Medical Technician - Advanced

Summary

The Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician position located at the Durham VAHCS is responsible for performing difficult specialized tasks in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as microbiology, chemistry, coagulation, hematology, immunohematology (blood bank), parasitology, serology, urinalysis, and ancillary testing.

Duties

Performs the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test result Performs processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and accurately label and sort patient specimens Coordinates with other clinical departments to complete order entry and accessioning of test orders in the computer, correcting duplications and/or entry errors Performs phlebotomy procedures using established venipuncture techniques and universal precautions Operates and maintains instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine, and tissue samples Performs and documents quality control activities and validates test results Conducts corrective actions when required and notifies immediate supervisor and/or the Laboratory Manager of testing issues, when appropriate Assists with orientation and training of new employees, students, and other laboratory's in-service/continuing education program Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 3:00pm-11:30pm with rotating weekends and Holidays as needed Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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. ii ASCP, Board of Registry. (b) American Medical Technologists. OR (c) American Association of Bioanalysts Grade Determinations: GS-7: 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. Assignment-specific KSAs are designated with an asterisk (*) and are only required if that task is required of the position, as indicated in part (c) below. (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/.

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/.