The Medical Technologist works in all laboratory sections of the service. The Medical Technologist performs routine and STAT testing on blood, urine, and other body fluids. Technical disciplines include transfusion medicine, clinical chemistry, toxicology, immunology, hematology, urinalysis, and microbiology. The laboratory provides diagnostic services in support of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room care 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Duties

a. Collects, transports, processes, and evaluates specimen suitability for testing. This function includes receiving, delivering, and storing specimens for all lab sections. b. Performs manual compatability testing and issues blood components in the transfusion medicine section; performs clinical chemistry and toxicology testing on automated and semi- automated instruments; performs immunology testing on automated instruments; performs serology testing using manual methods; performs blood cell counting on automated hematology instruments; performs manual microscopic exams of blood cells; performs cell counting and microscopic exams of body fluid specimens using automated manual methods; performs urinalysis using automated and manual methods; performs culture inoculation and staining of specimens including urine, sputum, feces, abscess material, and body fluid specimens; examines bacterial growth for evaluation and identification of microorganisms. c. Stores and prepares reagents, standards, and calibrators. Maintains, calibrates, cleans, and effects repairs of laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Documents those functions and informs supervisory staff of any problems encountered. d. Maintains, calibrates, cleans, and effects repairs of laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Documents those functions and informs supervisory staff of any problems encountered. Responsible for the security of the laboratory environment during the graveyard hours, including the recognition and resolution of facility systems problems such as power outages, water shutdown, etc. to ensure the continued operation of diagnostic laboratory services. e. Prepares, tests, records, and interprets quality control materials. Takes corrective action for out-of-control results, and immediately notifies supervisory staff of any problems encountered. f. Tests, verifies, and reports patient test results in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and responds to indications of malfunctions in testing and reporting. Immediately evaluates current test results to available prior test results for acceptability. Reports critical results in accordance with established protocols. g. Safely operates equipment, maintains a safe and clean work area, properly handles and disposes of biohazardous materials in accordance with established protocols. Complies with all safety rules, uses personal protective equipment per guidelines, and completes all assigned safety training sessions. h. Utilizes computer systems as needed to perform duties assigned. Complies with all rules to ensure data security and confidentiality of patient records. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 2300-0700 w/RWH Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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 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. Certification: Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT English Language Proficiency: Medical technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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 Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. 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. Assignments: Advanced Staff Technologist. MTs at this level perform more complex laboratory functions. Duties may include specific targeted laboratory responsibilities or projects such as laboratory safety officer, analyzer specialist, or quality control file maintenance. Duties may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: serves as primary operator on new test systems, assumes responsibility to maintain operations including preventive maintenance and training of technicians and technologists on the operation of the new test systems; assists in writing procedures and other documents as directed; oversight of the clinical training experiences of technical and professional level technologist or technician training programs in order to fulfill educational and professional requirements (where training programs exist); provides technical training and guidance to students, residents, staff and other employees; 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. Preferred Experience: Licensure: ASCP or AMT Experience in all areas of laboratory: Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology/Urinalysis, Microbiology References: VA Handbook VA 5005, Part II, Appendix G24, Medical Technologist Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain.

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 Fresno VA Medical Center 2615 East Clinton Avenue Fresno, CA 93703 US
• Name: Tearia Hill
• Phone: 504-547-2869
• Email: [email protected]