Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician

Summary

Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) serving in the department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) in the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. P&LMS offers comprehensive and complex laboratory services in an affiliated medical center/healthcare system. MLTs at this level have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to independently carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty.

Duties

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The core duties of this position include but are not limited to: Uses independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results. Performs difficult specialized tasks including, but not limited to, advanced blood banking, advanced microbiology, virology, molecular testing, high complexity testing, recording workload statistics, quality management projects and obtaining data for validation studies. May be assigned as key operator for specific instrumentation to include training of other staff and trainees. Carries out day-to-day operations related to laboratory information systems/computer use and system maintenance. Oversees safe handling of specimens, chemicals and equipment by staff and ensures compliance with safety regulations. Works on weekend, holiday, or irregular shifts to provide laboratory coverage for routine or emergency procedures as needed or directed by management. Plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for laboratory staff or trainees to meet accreditation requirements. May be assigned as key operator for specific instrumentation to include training of other staff and trainees. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 3:30PM -11:30PM (Rotating weekends and /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) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 71101-F

Qualifications

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. (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 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements for a GS-07 Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician. Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs. Assignment-specific KSAs are designated with an asterisk (*) and are only required if task is required for the position. 1. Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests. 2.Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing. 3. Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes. 4. Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment. 5. *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. 6. *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. 7.*Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards.8.*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. 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-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurrent standing, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center. The work involves manual dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time. Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent, but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations.

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/.