Medical Laboratory Technician

Job Summary

The Medical Laboratory Technician position is assigned to the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at Prescott VAMC. This role involves performing a variety of biological specimen and environmental sample testing using manual or automated techniques, requiring a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision.

Responsibilities

• Prepares reports, maintains records, and performs administrative duties as assigned.
• Prepares and presents work-related information to technical specialists and supervisors.
• Performs moderate and high-complexity qualitative and quantitative testing in all assigned laboratory specialty areas.
• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures.
• Recognizes deviation from expected results, analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.
• Recognizes and communicates predefined critical results affecting patient care.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiologic processes and requirements.
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment.
• Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction.
• Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as CAP, TJC, AABB, and OSHA.
• Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and suggests solutions.
• Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results, interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures.
• Assists with instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position

Functional Statement #

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives

Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• 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

• Basic Requirements:
  • Be a citizen of the United States.
  • Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
  • Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification.
  • Certification. (1) Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations.
  • Candidates must be certified in accordance with Certification paragraph.
  • Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign MLT programs are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a current certification as described in subparagraph C for Certification.
  • English Language Proficiency: MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Grade Determinations:
  • In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met for this position: Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-07 (Above Full Performance Level) (a) Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
    • i. Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests.
    • ii. Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing.
    • iii. Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes.
    • iv. Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment.
    • v. Knowledge of laboratory information technology (IT) systems including troubleshooting systems issues, interface requirements between new instruments and existing IT infrastructure and laboratory IT test development.
    • vi. Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration along with continuing education and employee orientation to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements.
    • vii. Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards.
    • viii. Ability to assist with quality management activities in the laboratory, including monitoring and evaluating quality in accordance with CLIA and CAP, conducting quality improvement activities and communicating quality management results.
  • Assignments:
    • For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
    • Lead MLTs independently perform duties of significant scope and complexity and assist with technician oversight.
    • Lead MLTs lead three or more lab support positions, provide direction to the daily operations and assume responsibility for integrating and monitoring standard laboratory protocols to maintain continuous workflow and quality within the unit.
    • Lead MLTs must do a combination of at least three of the following duties: prepare work schedules and assign tasks to ensure timely completion of duties; ensure laboratory resources are in optimal working condition and address workflow needs; provide guidance and support of the work unit in supervisory absence; train personnel (including students) in methods, procedures and use of equipment and instruments specific to the assigned area; provide input to supervisor on performance and training needs of employees; adjust work assignments due to absences or changes in priorities; resolve simple, informal complaints of employees and patients, refer more difficult problems to the supervisor; and recommend approval and/or disapproval of leave requests.
  References

Former VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G69, Medical Technician Qualification Standard For more information on this qualification standard, please visit

Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service

Education

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:

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:

Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation)

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.

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.

The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive , VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy).

VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations.

If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.

The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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