Lead Medical Technician-Phlebotomist

This position serves in the Fort Smith Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Fort Smith, Arkansas campus of the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks. The Lead Medical Technician (Lead Phlebotomist) assigned to oversee phlebotomy support for both in- and outpatients. This role is responsible for performing phlebotomy, accessioning specimens, and performing other procedures necessary to ensure appropriate specimen receipt, handling, and processing to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Duties: Performs blood collection using a variety of phlebotomy techniques including vacutainer systems, syringe, butterfly, and/or capillary finger sticks. Collects blood specimens, using correct container and order of draw. Collects urine specimens and cultures in a manner that preserves the integrity of sample. Processes emergency specimens and routine specimens in a timely manner. Follows proper protocol for specialty blood draws. Evaluates the suitability of specimens. Prepares electronic requisitions for samples to be sent to the reference laboratories. Uses a computer to retrieve laboratory test information. Performs computerized accessioning of patient specimens. Identifies inpatients and outpatients for whom laboratory tests have been ordered, and prints labels for appropriate blood samples. Understands and utilizes information resource technology (i.e. computers, printers, label printers, copy machines, phones, fax machines, various computer information packages, etc.). Provides education to patients for proper collection techniques of urine, stool, or other fluid collections. Interacts with patients, visitors, staff, students and volunteers in a courteous, helpful, tactful, cooperative, respectful and compassionate manner. Responds positively and in a timely manner to customer requests for service or information. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Identifies patients and ensure proper sample procurement and specimen labeling. Assesses patient condition before, during, and after procedures. Administers initial intervention in the event of an emergency. Observes and reports any physical or mental changes during patient blood draws. Prepares samples for testing to include labeling, centrifugation, decanting and aliquoting, etc. Sterilizes and autoclaves contaminated material according to safety policies. Cleans glassware and other reusable items following established policies and procedures. Adheres to all universal precautions, infection control, and safety regulations associated with phlebotomy. Collects specimens using proper patient identification and specimen labeling. Maintains operational and quality control logs, records, and worksheets. Identifies unusual test results or discrepancies/conditions that can lead to erroneous results. Experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients. Work Schedule: Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Lead Medical Technician-Phlebotomist/PD03232A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): not approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): not authorized Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring long periods of standing, waking, bending and lifting. The work may require the incumbent to assist in lifting of equipment or patients. The nature of the job requires the incumbent to have above average dexterity in the performance of the daily job. In many situations, the duration of the activity (such as most of a workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job.

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 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 or 2-year trial 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 or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.