Health Technician - Phlebotomist (Specimen Collection and Processing)
What you'd do
The services provided by the Health Technician consist primarily of phlebotomy, specimen collection, specimen processing, preparation and storage of specimens, packaging and manifesting specimens for transport to send-out reference laboratories, accessioning samples, performing Chain of Custody Employee Drug Collection (EDC), and performing waived testing. As well as intakes patients, validates patient identity, confirms order status, and manages the patient queue in outpatient phlebotomy.
Major duties
Draws blood from patients for requested laboratory tests, while observing the proper order of the draw. Verifies patient identity using 2 unique identifiers. Labels all tubes per protocol in front of the patient and verifies correct labeling by confirming label with the patient. Assures proper tubes are used, and that the correct amount of blood is drawn. Processes samples for analysis and/or dispatch to reference laboratories, ensuring the physiologic state of the specimen is maintained. Advises other laboratory personnel or healthcare workers on appropriate collection and handling of specimens. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks (such as centrifuges). Maintains courteous interactions with all patients and staff, addressing situations promptly as they arise. Performs specialized patient sample collections per individual laboratory requirements such as Blood Culture, Blood Bank Specimen Verification, and other specialized sample collections. Treats adverse reactions to phlebotomy. Adheres to established protocols ensuring correct patient identification and sample collection, including age and patient safety criteria. Advises patients in the proper collection, storage and transport of self collected samples. Identifies quality control variations and initiates corrective action to correct the problem within established guidelines. Performs daily quality control to assure reagents, equipment and temperatures are within recommended guidelines. Performs laboratory upkeep duties such as light housekeeping duties ensuring laboratory cleanliness and stocking supplies. Adheres to safety, infection control, Universal Precautions and HIPAA standards at all times. Packages specimens for shipment in accordance with Department of Transportation guidelines. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30 pm , 9:30am -6:00pm, 10:30am-7:00pm, 6:00am-2:30pm, or 6:30am -3:00pm, Monday- Friday with alternating weekends and Holidays, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Shifts will be discussed during interview. NOTE: Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement, with various work schedules assigned based on the staffing needs of the Specimen Collection and Specimen Processing section. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician - Phlebotomist (Specimen Collection and Processing)/PD07332A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/27/2026. Individual Occupational Requirement: 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 (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. OR, Education and Training For GS-5: 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 directly related to the position. In addition to meeting the above Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR), applicants must also meet the experience and/or directly related education relevant to this position. For a GS- 05 position Candidates may be advanced without time restriction to position is up to GS-5 if the position to be filled is no more than two grades above the lowest grade the employee held within the preceding 52 weeks under his or her latest non-temporary competitive appointment. 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: Experience as a phlebotomist drawing blood from the arm or hand. Experience accessioning specimens and processing blood and other specimens for analysis. Experience Manifesting and Packaging Specimens for shipment to reference laboratories Experience performing and documenting Quality Control and instrument maintenance. Experience providing customer service or managing queues in a high-volume setting. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have .Successfully completed four (4) year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business or technical school, junior college, college or university for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. Note: Transcripts are required. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an Equivalent combination of successfully completed post-high school education (beyond the second year or 60 semester hours) and specialized experience which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include courses directly related to the work of the position. Note: Transcripts are required. Preferred Characteristics and Experience: Phlebotomy certification At least three years of experience performing blood draws in either a hospital (inpatient) or clinic (outpatient) environment Experience accessioning specimens and processing blood and other specimens for analysis Experience performing and documenting Quality Control and instrument maintenance. Familiarity with chain-of-custody urine drug collections is also an advantage 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/.
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