The position is located in the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service (PLMS) at the Hudson Valley VA Health Care Systems. The incumbent performs a variety of functions including: accessions specimens into computer system, use the HOWDY system, collects, evaluates and processes patient specimens, answers questions relative to patient specimens, instructs and assists patients, and processes send-out specimens for testing. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Basic practical knowledge of biology, human anatomy, patient relations and general medical laboratory functions; Knowledge and understanding of all safety, disaster, exposure control, chemical and hand hygiene, and infection control plans; Skill to accurately read and interpret electronic (via VISTA) lab requisitions, and to utilize the hospital computer systems to accession, add and delete tests as needed; Properly labeling of specimens; use of personal protective equipment, verification of patients info and more. OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-05 level. 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. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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. ["Incumbent collects and processes specimens obtained for analyses throughout P&LMS and associated reference laboratories, ensuring safety and non-traumatic processes are used with critical concern for the patients and the quality of the specimen. Incumbent performs venipuncture specimen collections from inpatients, outpatients, and urgent room when needed. The use of a syringe or butterfly may be required in obtaining difficult specimens. The incumbent ensures work area remains clean and well stock. The Health Tech is the first point of contact for all patients in the service. He/she secures the confidence and cooperation of patient during phlebotomy, explains procedure, and positions patients for desired results. The incumbent receives and sorts specimens collected from inpatients, outpatients, and all CBOC's, checks request slips for proper information, logs in specimen, and delivers specimens to various laboratory sections. The incumbent also operates centrifuges, reporting any malfunction to Supervisor, as needed. He/she evaluates temperature requirements of refrigerator on the wards as needed. STANDARD PRECAUTIONS must be taken to protect self and others from contamination. Incumbent is required to wear/use personal protective equipment or gear such as gloves, coats, and masks according to regulatory agencies. Work Schedule: Varied\nPosition Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Phlebotomy)\nPhysical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing, sitting, walking and bending with occasional moderate lifting."]