VISN 22 Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PALMS) encompass eight consolidated laboratories located at VA facilities within the VISN. A Medical Technologist at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. This includes routine testing, quality control, troubleshooting maintenance of instrumentation. The MT develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results ensuring regulatory requirements are met. Candidates 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: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. Education and Experience Combination: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in a medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and immunology). AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics. AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics. AND five years f clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraphs above. This finding may be based on either of the following: (1) A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its bachelor of medical technology degree. (2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination. Certification: Candidates must meet either (1) or (2) below: (1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. (2) For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry). Preferred Experience/Qualifications: Microbiology culture processing, work-up, and reporting. Molecular and serology rapid and batch testing. Mycobacteriology and mycology procedures. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the grade requirements below. GS-7 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements above. Assignment: Employees at this level serve in an entry level MT career development position practicing under close supervision of an MT at or above the full performance level. GS-9 Experience: Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level which is directly related to the position to be filled, or possess a Master's Degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. 2. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. 3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. 4. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. 5. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. 6. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. 7. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. 8. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. Assignment. This is considered the full performance level for nonsupervisory positions. A MT at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. This would include routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The MT develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results ensuring all laboratory regulatory requirements are met. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, following practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. These require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology. Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory healthcare professionals and the public in a professional, courteous and effective manner. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-09. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G24 - Medical Technologist Qualification Standard. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until the position has been filled or until September 29, 2023. The initial cut-off for referral of eligible applications will be August 25, 2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals until the position is filled. Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Processes generalist duties in core laboratory along with blood bank and limited microbiology and molecular biology. Conducts Molecular and serology rapid and batch testing. Performs Mycobacteriology and mycology procedures. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures. In addition, performs advanced and complex testing in a variety of departments. 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 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 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 Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals 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. Performs additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 2:00PM-10:30PM, rotating weekends and holidays with on call Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
