Medical Laboratory Technician

Job Summary

This position is located in the Procurement and Distribution Section of the Clinical Laboratory with the Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. The Medical Laboratory Technician performs both routine and specialized testing in chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, microbiology, and serology in support of a medical laboratory.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory tests and analyze body fluids and other substances to determine the presence or absence of disease or other abnormal conditions.
Receive, collect, sort, record, store, and/or ship clinical laboratory specimens so that appropriate testing/diagnostic procedures can be performed.
Obtain additional data or information from healthcare providers as needed.
Maintain the laboratory and equipment in a clean and safe condition.
Calibrate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
Monitor specimens, equipment, and laboratory for acceptability.
Ensure that sufficient supply of reagents, standards, and controls, are available at all times.
Prepare reagents, controls, etc.
Recommend changes in procedure to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
Establish inventory and equipment maintenance requirements and maintain appropriate inventories and maintenance schedules.
Assist in training personnel and/or students in laboratory procedures and laboratory safety.
Function as a point of contact for implementation of safety regulations and safe working conditions and is accountable to the supervisory to report conditions and progress on eliminating discrepancies.
Accept/documenting incoming patient specimens using the designated computer system.
Process specimens and selecting appropriate procedures based on knowledge of the type of specimens, patient information, and laboratory resources.
Report all specimen problems according to established guidelines.
Perform a variety of laboratory tests, both new and established that involve very fine distinctions in analytical methods.
Enter test results into hospital computer system, verifying the accuracy, completeness, and validity.
Evaluate the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures.
Correlate and integrate information and performing additional testing to confirm abnormal results as per policies and procedures.
Participate in quality assurance activities.
Perform related duties as required.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 6:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Telework

Not Authorized

Virtual

This is not a virtual/remote position.

Position Description/PD#

Medical Technician / PDA

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives

Not Authorized

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/15/2024.

Individual Occupational Requirements

Specialized Experience. For positions at GS-4 and above: (a) Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings or (b) technical support work in a closely related field, e.g., biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled.
OR Education and Training. For GS-4: Successful completion of (a) an associate-degree course of study of which the 2nd year of the 2-year program included successful completion of a training course of approximately a year's duration in a certified laboratory assistant school approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency; (b) 1 year of study that included 6 semester hours in chemistry and/or the biological sciences, plus successful completion of a full-time training course of approximately a year's duration in a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) school that included instruction in chemistry, hematology, blood banking, and microbiology (including serology) and that, in addition, included supervised laboratory practice incident to the diagnostic process and the treatment of patients; or (c) 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours of chemistry and/or biological science course work that must have been directly related to the specialization of the position to be filled.
AND You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-4 General and Specialized Experience: Six months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience. General Experience is defined as any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Examples of Specialized Experience includes knowledge of the processes, methods and procedures associated with lab testing; Knowledge and skills to confer with patients and staff concerning testing requirements and to provide advice and assistance on proper collection of processing questions; Knowledge of instructional techniques and practices sufficient to instruct students at all levels to apply principles and practical applications used in collection, processing, distribution and shipping of lab specimens; and, Knowledge of phlebotomy techniques. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have completed 2 years above high school with courses related to the occupation. (Transcript Required) OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond one year of high school with courses related to the occupation. (Transcript Required)

Selective Placement Factor

Experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients.

Competencies

Computer Skills
Customer Service
Patient Care
Quality Assurance
Specimen Collection

Physical Requirements

The work requires some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring standing, walking, bending, or lifting up to 40 pounds. In many situations, the duration of the activity contributes to the arduous nature of the job. There may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination or good color vision. The work involves regular and recurring risks or discomforts associated with working in a clinical laboratory which require special safety techniques and universal precautions. Employees are required to use protective clothing or gear. Work areas must be maintained in a clean and organized fashion.

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