Summary Position is located at the El Paso VA Health Care System in El Paso, Texas. The Medical Technician will collect, process and distribute specimens to the laboratory sections or reference labs. The Medical Technician will ensure proper procurement, processing and distribution to ensure that accurate results are given. Responsibilities Duties will include, but are not limited to: Obtain venous blood samples by aseptic venipuncture technique from ambulatory patients in the Laboratory. Verify patient's correct identification (name and social) before obtaining any specimen. Properly label specimens following specimen procurement policies and procedures. Responsible for proper receipt and accessioning of specimens delivered to the laboratory. Verifies correct labeling and identification of specimens. Ensures that all tests that are requested in the patient's order have been received and investigates discrepancies when necessary. Performs the processing of all clinical laboratory specimens in the Central Processing Area and responsible for the timely and proper distribution of specimens to the appropriate section or reference laboratories. Exercise attention and good judgment are required in prioritizing and stipulating the requested urgencies of laboratory orders. Maintains phlebotomy supplies at established levels and stocks the specimen procurement stations and specimen phlebotomy trays. Performs inventory counts, logs in and disburses incoming supplies when necessary. Monitors technical equipment and performs maintenance and quality assurance or instrumentation. Monitors lab environment, such as temperatures, freezers, refrigerators and incubators to ensure equipment is working as expected. Responsible for proper disposition of laboratory waste. Packages supplies and specimens for pick up or shipment following established packaging requirements. Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, HIPPA and other applicable laws, and federal regulations. Work Schedule: Multiple shifts available - Shift A: M-F 6:45AM TO 3:30PM, Shift B: M-F 7:00AM TO 3:45PM, Shift C: M-F 7:45AM TO 4:30PM Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician (Phlebotomist)/PD01002A 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 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/06/2025. Individual Occupational Requirement: 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: For GS-4: 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. In addition to the IOR above, you may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: General/Specialized Experience: 6 months of general experience, and 6 months of specialized experience in the federal service, that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position and that is typically in and/or related to the position being filled. Specialized experience includes knowledge of the processes, methods and procedures associated with lab testing. Knowledge and skills to confer with patients and staff concerning testing requirements and to provide advice and assistance on proper collection of processing questions. Knowledge of instructional techniques and practices sufficient to instruct students at all levels to apply principles and practical applications used in collection, processing, distribution and shipping of lab specimens. Knowledge of phlebotomy techniques. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have. 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 a high school diploma. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Specimen Collection Computer Skills Customer Service Patient Care Quality Assurance 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: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. 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/. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.