Health Technician- Phlebotomist

Veterans Health Administration•Saginaw, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the Saginaw Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center. The Health Technician performs clinical and administrative functions, primarily involving blood and other specimen collection. The role includes direct patient contact and requires courteous, respectful care, attention to patient comfort, and adherence to safety, infection-control, and universal precautions. The technician collects and labels specimens, performs specialized collections and glucose tolerance tests, and helps ensure correct specimen handling and patient identification. The role also includes assisting with phlebotomy instruction for laboratory and CBOC personnel, responding to emergencies, and providing care appropriate to adult and geriatric patients. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with rotating weekends and holidays. This is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives, critical skills incentives, and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level, such as sorting and preparing patient specimens, performing waived laboratory testing, providing phlebotomy services (including finger sticks, heel sticks, and venipunctures), determining the correct specimen for each ordered test, and preparing collection supplies; OR a qualifying combination of education and experience.
Alternatively, a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position may substitute for experience.
A transcript is required when education is used to meet qualification requirements; qualifying education must be from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
Applicants tentatively selected for a testing-designated VA position must undergo urinalysis for illegal drug use; refusing the test results in denial of employment.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
Selected applicants must complete a background/security investigation and online onboarding, and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
Participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for Health Care Personnel.
Serve a one-year probationary period.
Meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date of November 5, 2026.

Responsibilities

Safely collect blood for requested laboratory tests, using special drawing techniques as needed and ensuring the correct tubes and blood volumes are used.
Verify patient identity against the laboratory request and label tubes with the patient's name, Social Security number, and collection date and time.
Perform glucose tolerance tests and other specialized blood collections.
Collect specimens courteously and help ensure patient comfort.
Follow safety, infection-control, and universal precautions during specimen collection, including removing tourniquets and wearing gloves.
Perform phlebotomy for difficult patients and follow proper procedures for redraws while developing the speed needed to complete collection duties.
Assist laboratory and CBOC personnel with theoretical and practical instruction on phlebotomy, specimen collection, and urine and blood specimen requirements.
Respond to, report, and assist with emergency situations; use basic life-support procedures for patients who become sick or faint during blood draws.
Observe and interpret adverse reactions and report physical or mental changes during blood collection.
Provide care appropriate to adult and geriatric patients, considering psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria.