendance logs. Demonstrates flexibility in operational needs such as schedule changes or additional duties as requested by supervisors.
• Maintain courteous and cooperative relationship with internal and external customers. Must have the ability to deal with people in a sensitive and diplomatic manner. The ability to handle differences of opinion in a professional manner. Required to listen to customer concerns and triages them appropriately. Must demonstrate behaviors consistent with I-CARE principles (Integrity Commitment Advocacy Respect Excellence) as assessed through peer and supervisory feedback.
• Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality timely and cost-effective results. Determines objectives sets priorities and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules. Comports professionally by exhibiting VAs core values of Integrity Commitment Advocacy Respect and Excellence (I CARE).

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Travel may be required for this position.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Phlebotomy)/PD10056A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Physical Requirements: The work is performed in the community-based clinic with daily exposure to patients and materials carrying infectious diseases and hazardous chemicals. Proper precautions are practiced. The technician wears protective clothing such as lab coats and gloves when working with specimens. There is frequent contact with patients with undiagnosed illnesses. The employee has the potential to be exposed to communicable disease.

• 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
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Per 5 CFR 330.502 general restriction on movement after competitive appointment applies.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement 07/31/2026.

Individual Occupational Requirement : This series has the following Individual Occupational Requirement: Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists speech pathologists medical officers and optometrists. Therefore technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge methods and techniques of the position to be filled.

OR

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelors degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.

Specialized Experience GS-5: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-4 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to: Proficient in VistA and CPRS systems including menus procedures equipment and patient-care-related policies. Capable of recognizing reporting and assisting in emergencies as well as observing and communicating physical or mental changes in patients. Knowledgeable in laboratory procedures including test names/synonyms specimen requirements and proper processing and storage. Skilled in phlebotomy and specimen collection techniques using Vacutainer systems safety needles syringes butterfly needles and capillary methods. Understands infection control and safety protocols covering hand hygiene exposure control disaster procedures and universal precautions.

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 bachelors degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.

OR

Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelors degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study or 60 semester hours beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience.

For more information on these qualification standards please visit the United States Office of Personnel Managements website at

Required Experience:

IC