Summary The VISN 22 Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PALMS) is looking for a Health Technician for the Tucson VA Medical Center. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Health Technician assigned to the Microbiology Section of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, performing multiple tasks and duties classified as simple to complex. Responsibilities Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: General knowledge of hygiene and sanitation Verification of specimens for AFB and storing at appropriate temperatures Assure that high quality specimens are cultured within the appropriate timeframe Assist requestors, clients, and visitors in the resolution of questions and problems related to specimen and/or test information Answering, screening, routing (as needed) incoming telephone calls Monitor/request supplies needed for performance of assigned duties Unpacking and storing media and supplies Cleaning and disinfecting the work area and spills as needed Maintain records of cleaning or maintenance procedures Assist section with client support issues such as billing, shipping, and clarification when needed Work Schedule: 2nd Shift: Monday to Friday 3:00pm. - 11:00p.m. (rotating weekends and holidays) Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician, Microbiology Set-ups/ 44180 Physical Requirements: The incumbent will experience physical demands such as sitting, walking, standing, reaching, stooping and bending to obtain supplies and operate instruments and computers. The work includes moderate lifting, but occasionally requires heavy lifting of bodies, reagents or supplies. work involves repetitive hand motions and requires good hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Specialized Experience 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: slide/ specimen preparation/ preservations, accessioning/ administrative support, supply/ chemical maintenance. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for 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 is required to substitute education for experience at this level. TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED IF SUBSTITUTING EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's 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. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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. 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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. Additional Information COVID-19 Pandemic Expanded Telework Program - Due to COVID-19, VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. Management officials will provide information about returning to the official, pre-pandemic worksite, when applicable. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position. VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
