Clarification from the agency

This job is open to all US Citizens with 1st consideration given to internal candidates of Hershel "Woody" Williams VA . NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Major Duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform complex laboratory testing procedures requiring advanced knowledge and attention to detail.
• Recognize and address unexpected test reactions, errors, and discrepancies.
• Identify technical, instrumental, or physiological causes of test problems.
• Analyze patient variables and possible interfering drugs affecting results.
• Determine solutions based on test theory and clinical data.
• Apply scientific principles to interpret abnormal test results.
• Evaluate specimen suitability prior to analysis and request new samples if needed.
• Obtain and prepare patient specimens, preserving physiological integrity.
• Prepare reagents and primary reference materials for testing.
• Troubleshoot laboratory procedures, equipment, and techniques.
• Correlate and interpret test results within the clinical context.
• Accurately transcribe results into the Cerner Laboratory Information System.
• Establish and maintain record-keeping systems to ensure test validity.
• Prepare medical documentation to meet professional and accreditation standards.
• Accession patients and specimens per established guidelines.
• Convert analytical data into prescribed units for reporting.
• Prepare and write laboratory reports with correct identification and methods.
• Report results to appropriate clinical staff in a timely manner.
• Use the Cerner Millennium Laboratory Information System to manage data.
• Research laboratory information using the internet as needed.
• Adhere to VA and laboratory cyber security policies.
• Communicate and treat all customers and staff with tact and respect.
• Provide consistent information according to policies and procedures.
• Handle customer conflicts or problems constructively and appropriately.
• Refer unresolved issues to Supervisory CLS, Lab Manager, or Chief, P&LMS.
• Complete required continuing education and professional training annually.
• Monitor performance of tests and quality control reagents.
• Operate, calibrate, standardize, and perform maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Recognize and troubleshoot minor instrument malfunctions.
• Document corrective actions and report instrument problems to supervisor.
• Work independently during irregular hours with remote supervisory advice.
• Recognize and promptly report critical or panic values to clinical staff.
• Handle STAT specimens per lab policy; perform confirmatory testing as required.
• Maintain records of specimen accessioning, instrument maintenance, issues, and outcomes.
• Participate in quality management activities, including proficiency testing and SOP writing.
• Perform clinical chemistry procedures using manual and automated methods.
• Operate and maintain chemistry analyzers, learning new procedures as needed.
• Perform CBCs, differentials, and other hematology and coagulation testing.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain hematology and coagulation instruments.
• Perform advanced microbiology testing and inoculate media as required.
• Process advanced blood bank procedures including blood type, compatibility, and transfusion reactions.
• Perform quality control checks for blood bank testing.
• Maintain and use blood bank instruments and adhere to transfusion policy.
• Perform qualitative, semi-quantitative, and microscopic urine testing.
• Conduct HCG (pregnancy), fecal immunochemical, and related point-of-care testing.
• Collect blood specimens using venipuncture and capillary methods.
• Accurately label, centrifuge, and aliquot patient samples.
• Maintain specimen integrity from pre-analytical through post-analytical stages.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory quality, safety, and accreditation standards.
• Safeguard sensitive patient information, adhering to all privacy and security requirements.

Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday: Days/Evenings/Weekends/Holidays
Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: FS_581-26734-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds, Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (1 -2 hours); Standing (1 hours); Depth perception; Ability to distinguish colors; Hearing (aid permitted)

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) on a separate document.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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.
  • (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ii ASCP, Board of Registry.
  • (b) American Medical Technologists. OR
  • (c) American Association of Bioanalysts.
• English Language Proficiency. MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).*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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment in paragraph 4, VA HR staff must use the following criteria to determine the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-07.

Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests.
• Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing.
• Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment.
• 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.

Advanced duties may also include one or more of the tasks identified below. When these
duties are required, advanced MLTs must also demonstrate corresponding KSA(s) as identified by the asterisk(s) below.

Quality Management: Coordinate quality management activities within the laboratory and ensure compliance with required standards of quality.

Preferred Experience: Clinical laboratory experience including phlebotomy, specimen processing and point of care testing. Phlebotomy and MLT (ASCP and/or AMT) preferred.

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-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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).

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.