Job Information
Indian Health Service Health Technician (Laboratory) in Gallup, New Mexico
Summary The purpose of this position is to provide clerical, technical and administrative support to the Phlebotomy/Waived testing departmental areas in support of Medical Technicians and Technologists to meet the mission of the Clinical Laboratory. In accordance to written policies, procedures, and regulations, providing health care under the Laboratory Department, and the direction of the Laboratory Supervisor and Section Supervisor(s). Responsibilities THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED - the vacancy will close when a selection is made. Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for eight months and may be used at any time during this period. After 8 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered. Receives patients and enters patient lab requisition into databases; Reviews patient lab orders; Provides customer service support on behalf of the department; Directs patients and visitors, answers routine inquiries and makes appropriate referral of customer inquiries that cannot be answered according to policies and procedures. Performs patient phlebotomy using proper phlebotomy techniques and ensures correct specimens are collected for testing; Instructs patient on proper collection of urine samples and gives out collection materials. Coordinates the work of department with the work of other departments and health care providers in a timely manner and recognizes the need for such coordination in various circumstances. Assists in Microbiology section by plating cultures to appropriate media for optimal growth and isolation of microorganisms. Prepares slides for interpretation by the Technologists. May assist with daily start-up of laboratory instrumentation. Receives reference lab requests or reference laboratory computer; Enters and verifies test results from reference laboratories; follows up and takes corrective action for missing laboratory reports, missing or unacceptable samples or any inquiries regarding reference lab samples; answers telephone calls and personal inquiries regarding reference laboratory problems from hospital and clinic employees. Types up new forms for the Send-out or Phlebotomy area; types new policies and procedures; Performs weekly or monthly inventory of send-out or phlebotomy supplies; Orders supplies following laboratory protocols; Maintains send-out files in organized and easily retrievable fashion; files patient reports appropriately, faxes requested medical information to other parties, as necessary. Provides oral instruction and hands-on training to new employees who will be performing phlebotomy procedures in the laboratory or other departments within the hospital following hospital laboratory standards; assists with providing annual phlebotomy/specimen collection in-services for hospital employees upon request; ensures all training is documented appropriately which includes a visual assessment of the trainee performing the phlebotomy procedures to ensure competency is measured. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must pass pre-employment examination. Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. Confidential Financial Disclosure Form required. Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities. COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. Works on a regular and recurring exposure to infection and contagious diseases. Special gloves, gowns, or masks are required as safety precautions. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process. Qualifications To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. 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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): GS-3: 6 months general experience GS-4: 6 months of general AND 6 months of specialized experience. General Experience: (l) Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Specialize experience examples: take and record vital signs, schedule appointments, maintain security and confidentiality of data and information. GS-5: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level. Specialize experience examples Include: determining patient assessment, distinguishing between normal and abnormal findings, and administering intervention as prescribed by the provider, typical of medical assistant or health education positions. EDUCATION: For GS-3: Successful completion of l year of study that included study in medical, health, or related fields. For GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in subjects related to the position. For GS-5: 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. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.l. Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit. No recruitment or relocation incentives authorized. No government housing available. This position has promotion potential to the GS-05 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.