Medical Technologist

Summary The Medical Technologist performs is in a variety of laboratory disciplines, such as chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and immunohematology in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine department of the Wilmington VA Medical Center. Responsibilities This is considered the full performance level for nonsupervisory positions. A Medical Technologist at this level carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory. This would include routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. The MT develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results ensuring all laboratory regulatory requirements are met. Major duties and responsibilities include: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures Evaluates the validity of test data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory information system (LIS) and for editing and verification of the results recorded into the LIS Recognizes critical tests and critical values that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly Fully documents communication of critical tests and critical results in the LIS Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge Interprets findings and makes recommendations Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory’s in-service/continuing education program Performs other duties as needed Work Schedule: Sunday – Thursday 10:30pm – 6:30am Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment Incentive Authorized EDRP Authorized: Authorized. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Drug Testing: Required Requirements 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 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. Language: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j. Education and Experience Combination: You must meet one of the combinations listed below to be qualified for this position: (1) A Bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an accrediting body recognized by the Education at the time the degree was obtained.. OR, (2) A full 4-year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital-based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization. The professional medical technology curriculum may have consisted of a 1-year post- bachelor’s certificate program or the last 1 or 2 years of a 4-year program of study culminating in a bachelor’s in medical technology. OR, (3) A Bachelor’s or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, microbiology, Immunology and Urinalysis/Body Fluids. This combination of education and experience must have provided knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of medical technology equivalent to that provided by the full 4-year course of study described in 1 or 2 above. All science and mathematics courses must have been acceptable for credit toward meeting the requirements for a science major at an accredited college or university. Acceptable experience is responsible professional or technician experience in a hospital laboratory, health agency, industrial medical laboratory, or pharmaceutical house; or teaching, test development, or medical research program experience that provided an understanding of the methods and techniques applied in performing professional clinical laboratory work. Certification/licensure as a medical technologist (generalist) obtained through written examination by a nationally recognized credentialing agency or State licensing body is a good indication that the quality of experience is acceptable. 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: Specialized Experience GS-09: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, GS-07, 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. Preferred Experience: ASCP Certified TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED OR YOU WILL BE FOUND INELIGIBLE In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate at GS-09 must demonstrate the following KSAs: Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work 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 Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education KSAs Must be Demonstrated in Your Resume References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Education IMPORTANT: A copy of your transcripts must be included with your application. You must provide transcripts that clearly list your major and graduation/conferred date; otherwise, you may be removed from consideration. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.