Medical Laboratory Technician

Summary

The Medical Laboratory Technician will perform test procedures on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques - which require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. The location of the position is Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service - West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) - Big Spring - Texas.

Qualifications

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.(1)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: Medical Laboratory Technician - GS-05
• Experience
• None beyond the basic requirements
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities
• None
• Assignment
• This is an entry-level developmental MLT position
• MLTs will typically receive guidance from experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision
• MLTs at this level perform testing in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing - phlebotomy - hematology - immunohematology - clinical chemistry - immunology - toxicology - urinalysis - referral laboratory - microbiology and specimen processing
• Medical Laboratory Technician - 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: i Knowledge of MLT principles - practices - concepts and theories for sound independent work
• ii Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems
• iii Ability to maintain - troubleshoot and repair instrumentation
• iv Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments
• v Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results
• vi Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions
• vii Ability to consult with other members of the health care team - patients and external customers
• Assignment
• At the full performance level - MLTs use independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory - from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results
• MLTs perform day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care
• This includes providing pre-analytic instructions to patients - VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens
• Preferred Experience: 2 years experience as Medical Laboratory Technician Lab (Clinical Laboratory Generalist/or experience working in clinical laboratory) 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-06
• 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: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties outlined are at the full performance level GS-6 Medical Laboratory Technician
• The Medical Laboratory Technician level performs - evaluates - and interprets the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results
• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures to include pre-analytic - analytic and post analytic processes with minimal technical supervision
• Performs testing in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing - phlebotomy - hematology - immunohematology - clinical chemistry - immunology - toxicology - urinalysis - referral laboratory - microbiology - and specimen processing
• Recognizes data with life threatening (critical) implications and understands the importance of immediately bringing the data to the attention of the patients' physician and/or nursing staff
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account 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 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
• Identifies discrepancies - solves problems - and presents 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
• Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment - method comparison - and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge
• Interprets findings and makes recommendations
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's inservice/ 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
• Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 12:30pm to 9:00pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• 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 #: 54326-F -53427-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized