Clarification from the agency

Open to U.S. Citizens, permanent internal VA employees, and other permanent Federal employees.

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Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

The incumbent is a bench level Medical Technologist (MT) serving in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) in the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville Campus (TVHS), Nashville, TN,. P&LMS offers comprehensive and complex laboratory services in an affiliated medical center / healthcare system. The Technologist is usually assigned to a specific work-station, section, or campus. However, cross-training between work-stations or sections is not only encouraged but may also be required. Duties or functions performed include but are not limited to:

• Has knowledge of and ability to collect samples appropriate for the tests requested by the physician using the correct preservatives, anticoagulants, collection intervals and /or times, and patient condition (s).
• 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. Assigns priority to test requests and executes them expeditiously for use in critical care situations.
• Performs steps of analysis for a full range of standard, routine and specialized tests: (1) selects appropriate method/instrument; (2) performs instrument maintenance and performance checks; (3) prepares reagents / media; (4) calibrates or verifies calibration of the assay; (5) performs analysis and calculates results, if applicable, for control and unknown samples.
• Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Adheres to established quality control guidelines as mandated by accrediting agencies (College of American Pathologists, Food and Drug Administration, American Association of Blood Banks, JCAHO, etc.) and as outlined in the appropriate procedure manuals / policies / memoranda.
• Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments. Identifies instrument malfunctions and/or unacceptable test system performance by analyzing and interpreting instrument function checks, calibration data, and quality control data and takes the appropriate corrective action.
• Reviews completed work for clerical errors and unusual or unlikely results; checks possible sources of analytical error and related lab data or other information, and determines the course of action to be taken to verify results.
• Investigates problems / incompatibilities to determine the appropriate solution and to determine when departure from normal operating procedures is required. Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Reviews / recognizes abnormal results or critical / panic values that require immediate attention.
• Responsible for the generation / editing / verification of laboratory results from the work area into the hospital computer system.
• Provides limited direction, work review, and job training to residents, students, or less experienced medical technologists.
• Provides patient care which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. The individual must demonstrate the knowledge of changes associated with aging and possess the ability to provide care based upon age related factors.
• Takes responsibility for maintaining an appropriate reagent supply inventory for an assigned workbench or notifying the lead technologist (or appropriate authority) of shortages prior to depletion.
• Demonstrates effective communications skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively, asking pertinent questions where clarification is needed, even under difficult conditions, fostering a professional manner of communication appropriate to the situation. Nurtures cooperation between the laboratory and other areas of the hospital to meet laboratory testing needs.
• Routinely supports the team concept by making every effort to be cooperative, supportive, and helpful. Exhibits attitude and work practices that increase the effectiveness of the organization and the satisfaction of customers.
• Consistently responds to all requests for assistance promptly in a friendly, courteous, tactful and cooperative manner.

Work Schedule: 3:30pm-11:30pm, 5 days per week to include rotating weekends and holidays.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 70186F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

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 and/or Experience Combination:
  • 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,
  • 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,
  • 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 above. This finding may be based on either of the following:
    • 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.
    • A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination.
• Certification. Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below:
  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 (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry).
  3. Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed one year as a graduate medical technologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). This appointment may not be extended.
• English Language Proficiency: MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 USC 7402 (d).

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). This is described in the Additional Information Section below.

Grade Determinations:

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

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: Intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); intermittent, but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to distinguish basic colors; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; 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; ability to wear required to personal protective equipment as required.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

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.