Clarification from the agency

The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3.

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• Perform laboratory testing - Conduct a variety of clinical laboratory tests across disciplines such as chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, immunology, serology, and blood banking.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment - Operate, calibrate laboratory instruments; document equipment performance in compliance with policy and standards.
• Handle specimen collection and processing - Collect blood and other specimens, verify labeling and prepare samples for analysis or shipment to reference laboratories.
• Ensure quality assurance and reporting - Validate test results within established parameters, document quality control and proficiency testing, and assist with audits and performance improvement activities.
• Support laboratory operations and training - Follow biosafety and infection control protocols, provide guidance to staff or students, and participate in continuing education to maintain regulatory compliance.

Conditions of employment

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility may be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Vaccine exemption requests may be available according to the National and/or Service Unit guidance.

Position may be subject to rotating shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation Requirement:

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):

All specialized experience must meet the following: (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.

In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Your resume must demonstrate the following specialized experience as outlined below. Specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the tasks as identified.

GS-06: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: instruct patients on proper specimen collection and preservation; prepare and preserve specimen for analysis or referral following established procedures; performs patient phlebotomy via venipuncture and capillary methods ensuring correct patient identification; performs routine and standard clinical laboratory tests; evaluate test results and recognize normal and abnormal findings; operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments and troubleshoot issues; maintain records of quality control and equipment performance; prepare reagents and ensure temperature, humidity, and equipment standards are met; maintain laboratory records, quality control data, and reports using manual and computerized systems; adhere to federal standards and regulations to support continuous quality improvement processes.

Click on the following link to view occupational requirements for this position: Medical Technician 0645, Technical and Medical Support Positions

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cut-off day of rating to be eligible for consideration.

How you will be evaluated

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

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

Once the application process is complete, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications.

Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. SMEs will review ONLY the first two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume).Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process.
To ensure a fair and consistent hiring process, IHS uses a multi-hurdle assessment process. Each "hurdle" must be passed before moving to the next step. This helps us evaluate applicants based on job-related qualifications, competencies, and experience.

Below is what applicants can expect:
1. Minimum Qualifications Review - Hurdle 1
HR reviews your resume to confirm you meet the eligibility and minimum qualifications for the position (education and/or licensure (if applicable), listed above).Note: the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications. If you meet eligibility and minimum qualifications, you move to the next hurdle.
2. Technical Assessment (Subject Matter Expert Resume Review) - Hurdle 2
A panel of subject matter experts (SME) will review your resume to determine whether you clearly show the required specialized experience listed below.

Note: SMEs will review ONLY the first two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume).

This assessment is Pass/Fail.Applicants who demonstrate the required experience will advance.

• prepare and preserve specimen for analysis or referral following established procedures;
  performs patient phlebotomy via venipuncture and capillary methods ensuring correct patient identification;
  instruct patients on proper specimen collection and preservation;
  performs routine and standard clinical laboratory tests;
  evaluate test results and recognize normal and abnormal findings;
  maintain records of quality control and equipment performance;
  prepare reagents and ensure temperature, humidity, and equipment standards are met;
  adhere to federal standards and regulations to support continuous quality improvement processes.
  operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments and troubleshoot issues;
  maintain laboratory records, quality control data, and reports using manual and computerized systems;

• Attention to Detail
• Interpersonal Skills
• Technical Competence
• Technology Application