This position is located in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service reporting to the Core Laboratory Supervisor/designee. The Medical Technician is responsible for specimen processing duties for the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at CMC VAMC Philadelphia. The incumbent performs duties primarily related to specimen collection, receipt, preparation, ordering and shipping.

Duties

Accessioning and Processing Responsible for all types of clinical laboratory specimens during the entire pre-analytical phase, the most critical phase and most prone to error. Properly processes all incoming laboratory specimens. Ensures all specimens are collected correctly, at the correct times, in proper containers, with correct preservative and anticoagulants, at the correct temperatures and from a properly prepared patient. Ensures all specimens are properly labeled and identified throughout the entire specimen procurement process to maintain specimen integrity. Responsible for properly processing, ordering, packaging and shipping specimens submitted for testing at reference laboratories. Ensures all reference laboratory specimens are collected properly, processed and packaged and shipped correctly in accordance with reference laboratory specifications. Comply with safety, infection control and universal precaution guidelines for handling specimens. Package specimens for transport in accordance with all applicable Federal, state, and local standards. Accurately enter laboratory test orders into the Laboratory information system and correctly fill out reference laboratory test request forms. Meet deadlines for specimen shipments dictated by the arrival of the courier and specimen viability factors. Provide information, guidance, and technical advice to physicians and clinic personnel on specimen collection and submission. Transcribe completed laboratory reports received from reference laboratories into Vista. Receiving and stocking The incumbent is responsible for receiving and stocking supplies with monitoring inventory of regent supply in the P&LM Service (clinical pathology and anatomic pathology). Assists in receipt, unpacking and putting away shipments of reagents, supplies that come to P&LM Service. Keeps track of received supplies and the inventory. Manages flammable room inventory and chemical waste. Assists with dumping of surgical specimens; follows procedures for neutralization of used formalin in accordance with standard operating procedure. Other Duties Manually enters test results into VistA performed at reference laboratories. Helps with filing blood tubes; helps filing retention records, and assists with clerical tasks that are needed for smooth operation of clinical laboratory. Participate in evaluation of water quality in as described in procedures manual following CAP/JC/NCCLS guidelines. Maintains and monitors eyewashes in laboratory in accordance with required practice. Answers telephones as needed, provides the information or directs calls to appropriate staff members. Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 to as late as 6:30 pm, recurring weekends and holidays Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/PD000950 Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a laboratory atmosphere and requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as walking, bending, recurrent standing and moderate lifting. The works also requires lifting and carrying objects weighing from 10 to 50 pounds, such as pans filled with reagents cubes; pushing and pulling carts that require similar efforts. The work requires specific physical characteristics and abilities and dexterity needed to perform the tasks associated with specimen handling. The incumbent must have normal color vision. Entering patient information, test orders, and data in a computer may result in physical problems from the effects of repetitive motion and eyestrain. Work Environment: The work involves moderate risks or discomfort associated with working in a clinical laboratory with regular and recurring exposure to hazards such as infectious materials, chemicals, and electrical appliances. Working in a medical facility may also expose the employee to overwrought and short-tempered patients. During performance of duties, the incumbent may come into contact with human blood or other potentially infectious materials, which may result in possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens. The incumbent must take special safety precautions and must use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as protective clothing and devises such as gloves, face shields, eye protector, and safety shields in accordance with OSHA guidelines. There is possibility of exposure to hazardous chemicals, e.g.: xylene, formalin, toxic fumes, flammables, carcinogenic substances, caustic chemicals and other.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical assistant (or technician) or health technician. Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. GS-05 grade level: Knowledge of specimen collection requirements; Ability to operate computer terminals utilize the data; ability to work with numbers and recognize transcription errors (such as transposition of digits). Thorough knowledge of the VistA computer system, CPRS, LEDI software, and the commercial laboratory computer system; Knowledge of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine policies and procedures as related to the overall operation of the laboratory; performs tasks independently and must demonstrate good judgment in determining priority; familiar with specimen collection and processing manuals, laboratory procedure manuals, instrument manuals, commercial reference laboratory manuals, and quality assurance requirements; knowledge of collection, processing, and storage requirements and procedures for laboratory specimens; knowledge of infection control, safety, and universal precaution procedures OR Education: Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) OR Combination of experience/education Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Note: TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED 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.

Contacts

• Address Corporal Michael J Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 3900 Woodland Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19104 US
• Name: Tamyka Baldwin
• Phone: (203) 823-3816 X8226
• Email: [email protected]