Health Technician (Phlebotomy)

The incumbent performs accessioning, phlebotomy, processing of specimens and diagnostic testing duties at the Appleton CBOC. The position is aligned under the Primary Care Division of the VA Medical Center, Milwaukee.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 30, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 5, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every two week. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or until position is filled. DUTIES: Answers incoming calls, finds and relays information or refers the caller to the appropriate technical personnel. Performs routine and specialized venipuncture of outpatients in order to obtain blood specimens for laboratory testing. Assigns priority to test requests. Explains diagnostic procedures and collection procedures, position patients for desired results. Receives all requests for testing within the diagnostic section. Verifies the accuracy and completeness of the request. Establishes priorities for emergency orders. Notifies the technical staff of pending work. Provides assistance with the training and guidance in phlebotomy techniques to LPNs, RNs, students, and/or new phlebotomy employees rotating through the blood collection area. Accepts and enters all requests for diagnostic testing into the hospital computer system using the computerized medical record, laboratory, radiology and diagnostic menus and 200 computer codes. Accesses/registers diagnostic orders and generates computer-printed labels. Documents and reviews collection problems. Receives specimens delivered to the laboratory for analysis. Evaluates each specimen and laboratory order to ensure that the specimens are properly obtained and appropriate for the test(s). Rejects unacceptable specimens and refers questions to the technical staff. Ensures accurate patient and specimen identification using armband, Social Security number, and picture identification card. Verifies the patient identification with the request and labels nil tubes according to established policies and procedures. Processes specimens including centrifuging, allocating and storage of the sample. Processes, packages and ships specimens to the reference laboratories. Performs limited laboratory tests, inclusive glucose tolerance tests. Maintains phlebotomy area physical facilities and equipment. Performs quality control and preventive maintenance functions. Maintains storage and inventory of phlebotomy and diagnostic working supplies. Determines technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment and instruments. Sets and modifies operational parameters for equipment with few operating functions. Reports equipment malfunctions to supervisor. Recognizes abnormalities and brings them to the attention of the ordering provider. Records results in the permanent record. Performs standard diagnostic procedures which include electrocardiograms. Operates, calibrates and maintains instruments and accessories used to assist with or perform standard diagnostic procedures. Performs direct patient care duties in the laboratory und the clinic by directing, instructing, and assisting patients with specimen collection and hospital processing. Maintains records and files related to the diagnostic area. Collects data required for Performance Improvement monitors, participates in quality assurance tasks within the team or part of a multidisciplinary team. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00am to 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Phlebotomy)/PD02839A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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 may/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.