Duties

This position is located in the VISN 12 Pathology & Laboratory Medical Service at the Hines VA Hospital located in Hines, IL. Medical Technologists carry out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory, including routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting. Testing procedures are performed on biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques. Duties include but not limited to -Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technologist occupation. In addition, 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 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. -Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. -Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. -Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 7:00am-3:30pm includes rotating weekends/holidays Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: No

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS for appointment as a Medical Technologist: 1) English Language Proficiency 2) Education and/or Experience Combination (Transcripts Required):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. Note: Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). 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 Technologist (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or 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. ~AND~ 3) Certification (copy of certification* required). Applicant must either: Possess or meet the eligibility requirements* for certification as a Medical Technologist (MT), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) given by ASCP-BOR, ASCP-BC, or AMT.*Note: Non-certified applicants may be given a temporary appointment not to exceed one year as a graduate medical technologist and must actively pursue and obtain certification within the year. In addition to the basic requirements you must meet the following grade requirements: GS-9 Experience: Must have at least 1 year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7) which is directly related to the position and posses MT, MLS, or CLS certification. OR GS-9 Education: Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field and posses MT, MLS, or CLS certification. In addition, one must be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skill and Abilities: KSA 1 - Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work; KSA 2 - 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; KSA 3 - Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation; KSA 4 - Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments; KSA 5 - Ability to use independent technical judgement to analyze and interpret laboratory results KSA 6 - Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions; KSA 7 - Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes; KSA 8 - Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the health care team, external relations, customer service and patient education. References: VA Handbook 5005/72, Part II, Appendix G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standards, 5/12/2014. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The employee works and functions in the medical center in a safe manner, including infection control and following practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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.

Contacts

• Address Edward Hines Junior Hospital 5000 South 5th Avenue Hines, IL 60141 US
• Name: Allen Colburn
• Phone: 414-712-8254
• Email: [email protected]