Health Technician

The position is in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System VA Health Care System in the Pathology and Laboratory Medical Service, and is located in Tulsa, OK. The multi-skilled Health Technician performs a wide range of administrative functions which include compliance to CLIA and The Joint Commission regulations for laboratory testing, clerical and health technician functions.

Operate guidelines to determine technical factors, sets controls, calibrates, and operates equipment and instruments such as occult blood analyzer Ensures proper cleaning and performs minor maintenance of laboratory equipment and adjust as needed. Responsible for maintaining records for point of care testing and maintenance on laboratory machines. Accepts patient orders, prints labels, selects proper tubes and containers, PPE, labels specimens with all required information in front of the patient; collects blood following proper tube collection or and without contamination. Determines the correct handling environment for each specimen submitted for referral laboratory testing and performs processing procedures which may be difficult, complex or non-standardized and may involve delicate and exacting steps working with specimens that may be irreplaceable such as tumor biopsy or aspirate. Ensures fire, safety, disaster and infection control procedures are implemented by staff; utilizes protective and supportive devices which comply with Personal Protective Equipment Infection Control Standards. Processes tissue cultures and specimen samples related to pathology testing which require difficult specialized procedures. Instructs patients on proper specimen collection procedures to ensure specimens are acceptable for testing. Prepares specimens to be sent to outside laboratories, including reference and sharing laboratories, for testing not done at this laboratory; assures the proper specimen was collected, records in the send-out book, puts specimen in the proper receptacle, packages specimen to maintain the correct temperature during shipping, completes and checks paperwork, and sends specimen to the correct laboratory. Answers telephone calls, and coordinates information and actions relating to patient care and services; assists patients, visitors, and others requesting information, guidance, or referral for special assistance. Works cooperatively with a variety of individuals, including patients, staff, and visitors, always portraying a positive image and providing satisfactory customer service. Uses courtesy and sound business etiquette in all interactions, whether interpersonal telephonic. Performs patient care procedures such as collection of lab specimens, applying dressings, and adjusting simple supportive equipment. Prepare patient for blood or collection according to College of American Pathologists(CAP) and The Joint Commission(TJC guidelines; follows proper patient preparation and venipuncture while following sterile collection techniques and bandage patient appropriately following collection. Performs patient care procedures such as collection of lab specimens, the proper collection and handling of various specimens including venous blood, instructs patients on proper specimen collection procedures to ensure specimens are acceptable for testing Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (8:30 AM-5:00 PM) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD14453A and PD14531A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. 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 identification 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 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 period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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/.