Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. *If you are NOT A current federal employee, please apply to vacancy CBSU-12952497-26-LF open to the public. * This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT until September 30, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

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Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to:

• Specimens received consist of all specimen types including blood, urine, stool, cultures, joint aspirations, other fluids, and other irretrievable specimens. The incumbent uses the VA computer system when processing specimens. Samples are accepted into the computer for testing or the order is removed from the computer if samples are not collected. Protects the security of the computer system and maintains patient confidentiality.
• The incumbent receives, validates, processes and distributes specimens to the proper equipment for storage until transported to RMR Medical facility for testing. This includes assuring the proper specimen was collected, patient identification on the tube is correct and matches the accompanying requisition(s) and accessioning the specimens. Ensures all pre-analytical testing requirements are met by ensuring centrifugation at the appropriate time and rpm setting, appropriate pre-treatment of specimen if required (i.e. appropriate clotting time at the required temperature for the individual test), accurately labels aliquot tubes and stores at the appropriate temperature protecting from light if required or distributes to the proper section for testing.
• If there is a question regarding the testing, incumbent consults with the provider; nurse, pathologist or appropriate Medical Technologist to ensure the appropriate testing is performed on the appropriate sample.
• The incumbent should maintain current knowledge in the changing field of ancillary testing sufficient to serve as the first line technical consultant and advisor to CBOC staff. The incumbent may be requested to develop or recommend policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing (testing outside the physical confines of the main laboratory as mandated by VHA). The Medical Technician must have a thorough knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission and the College of American Pathology.
• The Medical Technician is required to evaluate the competency of the variety of individuals (nurses, physician, patients) in the performance of ancillary testing procedures and in the reporting of test results, promptly, accurately, and proficiently. Also included would be the ongoing day-to-day compliance with established protocols and guidelines. Recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies and improve the program.
• The Medical Technician is required to develop and recommend policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary or point-of-care testing (testing outside the main laboratory as mandated by Handbook 1106.1) equipment and instrumentation. Ensure the appropriate correlation among different instrumentation and methodologies. The Medical Technician is required to consult with program managers or equivalent of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods. Also, the incumbent is required to create, apply and monitor reengineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives within the program.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: ???????554-58681-A???????, 554-58682-A???????
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.
• 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• 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

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.
  • American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
    • ASCP, Board of Certification.
    • OR
    • ASCP, Board of Registry.
  • American Medical Technologists. OR
  • American Association of Bioanalysts.
• Exception: Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may receive a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed two years as a graduate MLT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2) without the option to extend.

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:
Medical Laboratory Technician: GS-05
Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: None.

Medical Laboratory Technician: GS-06
Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level.

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

1. Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work.
2. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems.
3. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation.
4. Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments.
5. Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results.
6. Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions.
7. Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers.

Assignment: At the full performance level, MLTs use independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results. MLTs perform day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care. This includes providing pre-analytic instructions to patients, VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens. MLTs use processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and they accurately label and sort patient specimens. MLTs operate and maintain all instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples. MLTs at this level analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports. The results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures are discussed with supervisors, pathologists and other medical professionals as needed.

Preferred Experience: 1 year Phlebotomy or Lab experience.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 5 to 6.

Physical Requirements: The position primarily involves work performed in both sitting and standing positions with occasional requirements to lift objects, computer work and operating office equipment. The position requires the ability to process written and electronic information. The work requires the ability to physically control or defend against emotionally distressed patients. The work requires above average agility and dexterity due to the fine skills of some of the point of care lab testing. The work may require heavy lifting of equipment or patients however standing and bending for a prolonged period of time, walking, lifting up to 20 pounds, kneeling, and some climbing of stairs is also required. The work requires manual dexterity, a large degree of concentration, and working at top speed for several hours at a time. The ability to distinguish colors and color intensity is required. The Medical Technician may be required to commute between two outpatient clinics with the workweek depending on the clinic workload.

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.