Medical Laboratory Technician

Summary
The Medical Laboratory Technician position is assigned to P&LMS. This position performs a variety of waived - moderate - and complex tests on biological specimens. The MLT serves as a generalist in the laboratory with responsibility for performing testing in areas of Chemistry - Hematology - Coagulation - Microbiology - Urinalysis and Phlebotomy.
Qualifications
All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge - Skill - and Ability (KSA) on a separate document. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
Education
Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification
Certification: Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations
(a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i ASCP - Board of Certification
OR ii ASCP - Board of Registry
(b) American Medical Technologists
OR (c) American Association of Bioanalysts
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)
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
Grade Determinations: GS-05:Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
GS-06:Experience: In addition to the basic requirements - candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level
Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of MLT principles - practices - concepts and theories for sound independent work
Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems
Ability to maintain - troubleshoot and repair instrumentation
Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments
Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results
Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions
Ability to consult with other members of the health care team - patients and external customers
Preferred Experience: 1-year as an MLT Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Duties
This is an open continuous announcement
Applicants in USA Staffing will be qualified based on the resume submitted and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager every 1-2 weeks until the announcement is closed - cancelled - or filled
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties Include - but are not limited to the following: Performs a full range of laboratory testing and examination of blood - urine - body fluids and other specimens
Performs routine laboratory testing (both moderate and complex testing) in all areas of the clinical laboratory
Packages laboratory specimens for pick up and shipment to reference laboratories
Instructs medical laboratory technician and phlebotomy students as well as new employees in approved laboratory techniques as assigned
Performs and evaluates quality control and proficiency testing samples according to laboratory standard operating procedures and accrediting agency requirements
Ensures that laboratory areas are stocked - maintains appropriate inventories - and notifies appropriate personnel when supplies need to be ordered
Maintains work area in a clean and safe condition according to agency or accreditation requirements
Records laboratory data on charts - logs or computerized forms
Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction or conditions which could cause erroneous results
locates and implements corrections
recognizes and defines testing problems and evaluates methods for solution
evaluates - guides - or implements possible alternative approaches to standard methods
utilizes advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance
monitors the quality control system including record keeping systems and measures to assure the accuracy and validity of test results and trouble shoots instruments
ensures timely and thorough evaluation of data
Plays a role in establishing and developing the testing and examination procedures carried out in the laboratory
solves testing problems - suggests solutions to testing problems - and performs newer/more complex tests and examinations
participates in process improvement - data driven decision making - and team driven change to continuously improve operations
is responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system
plans and carries out the successive steps of testing procedures in multiple areas/Sections - and independently handles problems and deviations in the work assignment in accordance with established protocols - previous training - or accepted laboratory practices
Complies with all professional standards and regulation of accrediting bodies
Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and assay procedures
correlates quantitative data with patient data - to verify results
performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results and recognizes abnormal results
Follows standard precautions - isolation procedures - infection control policies and other safety regulations
Specimen Collection and Processing Work Schedule: Monday to Friday
2:30pm - 11pm and rotating holidays Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized