Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician

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 American Association of Bioanalysts NOTE: Certification MUST be submitted with application package. 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-6: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6). The experience includes the following but not limited to: Provide pre-analytic instructions to patients, VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing laboratory specimens. Use processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging. Accurately label and sort patient specimens. Maintain all instrumentation. Analyze body fluids such as blood, urine, and tissue samples. Analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports. In addition to the experience above an applicant must demonstrate Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). Candidates must demonstrate the KSAs below: i. Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests. ii. Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing. iii. Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes. iv. Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment. v. *Knowledge of laboratory information technology (IT) systems including troubleshooting systems issues, interface requirements between new instruments and existing IT infrastructure and laboratory IT test development. vi *Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration along with continuing education and employee orientation to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements. vii *Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. viii *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. Preferred Experience: Microbiology and Molecular Biology. Specimen processing and reference testing 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 GS-07. Physical Requirements: Requires mostly standing, bending, sitting, and walking throughout the hospital all day. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
The Medical Technician will be responsible for testing procedures performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. Such positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures, and collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.