Clarification from the agency

Open to All U.S. Citizens - First Consideration will be given to Current Permanent Employees of the VA Caribbean Healthcare System (San Juan PR), followed by Agency Employees, Federal Employees, and all US Citizens. Note: This position is excluded from Veterans Preference.

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The Medical Technologist assigned to Night & Evening Shift performs a variety of procedures, both manual and automated, including complex analysis and special tests; evaluating abnormal results; using and maintaining equipment and implementing and monitoring quality control. The Night & Evening Shift Medical Technologist performs clinical testing in clinical laboratory such as chemistry, urinalysis, coagulation, hematology, microbiology, immunohematology and toxicology as needed. She/he also works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need.

The duties and responsibilities of the Medical Technologist assigned to Night & Evening Shift include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs pre-analytic receipt, qualification, and preparation of samples for testing, analytic and post-analytic processes in the immunohematology section according to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintains strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Demonstrates technical competency in the performance of routine and complex testing, quality control, component selection and component preparation.
• Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, insuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. Responsible for documenting corrective actions regarding specimen problems, maintaining necessary documentation for specimen quality monitors.
• Performs routine laboratory tests, including hematology and coagulation procedures; chemical analyses including TDM's and toxicologies; urinalysis; blood transfusion processes and procedures (including VBECS); and microbiology tests. Any of these tests may be performed on an emergency basis.
• Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established one protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections.
• Completes, verifies and reports testing in a timely manner.
• Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Documents corrective actions regarding quality control problems.
• Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs. Documents corrective actions regarding equipment problems.
• Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures. Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results.
• Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly. Documents critical values and performs read back.
• Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system.
• Provides for accurate documentation and reporting of results to ensure quality of patient care by demonstrating good computer and record-keeping skills.
• Performs proper component handling following aseptic techniques when modifying blood/blood components.
• Follows section's inventory control system to assure effective use of supplies and reagents. Places order for blood and blood products to the blood supplier.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, peers, supervisors, patients, and others).
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
• As needed: accessions send out samples, preserves specimens ensuring the physiologic properties of the specimens are maintained. Preserve specimens according to method requirements.

Work Schedule: Sunday to Saturday 12:00am-8:00am; 4:00pm-12:00am. Rotating shifts through area of Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Urinalysis, Immunohematology, and Microbiology. Weekends and Holidays will be required to work various shifts, based on patient care needs.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: Medical Technologist (Generalist Night and Evening Shift)

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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• 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

Basic Requirements:

Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.

Education and/or Experience Combination (Supply Transcripts):

(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.

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 paragraph 2b(2) or (3) 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 1 or 2 below, and Puerto Rico Registry is required (Should Supply Documentation).

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.

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).

Grade Determinations:

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 (KSAs): In addition to the experience or education above, 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.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24

Preferred Candidate: Candidate with valid BCLS/BLS certification.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07.

Physical Requirements: May be required to stand, bend, stoop, lift and kneel for long periods of time. Must also be able to lift moderately heavy objects, climb ladders and stairs, and maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations. Working in a clinical laboratory also involves regular and recurring risks to infectious substances and irritant reagents. Required to wear protective clothing and take safety precautions (Reference VA Directive and Handbook 5019). The physical demands of the work are moderate. The work includes the ability to maneuver in and behind instrumentation for troubleshooting and maintenance procedures. Some work is sedentary (4-7hrs.) with periods of walking (2 hrs.), bending and or kneeling (3hr), lifting and carrying of reagents, equipment and files (15-44 lbs.). There may be some extended periods of standing (6-8 hrs.); near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing aid (permitted); emotional stability; ability to hear whispered voice; the use of fingers is required including typing (4-6 Hrs.); reaching above shoulder; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination required.

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.