The Medical Laboratory Technician will perform test procedures on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, which require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. The location of the position is in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, El Paso VAHCS and surrounding CBOC's.

Duties

This duties outlined below are for the full performance level Medical Laboratory Technician GS-06. A MLT at the GS-06 level performs, evaluates, and interprets the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. - The incumbent will receive laboratory orders directly from Veteran Patients and Providers outside of the VA system. The incumbent then evaluates the community provider laboratory orders and place orders within the VA computer system to facilitate the patient specimen collection at VA facilities. - The incumbent tracks all orders received and entered in the appropriate system. The incumbent then reviews test results of those orders and documents that the results are provided to the ordering provider/designee, to include critical values. The incumbent coordinates the care with other VA systems and departments to ensure efficient, quality laboratory services. - Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures to include pre-analytic, analytic and post analytic processes with minimal technical supervision. - Performs 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. Recognizes data with life threatening (critical) implications and understands the importance of immediately bringing the data to the attention of the patients' physician and/or nursing staff. - 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. - Participates in proficiency testing programs. Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:45pm or 7:00am to 3:45pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Note: This a Bargaining Unit Position.

Requirements

Qualifications

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. (1) Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations: (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ii ASCP, Board of Registry. (b) American Medical Technologists. OR (c) American Association of Bioanalysts. Exception: Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may receive a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed two years as a graduate MLT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2) without the option to extend. 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. English Language Proficiency. MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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: Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-05 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. 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. 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. Preferred Experience: 1. Medical Laboratory Technician certification through AMT or ASCP or eligible to acquire the certification within 1 year of employment. 2. Two years of experience working in a clinical laboratory as Lab Generalist. 3. ASCP Certification. 4. ASCP Certification in an area of Clinical Laboratory specialty: SM (ASCP), SC (ASCP), SH (ASCP) SMB (ASCP). 5. 2 years' experience working as a Medical Technician in a federal medical facility. References: 5005/158 Part II Appendix G69 dated October 10, 2023. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Contacts

• Address El Paso VA Clinic 5001 North Piedras Street El Paso, TX 79930 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]