The incumbent performs the duties of a Health Technician in the clinical laboratory of the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. These complex duties include receiving and processing specimens including computerized accessioning, centrifugation, aliquoting, determining specimen acceptability, and delivery to the point of analysis or, if analysis is to be delayed, ensuring proper storage conditions are utilized to preserve specimen integrity. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/31/2024. 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-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to the: Knowledge of laboratory procedures and terminology for all disciplines of the laboratory. Knowledge of regulatory and laboratory accreditation agency requirements surrounding laboratory specimen receipt, processing and handling, in addition to various testing requirements. Knowledge of general laboratory policies and procedures such that the incumbent is able to communicate requirements to and answer questions from patients and clinical staff. 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/. Physical Demands The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform specimen processing as well as walking between different areas within the laboratory. The work involves utilizing a computer, visual acuity, and manual dexterity and the use of both hands. Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations. ["The Duties of the Health Technician - Send-Outs/Processing are not limited to the following: Processes samples as required for reference laboratory testing. Prepares shipping manifest as required for reference laboratory testing. Packages specimens in accordance with all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations. The incumbent must be knowledgeable about the specimen requirements for each test and the ordering procedures for each reference laboratory. The incumbent identifies unusual conditions and discrepancies that may cause erroneous test results. The incumbent makes sound decisions independently and takes appropriate action to correct and solve problems pertaining to reference laboratory tests. He/she serves as a reference for other healthcare professionals on the collection and processing of reference laboratory testing. Contacts reference laboratory as necessary to inquire about specimen suitability, testing status, or results. Researches the availability of unusual testing. Orders appropriate supplies and materials as necessary for reference laboratory testing, packaging, and shipping. Responsible for order testing in the computer system provided by the major commercial reference laboratory and preparing any hard copy requisitions required by other reference laboratories. The incumbent processes all reference laboratory specimens according to strict guidelines to assure specimen integrity. This requires knowledge of differing requirements for hundreds of laboratory tests, including specialized procedures for infrequently ordered tests. In the processing of samples, the individual uses laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, refrigerators and freezers in addition to consumables such as transfer pipettes, aliquot tubes, and other specimen containers. The incumbent must ensure the equipment is in good working order before use. On occasion, the individual is required to measure the volume of a specimen or adjust the pH of a specimen prior to sending the test to the reference laboratory. This requires the knowledge to package specimens with various temperature requirements and meet the federal guidelines for shipping diagnostics specimens and hazardous materials. The incumbent is required to maintain a record of all specimens submitted to the reference laboratories by printing accessioning forms and shipping manifests. Operates all equipment including, but not limited to automation line, centrifuges, pneumatic tube system, dumbwaiter, testing instrumentation as designed and according to all applicable policies and procedures. May perform waived and/or moderately-complex testing as needed by the service. Incumbent will accept incoming calls, answer questions, and provide information as able, and field and direct calls to the appropriate subspecialty laboratory area when necessary. Provides information, guidance, and technical advice on test ordering, specimen collection and submission to clinical staff. Promotion Potential: GS-6 is the Full-Performance Level. Work Schedule: Negotiable Upon Selection - 10 hour shifts available. Full Time - Days, Evenings, & Nights; Rotating Weekends/Holidays. Hours TBD. Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: 92190-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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