Job Summary

This position is in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PLMS. The incumbent works in the Pathology and Laboratory Service and functions as a Medical Technician, performing key duties in the clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology. Clinical laboratory procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques to provide accurate results to physicians that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Job Description

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. (1) 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. 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). GS-05 Grade Determinations: This is the entry level for a Medical Technician. No experience is required beyond the basic requirement. Preferred Experience: GS-05: 1 year Phlebotomy experience with a variety of age groups. Basic knowledge and understanding of medical terminology. Knowledge in specimen collection and processing for different disciples to include in house testing and reference lab testing Knowledge in advance phlebotomy services to include, blood culture collection, H. Pylori Breathe Test collection, Glucose Tolerance Collection, and Chain of Custody Drug Testing. Knowledge of point of care testing to include quality control and quality assurance. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. GS-06 Grade Determination: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs i. - iv. and the advanced KSA as identified by the corresponding asterisk(s) if MLTs are assigned advanced MLT duties: Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts, and theories for sound independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments. Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results. Preferred Experience GS-06: 1+ year of phlebotomy experience with all age groups. Advanced knowledge and understanding of medical terminology. Experience in specimen collection and processing for different disciples to include in house testing and reference lab testing. Experience in advance phlebotomy services to include, blood culture collection, H. Pylori Breathe Test collection, Glucose Tolerance Collection, and Chain of Custody Drug Testing. Experience with point of care testing to include quality control and quality assurance. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 05 to 06. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing, kneeling, sitting, repeated bending, and use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include vision for both eyes, depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors (color blindness), and the ability to read ordinary type without strain. The incumbent must have adequate hearing (aids permitted) and must have the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. May also be require travelling by auto or plane. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.