Summary

The Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician will be responsible for testing procedures performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures - and collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

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
• Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations: American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) ASCP - Board of Certification
• OR ASCP - Board of Registry American Medical Technologists American Association of Bioanalysts NOTE: Certification MUST be submitted with application package
• 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)
• Grandfathering Provision
• All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties described in this qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held - including positive education and licensure/trademark/registration/certification
• For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it - the following provisions apply: (1) Employees may be reassigned - promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level - or changed to a lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
• (2) Employees in an occupation requiring a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before being promoted to those higher grade levels
• (3) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of this qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of this standard
• (4) Employees who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation
• (5) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meets all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credential as a condition of employment
• Grade Determinations: GS-7: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6)
• The experience includes the following but not limited to: Provide pre-analytic instructions to patients - VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing laboratory specimens
• Use processing techniques such as centrifugation - aliquoting - storage and packaging
• Accurately label and sort patient specimens
• Maintain all instrumentation
• Analyze body fluids such as blood - urine - and tissue samples
• Analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports
• In addition to the experience above an applicant must demonstrate Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs)
• Candidates must demonstrate the KSAs below: i
• Knowledge of concepts - principles - methodology of medical laboratory technology - regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests
• ii
• Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing
• iii
• Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes
• iv
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment
• v
• *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
• vi *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
• vii *Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards
• viii *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
• Physical Requirements: Requires mostly standing - bending - sitting - and walking throughout the hospital all day
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Major duties include - but are not limited to the following: Process and result specimens in Microbiology and Molecular Laboratory from pre-analytic process to post analytic reviews
• Process samples received into laboratory at STAT bench
• Provide support to esoteric testing department from specimen processing to resulting - as well as providing assistance to providers with ordering
• Prepares reports - maintains records - and performs administrative duties as assigned
• Performs moderate and high-complexity qualitative and quantitative testing in all assigned laboratory specialty areas
• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures
• In addition - performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures
• recognizes deviation from expected results
• analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis considering physiologic processes and requirements
• Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines
• Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm - Rotating Weekends Recruitment Incentive (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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized