Clarification from the agency

This job announcement is open to current, permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs and all other Federal Agencies, and US Citizens

The Medical Technologist, GS 0644-07, is an entry level Medical Technologist (MT), career development position, practicing under close supervision of a MT at or above the full performance level.

The Medical Technologist, GS 0644-09, is considered the full performance level non-supervisory. The work performed is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, which requires a broad exercise of independent judgement and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

• The MT/MLS/CLS may work with other generalists on a regular basis through the chemistry, coagulation, hematology, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), microbiology, and/or urinalysis. He/she also works off-hour shifts, weekends and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need.
• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. Recognizes deviation from expected results, analyzes and corrects problems using specific principles. Employees at this level practice under close supervision of a MT at or above full performance level.
• 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 uses, 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 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 present solutions.
• Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which includes test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection of procedures.
• 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.
• Responsible for entering and verifying laboratory results in the computer system.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Assignments GS-7 (Entry Level)
Employees at this level serve in an entry level MT career development position practicing under close supervision of a MT at or above the full performance level.

Assignments GS-9 (Full Performance Level)
This is considered the full performance level for non-supervisory positions. At this level the MT 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 bio-safety and bio-security 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.

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri,8 am - 4:30 pm/Mon-Fri, 3:30 p.m.to 12 midnight, with rotating weekends and holidays
Functional Statement: 573-FS-113-01, 573-FS-113-02
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): AuthorizedThis position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan reimbursement program within VHA. If selected for this position you must meet specific individual eligibility criteria in accordance with VHA policy 1021 and apply for EDRP within four (4) months of appointment. Final award amount and program start date is determined after review of a complete EDRP application and supporting documentation by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. For additional information regarding EDRP please access the link below:
https://vaww.secure.wmc.va.gov/sites/EDRP/EDRPP/EDRP%20Handbook%20May%202012.pdf

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 01/23/2020.

This vacancy announcement will remain open until 12/31/19. Applicants will be reviewed on the 15th and 30th of each month. The first cut-off date will be 14 September 2019.

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.

English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

Education and/or Experience Combination(1) A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.), 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;

OR

(2) 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;

OR

(3) 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 of 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.

Certification: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT.

Physical Standard Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 45 lbs, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulders, use of fingers and both hands (grasping), walking (up to 4 hours), frequent standing (i.e. up to 4 hours), kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs, repetitive motion. Specific visual requirements include: use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, ability to read ordinary type without strain. Hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability.

Grade Determinations:
GS-7 (Entry Level)Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-9 (Full Performance Level)(a) Experience: Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled.
OR
(b) Education: Must have Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
• Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work
• 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
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation
• Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results
• Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions
• Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes
• Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 through GS-9.

References: VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will recommend grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.