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Under the guidance of a registered Medical Technologist preceptor, the VA-STEP student develops competencies in specialty areas of laboratory medicine while strengthening laboratory skills.

The program consists of two distinct components that total a possible 800 hours of clinical experience. The first component occurs in the summer months beginning June 2024 and consists of 400 hours of clinical time (10 weeks, 40 hours per week). The second optional component begins after October 1 when the student may continue to work as their academic schedule allows, provided the hospital has the need. The second component is coordinated closely with the student to accommodate class schedules, exams and rotations.

GS-07 - the position is in a developmental capacity, to perform tasks or limited phases of broader assignments designed to provide the employee with experience In the clinical application of scientific principles and theories in diagnostic testing and quality control and to enable the technologist to acquire a variety of advanced skills and techniques. The employee may be promoted to the GS-09 level when all training has been completed and all regulatory and procedural requirements have been met.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures to include pre-analytic, analytic and post analytic processes. In addition, performs phlebotomy procedures as well as 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 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 assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.
• Adheres to practice and regulations governing bio-safety and bio-security in the workplace.
• Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents 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 using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations.
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the 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.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 01/26/2024.

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.
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The CGPA must be computed on a post-secondary academic work taken in the last 3 years or based in academic work accepted for credit toward the Clinical Laboratory Science degree. While a student may have a grade of "C" in a Clinical Laboratory Science course, the cumulative GPA for the Clinical Laboratory Science core courses may not be less than a 3.0.
• Be able to complete a minimum of 400 hours as a Medical Technologist VALOR student at VANTXHCS Dallas location.
• Meet physical examination standards at the time of entry in the Medical Technologist VALOR program.

• Completion of Junior year of 4-year Medical Laboratory Sciences program by the end of Spring semester or enrolled in a Medical Laboratory Sciences Post-Baccalaureate Program.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Minimum CGPA of Medical Laboratory Sciences courses of 3.0.

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, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.