Job Summary

This position is in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PLMS) at VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. 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.

Job Description

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. English Language Proficiency: MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education: Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification. Certification: All Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations: (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) ASCP, Board of Certification. OR, ASCP, Board of Registry. 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: In addition to the Basic Requirements, your resume must demonstrate you possess the required experience necessary to possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) required for each grade level. Medical Technician, GS-05: Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. None. Medical 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: 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. Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions. Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers. 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. 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 GS-06. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.