Summary The Medical Technician (Phlebotomist) serves within Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS), which includes Pathology, Histology/Cytology, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Serology, and Phlebotomy. Responsibilities Duties may include: Performs blood collection using a variety of phlebotomy techniques including vacutainer systems, syringe, butterfly, and/or capillary finger sticks. Collects blood specimens, using correct container and order of draw Collects urine specimens and cultures in a manner that preserves the integrity of sample Processes emergency specimens and routine specimens in a timely manner Follows proper protocol for specialty blood draws Evaluates the suitability of specimens Prepares electronic requisitions for samples to be sent to the reference laboratories. Uses a computer to retrieve laboratory test information. Performs computerized accessioning of patient specimens. Identifies inpatients and outpatients for whom laboratory tests have been ordered and prints labels for appropriate blood samples. Understands and utilizes information resource technology (i.e. computers, printers, label, printers, copy machines, phones, fax machines, various computer information packages, etc.) Provides education to patients for proper collection techniques of urine, stool, or other fluid collections. Interacts with patients, visitors, staff, students and volunteers in a courteous, helpful, tactful, cooperative, respectful and compassionate manner. Respond positively and in a timely manner to customer requests for service or information. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Identifies patients and ensure proper sample procurement and specimen labeling. Assesses patients condition before, during, and after procedures. Administers initial intervention in the event of an emergency. Observes and reports any physical or mental changes during patient blood draws. Prepares samples for testing to include labeling, cetrifiguration, decanting, and aliquoting, etc,. COMPETENCY ID: NONE Sterilizes and autoclaves contaminated material according to safety polices. Cleans glassware and other reusable items following established policies and procedures. Adheres to all universal precautions, infection control, and safety regulations associated with phlebotomy. Collects specimens using proper patient identification and specimen labeling. Maintains operational and quality control logs, records, and worksheets. Identifies unusual test results or discrepancies/conditions that can lead to erroneous results. Work Schedule: Full-Time; Monday through Friday; 7:00am-3:30pm or 9:30am-6:00pm, Rotating Holidays; Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician - Phlebotomist/PD06199A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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) Pre-employment Evaluation may be required. 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, 02/09/2026. Individuals Occupational Requirements: Applicants who meet the Individual Occupational Requirements described below are fully qualified for the specified entry grade and must also meet the specialized experience and/or education requirements. Specialized Experience: (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) an associate-degree course of study of which the 2nd year of the 2-year program included successful completion of a training course of approximately a year's duration in a certified laboratory assistant school approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency; (b) 1 year of study that included 6 semester hours in chemistry and/or the biological sciences, plus successful completion of the training course as described in (a) above for GS-3; or (c) 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours of chemistry and/or biological science course work that must have been directly related to the specialization of the position to be filled.(Transcript Required) AND You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have 6 months of specialized experience or 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation, equivalent to the GS-4 level or higher and/or meet educational requirements or a combination of specialized experience and education. Corresponds to oral communication methods and techniques; as well as skill in establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative work relationships. Execute policies and procedures related to patient care. Recognize, report, and assist in emergency situations. Performs phlebotomy techniques and procedures, and in waived testing techniques used in laboratory testing. Implement infection control, safety, and universal precaution procedures. Inspects the collection, processing, and storage requirements and procedures for laboratory specimens, including DHHS Specimen Collection Procedures Guideline and Federal and State regulatory requirements for packaging and shipping of infectious substances. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation.(Transcript required) OR, Combination of Specialized Experience and Education : Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation. Determine the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the 1 year of experience required for GS-4; then determine the education as a percentage of the 2 years of education that meets the requirements for GS-4. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for GS-4. (Transcript required). You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Computer Skills Customer Service (Clerical/Technical) Patient Care Quality Assurance Specimen Collection 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 work requires extensive and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending, standing, lifting, walking, stooping, and stretching, Light to medium weight items are carried around the work area. May require the ability to physically control or defend against emotionally ill patients. 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 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.
