Advanced Laboratory Medical Technician

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: 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) i ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ASCP, Board of Registry. American Medical Technologists. OR American Association of Bioanalysts. Grade Determinations: Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-07. Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-06 grade level – and demonstrate the KSAs below. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the advanced 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. 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. 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. Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. 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. 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 at the GS-7. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tests, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center. The work involves sitting at a microscope or computer, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time. Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent but possibly prolonged stooping and kneeling; 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.
The incumbent serves as an Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in the Send-Outs/Processing Section within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, performing key duties in the clinical laboratory.