This position falls within Pathology and Laboratory at the Eastern Colorado Health System VA Health Care System and at this level has a higher-level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently.

Duties

The primary function of this position is to obtain blood specimens by venipuncture from properly identified patients for laboratory testing, and provide properly prepared specimens for testing. Under the direction of the delegated authority of the Manager, or otherwise stated. Major Duties Include but are not limited to: 1. Specimens received consist of all specimen types including blood, urine, stool, cultures, joint aspirations, other fluids, and other irretrievable specimens. The incumbent uses the VA computer system when processing specimens. Samples are accepted into the computer for testing or the order is removed from the computer if samples are not collected. Protects the security of the computer system and maintains patient confidentiality. 2. The incumbent receives, validates, processes and distributes specimens to the proper equipment for storage until transported to RMR Medical facility for testing. This includes assuring the proper specimen was collected, patient identification on the tube is correct and matches the accompanying requisition(s) and accessioning the specimens. Ensures all pre-analytical testing requirements are met by ensuring centrifugation at the appropriate time and rpm setting, appropriate pre-treatment of specimen if required (i.e. appropriate clotting time at the required temperature for the individual test), accurately labels aliquot tubes and stores at the appropriate temperature protecting from light if required or distributes to the proper section for testing. 3. If there is a question regarding the testing, incumbent consults with the provider; nurse, pathologist or appropriate Medical Technologist to ensure the appropriate testing is performed on the appropriate sample. 4. The incumbent should maintain current knowledge in the changing field of ancillary testing sufficient to serve as the first line technical consultant and advisor to CBOC staff. The incumbent may be requested to develop or recommend policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary testing (testing outside the physical confines of the main laboratory as mandated by VHA). The Medical Technician must have a thorough knowledge of accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission and the College of American Pathology. 5. The Medical Technician is required to evaluate the competency of the variety of individuals (nurses, physician, patients) in the performance of ancillary testing procedures and in the reporting of test results, promptly, accurately, and proficiently. Also included would be the ongoing day-to-day compliance with established protocols and guidelines. Recommends policy/protocol changes to correct deficiencies and improve the program. 6. The Medical Technician is required to develop and recommend policies and procedures for the procurement and service requirements for ancillary or point-of-care testing (testing outside the main laboratory as mandated by Handbook 1106.1) equipment and instrumentation. Ensure the appropriate correlation among different instrumentation and methodologies. The Medical Technician is required to consult with program managers or equivalent of clinical services to identify ancillary testing needs and to analyze emerging trends and technology and adopts appropriate methods. Also, the incumbent is required to create, apply and monitor reengineering and continuous performance improvement initiatives within the program. 7. The Medical Technician is required to assist with the development of technical bulletins, procedures, training materials and other program materials, which ensure accreditation and compliance with all regulatory agencies concerning patient testing, result reporting, and proficiency testing. Could be required to develop and implement corrective action when deficiencies are identified. 8. The incumbent provides training to Medical Laboratory Technicians, Nursing staff, Medical Assistants, and Nursing Assistants in accessioning. 9. The incumbent accurately administers and collects specimens for employee drug screening program. Appropriately completes required chain of custody paperwork and packages for shipment to testing facility. These are considered legal specimens. 10. The incumbent will be required to achieve the training through the VA and sustain competencies allowing the technician the ability to perform EDS (Employee Drug Screens) as required by Human Resources. Using the proper chain of custody and ensuring proper preparation for pick-up and shipment to the appropriate lab will be essential for the medical technician. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hour shift (start and end time can be discussed with supervisor upon hiring). Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 58682-A and 58681-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. Education. Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification. Certification. 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. (b) American Medical Technologists. OR (c) American Association of Bioanalysts. Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign MLT programs are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a current certification as described in subparagraph 4.c. 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 for appointment in paragraph 4, VA HR staff must use the following criteria to determine the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-05. (a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. None. (c) Assignment. This is an entry-level developmental MLT position. MLTs will typically receive guidance from experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. MLTs at this level perform testing in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, phlebotomy, hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, toxicology, urinalysis, referral laboratory, microbiology and specimen processing. MLTs recognize data with life-threatening (critical) implications and understand the importance of immediately bringing the data to the attention of the patient's physician and/or nursing staff. Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-06. (a) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level. (b) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work. ii Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems. iii Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. iv Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments. v Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results. vi Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions. vii Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers. (c) Assignment. At the full performance level, MLTs use independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results. MLTs perform day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care. This includes providing pre-analytic instructions to patients, VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens. MLTs use processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and they accurately label and sort patient specimens. MLTs operate and maintain all instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples. MLTs at this level analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports. The results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures are discussed with supervisors, pathologists and other medical professionals as needed. Preferred Experience: Experience in phlebotomy. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005 PART II APPENDIX G69 The full performance level of this vacancy is 6. Physical Requirements: The Incumbent must meet the needs of customers while supporting VA Missions; consistently communicate and treat customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA Staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner; provide customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures; and handle conflict and problems in dealing with customers constructively and appropriately.

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 Eastern Colorado HCS Denver 13611 E. Colfax Ave Aurora, CO 80045 US
• Name: Sokhan York
• Phone: 801-584-1284 X3119
• Email: [email protected]