The incumbent serves as a Health Technician (HT) in the VAMC Pittsburgh Laboratory. Health Technician is an integral part of the team and many times is the initial contact for the Laboratory customers. Important interfaces and collaborations also occur with larger health care system providers including VA and Non-VA specialists, hospitals, diagnostic and treating facilities, and community-based programs. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); 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. Specialized experience includes: Performs a range of diagnostic laboratory support duties such as collection and labeling of specimens for the Laboratory. Performs repetitive diagnostic tests and procedures such as venipuncture for collection of blood specimens. Adheres to safety, infection control, and standard precautions at all times while drawing blood or performing testing. This includes, but is not limited to, such things as removing tourniquets, and wearing appropriate PPE to include gloves. Must be proficient in the area of phlebotomy, being able to draw all even the most difficult patients and follow proper procedures for redrawing blood. Responds to calls for assistance from the nursing staff in the collection of blood on the most challenging patients. Blood samples are collected with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising, or requiring redrawn specimens. Must be able to respond to, report, and assist in emergency situations. Must know preliminary procedures for the care of patients who bruise, become sick, arrest or faint while having blood drawn. 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 bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. OR Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education at a graduate level or beyond that is directly related to the work of the position. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Preferred Experience: 6 months experience performing phlebotomy. Examples of this would be: 1. Collecting blood samples venipunctures. 2. Prep specimens for testing, by centrifuging, etc. 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. ["Duties of this position are: The Health Technician is able to perform duties in the Laboratory setting to include, but is not limited to: phlebotomy, specimen accession, clerical duties and point of care testing. This person has the following major areas of responsibility: (1) Collect blood specimens by venipuncture (2) Accessions specimens into the computer system, using both automated and manual methods; (3) Specimen processing; (4) Performance of waived testing (5) Answers questions relative to patient specimens and testing; (6) Instructs and assists new staff members; (7) Additional duties as assigned. Adheres to safety, infection control, and standard precautions at all times while drawing blood or performing testing. This includes, but is not limited to, such things as removing tourniquets, and wearing appropriate PPE to include gloves. Must be proficient in the area of phlebotomy, being able to draw all even the most difficult patients and follow proper procedures for redrawing blood. Responds to calls for assistance from the nursing staff in the collection of blood on the most challenging patients. Blood samples are collected with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising, or requiring redrawn specimens. When performing special drawing procedures such as collecting timed specimens, inform patient and nursing staff in procedure to be followed prior to, during and after the test in order to obtain the specimens at the required time. Must be able to respond to, report, and assist in emergency situations. Must know preliminary procedures for the care of patients who bruise, become sick, arrest or faint while having blood drawn. Observes and reports patient's physical or mental changes or unusual situations encountered (for example, patient in crisis) to appropriate personnel. Demonstrates self- control in difficult or emergency situations with minimal assistance. Monitors supply inventory, rotates stock and minimizes outdating. Responsible for determining that no outdated reagents, tubes, etc., are in work area or in use. Requests additional supplies as· needed using established protocols. Performs a range of diagnostic and support duties such as reporting deviations to the provider, labeling and then transporting specimens to the laboratory. Performs Point of Care testing as ordered. Cleans and assures equipment in working order and reports any malfunctions. Maintains knowledge of the correct care of precleaning/disinfection of reusable medical equipment (RME).The employee is responsible for: (1) protecting that data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion, and (2) following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in an automated information system security access agreement which the employee signs. Incumbent is responsible for waived patient testing. The individual is required to prepare the patient or sample for testing, prepare the reagents (if necessary), perform the test procedure, verify the accuracy of the results, and report the results in VISTA. Incumbent handles specimens in accordance with the current test procedure, identifies unusual results or discrepancies/conditions which cause erroneous results. Incumbent closely monitors for instrument malfunctions, conditions of test performance, specimen unsuitability, or if instruments need troubleshooting or repair. Independently takes appropriate action to make corrections and solve problems. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, rotating weekends and holidays. Shifts can start at 5am and can end as late as 4:30pm.\nPosition Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Phlebotomy)/ #01803-A\nPhysical Requirements: Requires flexibility with hours of work and shift tour of duty. May work other tours if asked to work in other areas and does not affect primary work schedule. The work involves long periods of standing and walking with regular recurring bending, lifting, and positioning patients. It also involves computer, keyboard, and telephone work."]