This position serves in the Fort Smith Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Fort Smith, Arkansas campus of the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks. The Lead Medical Technician (Lead Phlebotomist) assigned to oversee phlebotomy support for both in- and outpatients.
This role is responsible for performing phlebotomy, accessioning specimens, and performing other procedures necessary to ensure appropriate specimen receipt, handling, and processing to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Duties: Performs blood collection using a variety of phlebotomy techniques including vacutainer systems, syringe, butterfly, and/or capillary finger sticks. Collects blood specimens, using correct container and order of draw. Collects urine specimens and cultures in a manner that preserves the integrity of sample. Processes emergency specimens and routine specimens in a timely manner. Follows proper protocol for specialty blood draws. Evaluates the suitability of specimens.
Prepares electronic requisitions for samples to be sent to the reference laboratories. Uses a computer to retrieve laboratory test information. Performs computerized accessioning of patient specimens. Identifies inpatients and outpatients for whom laboratory tests have been ordered, and prints labels for appropriate blood samples. Understands and utilizes information resource technology (i.e.
computers, printers, label printers, copy machines, phones, fax machines, various computer information packages, etc.). Provides education to patients for proper collection techniques of urine, stool, or other fluid collections. Interacts with patients, visitors, staff, students and volunteers in a courteous, helpful, tactful, cooperative, respectful and compassionate manner. Responds positively and in a timely manner to customer requests for service or information.
Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Identifies patients and ensure proper sample procurement and specimen labeling. Assesses patient condition before, during, and after procedures. Administers initial intervention in the event of an emergency. Observes and reports any physical or mental changes during patient blood draws. Prepares samples for testing to include labeling, centrifugation, decanting and aliquoting, etc.
Sterilizes and autoclaves contaminated material according to safety policies. Cleans glassware and other reusable items following established policies and procedures. Adheres to all universal precautions, infection control, and safety regulations associated with phlebotomy. Collects specimens using proper patient identification and specimen labeling. Maintains operational and quality control logs, records, and worksheets.
Identifies unusual test results or discrepancies/conditions that can lead to erroneous results. Experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients. Work Schedule: Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Lead Medical Technician-Phlebotomist/PD03232A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): not approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): not authorized Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring long periods of standing, waking, bending and lifting. The work may require the incumbent to assist in lifting of equipment or patients.
The nature of the job requires the incumbent to have above average dexterity in the performance of the daily job. In many situations, the duration of the activity (such as most of a workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job.
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Krista.Smith4@va.gov · 501-274-6635
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $54147 – $70392/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-29.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-22 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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