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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. Learn more 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/ Experience: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.) AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four-year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. OR A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Certification: Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below: (1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. (2) For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry). Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed one year as a graduate medical technologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). This appointment may not be extended. For grade levels above the full performance level, the candidate must be certified in accordance with paragraph 2d(1) above. 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). Grade Determinations (GS-7): None beyond basic requirements Grade Determinations (GS-9): Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07), which is directly related to the position to be filled OR a Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. In addition to these requirements, candidates must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (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. Preferred Qualifications: The ideal applicant should have a demonstrated history of job stability and minimum of 3 continuous years' experience working independently on an evening or overnight shift in a core laboratory, including experience in Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, and Blood Bank. References: VA Handbook 5005/72 Part II Appendix G24 - Medical Technologist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Candidates may be selected at the GS-7 or GS-9 level. Physical Requirements: Work requires extended periods of staying in one position, sitting or standing, some light (less than 40 pounds) lifting, and attention to detail and concentration when verifying patient identification and test request data, and when accessioning and labeling specimens. This may be intermittent with periods requiring physical activity such as walking moderate distances. ["Note- This Medical Technologist is assigned to the Evening/Night/Weekend Team.\nResponsibilities include all functions that are within the training and scope of duties generally performed by a Medical Technologist / Clinical Laboratory Scientist, and include, but are not limited to, any of the following: Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures, without direct supervision, including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist /clinical laboratory scientist occupation. Incumbent is assigned to rotate to at least two (2) different clinical testing laboratories during ENW tours for optimal patient care (Hematology, Chemistry, Blood bank, Microbiology). Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures in the Clinical Lab, recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Receives, accessions, and processes incoming samples per SOP from all areas of the hospital and outlying clinics. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment in the Clinical Pathology Laboratory. Advanced and complex procedures include, but are not limited to, performing manual differentials, estimating WBC & Platelet counts from stained peripheral blood smears, manual hematocrits, manual microscopic examination of urine sediments; culture set-up and smear prep and reading, Screening for infectious diseases on a variety of PCR and Molecular instruments, Blood Culture evaluation & reporting; ABO, Rh, Antibody Screening, Crossmatch, Antibody Identification, component preparation and dispensing/ inventory maintenance and performing CAP proficiency testing. Recognizes deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction in these same departments (Chemistry, Hematology, Immunochemistry, Microbiology, Transfusion Medicines and Urinalysis) and initiates corrective actions as deemed appropriate. Informs the supervisor of malfunctions and status of corrective actions implemented. Performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Follows standard operating procedures (SOP) in all applicable areas to assure accuracy of laboratory results. Verifies and reports results in a timely manner and communicates critical results per Pathology Service policy for Reporting of Critical Laboratory Values. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, considering physiologic processes and requirements for all departments in the laboratory on the alternate tour shift. Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance Maintains the confidentiality of medical records by adhering to applicable HIPPA and ADP guidelines for all patient medical data. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity and specific factors that influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures as necessary (reflex tests). Provides technical training and guidance to students, residents, staff, and other employees Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees, Pathology residents and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. Follows safety policies, universal precautions and uses personal protective equipment (PPE) for which the incumbent has been issued and trained to use for the task being performed per facility Safety and Infection Control policies. Recommends updated guidelines and policies in compliance with regulatory requirements for non-routine or complex assignments; coordinates the laboratory competency program; and coordinates the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) laboratory proficiency/survey program. Manages reagent and expendables inventory to ensure patient testing is not interrupted and utilizes laboratory supplies in a cost-effective manner with a minimum of waste. Responsible for daily QC of an instrument or test system and serves as primary operator on new test systems. Serves as a rotating member of the SLVHCS Pathology Hurricane Team. Work Schedule: Alternate Tour: 7-on / 7-off 6pm - 6am\nCompressed/Flexible: Yes\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 629-00224-F\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized for Highly Qualified Candidate\nEDRP Authorized: Contact Christopher.Billiot@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]