Health Technician

Health Technician

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Houston, Texas

Salary Range: $46513 - $60461 Per Year

Job Summary: This position is located in the Inpatient Specimen Acquisition Section of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. The incumbent is a Health Technician (phlebotomist) performing a variety of clinical and administrative functions

Major Duties:

• Draws blood from patients for requested laboratory tests. This includes special drawing techniques and assuring proper tubes are used and the correct amount of blood is drawn. Verifies patient as the individual denoted on the request and labels all tubes identification. Performs glucose Tolerance Tests, Bleeding Times and other specialized blood collections as indicated. Incumbent has direct patient contact and must treat all patients with the utmost courtesy and respect. Performs all types of specimen collection in a courteous manner. Provides for patient comfort. Adheres to safety, infection control, and universal precautions at all times while drawing specimen samples. This includes such things as removing tourniquets, and wearing gloves. Must be proficient in the area of phlebotomy, being able to work with even the most difficult patients and follows proper procedures for redrawing blood. In addition, must develop the essential speed required to complete the blood drawing duties. Is responsible for, but not limited to, performing the following special drawing procedures. Instructs patients in proper sterile midstream urine collections, 24-hour urine collection and the collection of specimens for culture and sensitivity, ova parasites and occult bloods, Assists in teaching laboratory and CBOC personnel theoretical and practical aspects of phlebotomy, a variety of specimen collections, and urine/blood specimen requirements. Must be able to respond to, report and assist in emergency situations. Must know first aid procedures for the care of patients who become sick or faint while having blood drawn. Observes and reports any physical or mental changes while patients are being drawn. Performs and exhibits knowledge and skills specific to the adult and geriatric patient. Provides care based on psychosocial, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the age of patients served. The incumbent uses the VA computer system when processing specimens. Samples are accepted into the computer for testing or the order removed from the computer if samples are not collected. Protects the security of the computer system and maintains patient confidentiality. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 3:30pm - 12:00am or 12am - 8am, alternating Holidays & Weekends; subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/PD03708A Physical Requirements: The work requires extensive and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending, lifting, walking, stooping and stretching. The work requires manual dexterity and a large degree of concentration. Designated Drug-Testing Position: 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. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received. English Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position. 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 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. GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes:comprehensive knowledge of a Health Technician (phlebotomist) in performing veni-puncture and other specialized collections according to guidelines; customer service skills to address problem-solving and application of critical thinking skills; experience drawing blood, accessioning, and electronic records; and proficiency in and knowledge of specialized lab tasks including wide range of different tests, types of tubes, etc. General Experience is any type of work that demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the position or which provides a familiarity with the nutrition environment. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must clearly indicate the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. OR Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 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. (Transcripts required) OR Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. A combination of successfully completed post-high school education (beyond the second year or 60 semester hours) AND specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements at the GS-5 level. (Transcripts required) 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.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/15/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12839525. 1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Application Deadline: 2025-12-15