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Health Technician

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration

Summary

The Health Technician is assigned to Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the VA Western New York Healthcare System. The primary purpose of this position is to perform a variety of lab functions including but not limited to: accession specimens into computer system, collect patient specimens (phlebotomy), answer questions relative to patient specimens, instruct and assist patients, process specimens, and perform waived testing such as fingerstick glucose testing.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/02/2026 to 03/09/2026
Salary
$42,597 to - $55,377 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Buffalo, NY
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Intermittent
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
CBTE-12900276-26-AF
Control number
859506300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.

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Duties

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Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Performs a range of diagnostic laboratory support duties such as collection and labeling of specimens for the laboratory. Performs routine repetitive diagnostic tests and procedures such as venipuncture for collection of blood specimens and collection/acceptance of other body fluid such as urine or sputum. Uses proper sterile techniques for collection of samples. Ensures and verifies correct labeling and patient identification. Records test time and intervals as appropriate. Processes and assures proper storage of specimens. Performs limited waived testing such fingerstick glucose testing. Adheres to safety, infection control, and universal precautions at all times while drawing blood or performing testing. Assists in the training of new employees on specimen collection procedures. Uses hospital computer system to perform routine work such as, reviewing and accepting lab orders, entering test results and gathering information required to complete assigned duties. Performs routine or repetitive work in a laboratory setting. The work requires a basic familiarity with overall function of the laboratory.

Receives and Directs Patients
Performs direct patient support work to include collecting information from patients, providing personal patient care and educating patients on pre-testing and post-testing activities. Assists patients, visitors and others requesting Information, guidance or referral for special assistance. Receives and directs patients, instructs patients in the proper collection of specimens such as midstream urine collection, 24-hour urine collection, collection of specimens for culture and sensitivity, etc. When performing special drawing procedures such as collecting timed specimens instructs patient in procedure to be followed prior to, during and after the test in order to obtain specimens at the required time.

Control Records and Document Test Results
Performs administrative tasks such as maintaining control records for specimens and tests and documenting measurements taken. Assists in writing and revising standard operating procedures relative to job performance. Receives and accessions requests for testing into the laboratory computer system. Functions as a resource person. for other non-laboratory personnel on specimen collection requirements and patient preparation for any lab request. Verifies the accuracy and completeness of requests. Interacts with hospital/ clinic personnel to correct 'discrepancies. Recognizes emergent situations and take necessary action. Establishes priorities for emergent orders. Notifies technologists of impending work. Maintains records for routine patient tests or laboratory transactions. Verifies sample transport requirements for a variety of laboratory tests, including cultures, biopsies, etc. Adheres to special instructions, such as transport on ice, deliver immediately, protect from light, etc. Obtains and provides basic test information for patient and caregivers. Verifies laboratory orders, clarifies unusual requests with initiating provider. Provides basic patient education on pre-testing and post" procedure patient activities. Verifies identifiers such as patient identification, time of sample, type of test requested: Identifies unusual conditions and discrepancies, which may cause erroneous test results. Enters data in control records. Monitors transmission to testing laboratory and receipt of results.

Positions Patient for Procedues
Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Performs blood­ drawing duties in a courteous manner. Makes the patient feel as comfortable as possible. Explains procedures and properly positions patients for standard procedures.

Maintenance Duties
Maintains the laboratory facilities and equipment, controls supplies and maintains and controls laboratory records. Maintains the blood drawing area, including the replacement of supplies as needed. Determines that no outdated reagents, tubes, etc., are left on the shelves. Ensures the proper rotation of reagents for proper usage by expiration date.
Performs other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Hours vary from 5:00am to 5:00pm weekdays and weekends
Telework: This position is not authorized for telework.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD09299A

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 requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring standing, walking, bending or lifting. The work requires heavy lifting of equipment or patients. In many situations, the duration of the activity contributes to the arduous nature of the job.
  • 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 dentification 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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/09/2026.

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR):

  • 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.
  • Specialized Experience: 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: Performing both clerical and clinical duties in a medical/healthcare environment; answering and directing phone calls; documenting medical records. This experience must be detailed in your resume to receive credit. 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. 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. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business or technical school. Transcripts required. OR,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.
Preferred Experience: Inpatient and Outpatient Phlebotomy Experience.

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. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

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.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.

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.

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 qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

  • Communications
  • Infection Control
  • Quality Management
  • Specimen Collection


Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

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