Supervisory Health Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Tulsa, OK

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Serves as the Supervisory Health Technician overseeing the Phlebotomy and Processing Section within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee (Tulsa), Oklahoma. The position reports to the Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Assistant Laboratory Manager) and provides first-line technical and administrative supervision to GS-0640-05/06 Health Technicians.

The role oversees section operations, specimen receipt and processing, staff assignments and schedules, employee performance and training, competencies, and supply inventory. It also receives and verifies specimens, coordinates emergent testing, prepares and ships reference-laboratory specimens, advises clinical staff on test ordering and specimen requirements, and may perform waived testing and other laboratory procedures as needed.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Work takes place in a laboratory, with regular standing and walking and use of computers and laboratory equipment. The work involves exposure to blood, body fluids, clinical specimens, potentially infectious materials, chemicals, biohazardous waste, sharps, and laboratory equipment. Appropriate safety, infection-control, and personal protective measures are required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Applicants must meet the Health Aid and Technician Series 0640 Individual Occupational Requirement.
• For the GS-07 grade level, one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-06 in the normal line of progression, or directly related graduate education or an internship that meets the specialized-experience requirement.
• Specialized experience includes practical knowledge of standardized laboratory procedures, practices, and terminology related to phlebotomy, specimen receipt, accessioning, processing, handling, preservation, packaging, shipment, and assigned testing.
• Understand minimum specimen requirements for in-house and reference-laboratory tests, including specimen type, volume, temperature, collection container, processing method, and time limitations.
• Skill in recognizing technical and mechanical indicators, troubleshooting laboratory equipment and processing problems, and implementing appropriate corrections within authorized scope of practice.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local requirements for specimen handling and shipment, including diagnostic specimens, hazardous materials, infection control, and biohazardous waste.
• Knowledge of VA/VHA/VISN and medical center policies and applicable laboratory accreditation and regulatory standards governing specimen receipt, processing, handling, testing, and quality assurance.
• Oral and written communication skills sufficient to explain laboratory procedures and specimen requirements, provide technical guidance, respond to inquiries, and address customer concerns with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Transcripts are required when using education as a substitute for specialized experience; recognized education must be from an accredited institution.
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation; designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Regular standing and walking, frequent computer and laboratory-equipment use, and sufficient visual acuity and manual dexterity to read labels and screens, enter information, and handle laboratory materials are required.
• Intermittent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and lifting or carrying supplies, specimens, and equipment are required; assistance or appropriate lifting equipment is used when necessary.
• Follow established safety and infection-control procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily section operations and ensure agency policies and priorities are followed; review the incomplete pending list to ensure specimens are collected and accounted for.
• Supervise specimen processing for specimens received into and sent from the laboratory.
• Develop and communicate performance standards and evaluate employee performance.
• Plan and assign work according to priorities, assignment requirements, and employee capabilities; prepare work schedules for timely specimen collection and processing.
• Provide employees with advice, counsel, and instruction on work and administrative matters; review and approve leave while maintaining necessary coverage.
• Identify training needs, administer employee competencies, and evaluate processes to improve efficiency, production, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
• Oversee supply inventory and ordering, maintain adequate stock, place emergency orders when appropriate, and escalate deficiencies that could affect specimen collection or testing.
• Receive specimens according to applicable policies and procedures, and verify patient identification and specimen labeling before acceptance.
• Recognize emergency testing situations, direct specimens to the appropriate laboratory location, and notify laboratory staff when emergent testing is needed.
• Process samples for reference-laboratory testing, prepare shipping manifests, and package specimens in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Use laboratory equipment and consumable materials, and ensure equipment is in proper working condition before use.
• Maintain records of specimens submitted to reference laboratories, including accession forms and shipping manifests.
• Provide clinical staff with information, guidance, and technical advice about test ordering and specimen collection and submission requirements.
• Perform waived testing as needed by the service.
• Perform, evaluate, and monitor test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Specific benefits eligibility depends on position type; applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for information about benefits offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed