U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring: Medical Technician - Phlebotomy i

Medical Technician - Phlebotomy

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – VA Central Iowa Health Care System, Des Moines, IA.

Summary

This position is located in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS). The technician performs phlebotomy in the emergency room, inpatient, outpatient, and extended care areas of the hospital and associated clinics. Incumbent also performs various computer, customer service, instruction, and communication tasks.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs blood collection using venipunctures, arterial punctures, and capillary finger sticks with minimal failures and patient bruising, ensuring timely sample submission.
• Demonstrates skills and knowledge in specimen procurement and preservation until testing.
• Follows standard operating procedures for specimen collection.
• Makes independent decisions on specimen procurement problems.
• Identifies tests requiring special handling conditions and performs proper specimen collection.
• Initiates emergency care procedures in case of reaction (fainting, hematoma, anxiety).
• Maintains phlebotomy supplies and reports shortages.
• Assists patients with laboratory check-in, obtains pre‑analytical information, and provides excellent customer service.
• Communicates missing, erroneous, or duplicate orders to appropriate health‑care staff.
• Answers clinic laboratory phone inquiries and forwards calls as needed.
• Provides consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule

Full‑time, Monday‑Friday, weekends and holidays as assigned, 5:30 am – 2:00 pm.

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizen.
• Subject to urinalysis screening for drug use; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.

Qualifications

English Language Proficiency

Proficient in basic written and spoken English.

Select Placement Factor

Must possess experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients.

Experience Requirements

• Six (6) months of general experience and six (6) months of specialized experience related to laboratory support, including blood banking and preparation of reports.

Education and Experience Alternatives

• Associate‑degree in laboratory assistant with ≥1 year of training.
• Three years of study with ≥12 semester hours of chemistry or biological science related to laboratory specialization.
• Combination of post‑high‑school education and experience meeting GS‑4 qualification.

Competencies

• Computer Skills
• Customer Service (Clerical/Technical)
• Patient Care
• Specimen Collection

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity, hand/eye coordination, and physical exertion, including walking, reaching, bending, and standing for several hours. Occasional lifting of containers up to 20 lb.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Part‑time

Job Function

Health Care Provider

Industries

Hospitals and Health Care