Summary This position functions in a technical and advanced technical capacities in Phlebotomy and Specimen Processing and is responsible for collection, accessioning preparation, analysis, evaluation reporting validation and release of diagnosis reports associated with human tissue fluids for the purpose of determining/evaluating and treating diseases; it is located at the Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami FL (including rotation to Broward Outpatient Clinic). Responsibilities Include but not limited to: Draws blood by venipuncture or finger stick from medical center inpatients and outpatients. Reviews requests for laboratory testing to verify the accuracy and completeness of lab orders. Must have critical and analytical decision-making ability to be able to triage competing requests and orders. Prepares specimen for transport to the testing laboratory. Must have precise attention with sterility requirements for the correct technique when phlebotomizing patients for blood cultures. Communicates requirements clearly to pathologists, clinicians, nurses, other laboratory personnel, and when necessary, the patient, and patient's family. Independently verifies patient as the individual; denoted on the request and labels all tubes with patient's name social security number date and time. Maintains drug screening cart by keeping it sanitized, stocked with appropriate supplies. Process patients in all clinical settings, and provides technical advice, review processes, inspect and correct physical safety issues. Communicates with patient's care team to resolve lab order discrepancies and/or special needs. Follows laboratory procedures for processing biological specimens. Recognizes emergency situations and establishes priorities for emergency orders Serves as back-up to Lead Phlebotomist/Specimen Processing Technician as needed Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 6:00am - 2:30pm Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician/PD08191A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification 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) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In 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 or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/08/2025. Preferred Experience: Previous Phlebotomy experience. This occupational series has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) which is a minimum qualification requirement. For GS Positions at GS-04 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: 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. In addition to the IOR above, 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. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Independently receives requests for testing into the laboratory and verify the accuracy and completeness of request; uses proper specimen collection techniques (phlebotomy/venipuncture, finger sticks, urine, sputum, tissue, etc.); selects appropriate site for sample collection to minimize patient discomfort; using special drawing techniques and ensuring the correct tubes are utilized in the proper order and the correct amount of blood is drawn; monitors patients for adverse reactions; adheres to safety, infection control, and universal precautions; interacts with hospital/clinical staff to correct discrepancies; receives and relays incoming telephone calls and messages; receives verbal requests for additional tests and verifies specimen availability and accuracy of request. 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 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. 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 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to Detail Customer Service (Clerical/Technical) Emergency Care Infection Control Specimen Collection Technical Competence Technology Application 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: The physical demands are primarily standing and walking, but also some bending, lifting, and carrying of light items. Also, there are times of considerable exertion with patient positioning to do inpatient blood draws (50 pounds or more). The work requires above average agility and dexterity. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education 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: 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. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. 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 Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
