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.

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to: Performs phlebotomy. Appropriately handles accessions, processes specimens and evaluates specimens for suitability for testing. Ensure correct identity of patients and specimens throughout processing, testing and reporting. Prepares and packages specimens for shipment to other labs. Familiar with procedure manuals including revisions and will keep procedure manuals current writing and revising as necessary. Perform all testing according to the procedures provided. Familiar with testing procedures and equipment such that trouble-shooting of problems and preventative maintenance can be performed. Understands testing principles such that unusual results and/or conditions which cause erroneous results can be recognized and appropriate actions taken to produce valid data. Maintain appropriate written records which include documentation of quality control, corrective actions and instrument maintenance. Accurately report results of testing which includes prior interpretation of quality control results. Take appropriate action on unacceptable quality control results. Perform proficiency testing according to written CAP instructions. Prepare reagents, including Q.C. materials and calibrators. Perform instrument/reagent evaluations, collection of statistical data, etc. Instruct other technical lab staff in instrument operation and maintenance. Assist in the training of new employees and on the job education and training to MLT and phlebotomy students. Monitor supply and reagent inventory and notify Supervisor of need to order according to lab policy and stores supplies, such as reagents, Q.C. material and proficiency testing material, at required temperatures. Utilize the computer according to laboratory procedure/policy. Follows all hospital and laboratory policies/procedures. Adhere to hospital and lab policies concerning chemical and biohazard safety. Has full technical responsibility of managing the chemistry area. Maintain knowledge of current medical technology principles and procedures by attendance and/or participation in continuing education programs and/or by reading relevant journals. Participate as a member of the VISN 1 Chemistry Functional Group. Attend vendor training for a complex analytical instrument and is responsible for training employees in its operation. Work Schedule: 9:00am-5:30pm Monday-Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 631-F05728 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available EDRP Authorized: Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Available Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. English Proficiency: Proficiency in spoken and written English is required by 38 USC 7402(d) and 7407(d). Education and/or Experience Combination: 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. Foreign Graduates: Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational and/or experience requirements if the degree is found to be equivalent to degree programs recognized by the NAACLS or clinical laboratory experience as described in paragraph 2b (2) or (3) above. This finding may be based on either of the following:(1) A letter from a college or university with a baccalaureate program recognized by the NAACLS stating that the individual's foreign degree has been evaluated and been found to be equivalent to its Bachelor of Medical Technology degree. (2) A letter from ASCP-BOC or AMT stating that the individual is eligible for the certification examination. Certification: Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. 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). Grandfathering Provision: 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: GS-10 (Above the Full Performance Level.) To be eligible for the GS-10 level you must meet the basic requirements as well as the grade determining factors; experience and KSA's for this occupation. Experience: Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09, which is directly related to the position to be filled. Examples of this experience includes but is not limited to : Carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory such as routine testing, quality control, routine maintenance of instrumentation and troubleshooting ; develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results ensuring all laboratory regulatory requirements are met. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, following practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace; using a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility, including organizing and setting priorities with minimal technical supervision ; monitors quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; and provide education for laboratory healthcare professionals and the public in a professional, courteous and effective manner. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles and methodology of the field to perform advanced techniques. 2. Ability to modify or adapt established methods, procedures or techniques to resolve difficult or complex problems. 3. Knowledge of the application of laboratory regulatory requirements. 4. Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. Preferred Experience: None above the Qualification Standard. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24 Promotion Potential: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds) and light carrying (under 15 pounds), use of both hands and fingers, standing for 2-3 hours, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors, mentally and emotionally stable, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, depth perception and ability to work with solvents. Frequent keyboarding and computer work required. Work Conditions may include but not limited to: The work involves regular recurring risk of discomforts associated with working in a clinical laboratory, e.g., working with infectious substances and irritant reagents. The technologist must use personal protective clothing and gear such as gloves and lab coats. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services).

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 Northampton VA Medical Center 421 North Main Street Leeds, MA 01053 US
• Name: Tyshawn Spinks
• Phone: 203-932-5711 X3895
• Email: [email protected]