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Health Technician - Phlebotomist (Specimen Collection and Processing)

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System

Summary

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.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 07/27/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 27, 2026
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$40,736 - $52,957 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBST-13007749-26-KC
Control number
876787400

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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  • 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

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 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. 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

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 positionCandidates 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/.

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.

Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the order in which applicants are received.

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:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


USA Hire Assessments include a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

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.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System provides quality, patient-centered health care to Veterans throughout 23 parishes in southeast Louisiana. We meet the needs of Veterans through seven community-based outpatient clinics located in Slidell, Hammond, St. John Parish, Houma, Franklin, Bogalusa and Baton Rouge, as well as a new Veterans Medical Center in New Orleans. For more information, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, keyword New Orleans. Please visit our lifestyle/quality of life site https://destinationgno.com/ to learn why New Orleans is home to so many

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

Agency contact information

Kathy Carroll
Phone
813-503-7921
Email
Kathy.Carroll@va.gov
Address
New Orleans VA Medical Center
2400 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
US

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https://www.va.gov/jobs/

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