The incumbent serves as an Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in the Send-Outs/Processing Section within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, performing key duties in the clinical laboratory. 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: 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: American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ASCP, Board of Registry. American Medical Technologists. OR American Association of Bioanalysts. Grade Determinations: Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-07. Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-06 grade level - and demonstrate the KSAs below. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the advanced KSAs: Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests. Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing. Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes. Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment. 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. 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. Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. 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-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is at the GS-7. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tests, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center. The work involves sitting at a microscope or computer, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time. Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent but possibly 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. ["Duties and tasks include but are not limited to the following: Evaluates the suitability of each specimen for analysis, requesting a new specimen if determined to be unusable. Accessions and prepares specimen for analysis according to established procedures. Follows established procedure for handling of mislabeled, unlabeled, or unsuitable specimens. Prepares specimens for pick-up or shipment as appropriate, following all regulatory guidelines, policies, and procedures. Receives reference laboratory reports, enters and verifies the results into the laboratory computer system in a timely manner. Maintains open communication with reference laboratories' customer service and information departments to troubleshoot any problems within the system or missing samples. Monitors reference laboratory communications to stay apprised of changes in methodology, test codes, pricing or other test information and responds accordingly to ensure continuity of test availability. This may include recommending contracting modifications or working with Laboratory Information Managers to update test information in the computer system; or notifying laboratory staff and/or medical staff of updates to test requirements or availability. Provides professional and technical advice to phlebotomists and other laboratory staff as well as medical staff regarding referral testing procedures and esoteric testing menu. Maintains strict patient confidentiality at all times. Assists supervisor in gathering data for quality assurance purposes. Reports any discrepancies to the supervisor in a timely manner. Generates informational and statistical reports using the VA computer system. Knowledgeable of VA's record keeping requirements, record storage and information retrieval. Incumbent generates monthly, quarterly and yearly reports when required and reviews all reports for accuracy. Familiar with system for ordering send-out supplies such as special collection containers, special media, aliquot tubes, shipping bags, labels, forms, etc. Maintains a list and inventory of supplies for the section to ensure adequate supplies are available and makes emergency orders when appropriate. Assists in the establishment and review of all procedures within the Send-Outs/Processing department. Makes recommendations for changes or modifications to the supervisor. Also works with the laboratory supervisor to develop and implement protocols for the performance of new tests in the section. Correlates test results, establishes parameters, and monitors conformity to protocols. Additional Information: Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Telework: Not Authorized Functional Statement #: 92684-0 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
