Health Technician

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 31, 2026. The initial cut-off dates for referral of eligible applications will be 11/24/2026 with cut-off every 2 weeks. Once position is filled the announcement will be closed.

Overview

Telework eligibleNoRemote jobNoRelocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $40,736 - $59,031 per year Pay scale & grade GS 5 - 6 Promotion potential 6 Work scheduleFull-timeTravel RequiredNot requiredAppointment typePermanentSupervisory statusNoFederal service typeThis job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a unionNoDrug testYesSecurity clearanceNot RequiredPosition sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low RiskFinancial disclosure requiredNoAnnouncement numberCBSU-13114422-27-DLSControl number892523600

Occupations and job series

• 0640 Health Aid And Technician

Background check type

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness

Summary

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, at the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center. 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.

Duties

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Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

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: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to Midnight, Midnight to 10:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, rotating weekends and holidays.
Compressed/Flexible: Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD14531-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• 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.

Qualifications

Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR): The Health Technician, 0640 has a minimum qualification entry requirement. From the descriptions below, please identify how you meet the minimum qualifications for the Health Technician position.

• Specialized Experience: 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: 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 the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR), applicants must also meet the following grade requirements as outlined below:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/31/2026.

You may qualify for the GS-05 based on your experience and/or education as described below:

• Specialized Experience GS-5: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-4 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Performs routine phlebotomy procedures, including venipuncture, specimen collection, and dressing application.; Prepares patients, supplies, containers, labels, and protective equipment for testing procedures.; Handles specimens according to established procedures to support accurate testing.; Maintains records related to patient testing activities. OR,
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a bachelor's degree or four (4) years of education above the high school level with 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. (Transcripts required).. 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 successful completion post-high school education (beyond the second year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total qualification requirements for this grade level. This education must have been obtained at an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college, or university. (Transcripts required).

You may qualify for the GS-06 based on your experience and/or education as described below:

• Specialized Experience GS-6: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Performs routine phlebotomy procedures, including venipuncture, specimen collection, and dressing application.; Prepares patients, supplies, containers, labels, and protective equipment for testing procedures.; Handles specimens according to established procedures to support accurate testing.; Maintains records related to patient testing activities. OR,
• Education: Education: Six months of graduate level education related to the position can be substituted for specialized experience. 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. (Transcripts required).
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond the GS-05 requirement.

Preferred Experience: Phlebotomy experience in a hospital setting, or clinic.

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.

Additional information

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.

VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.

If you are unable to apply online and request information about the Alternate Application process, please contact the Agency Contact listed for this Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA).

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Required Documents

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Documents Accepted:

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Documents Required:

• Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

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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 12/31/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13114422.

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.

Agency contact information

VISN 19 HR Contact Center Phone 719-227-4600 Email V19USAJOBS@VA.GOV Address VA Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System
1011 Honor Heights Drive
Muskogee, OK 74401
US

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.