The Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) works in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) at the Amarillo VA Health Care System (AVAHCS) performing a variety of duties in various departments of the clinical laboratory to provide accurate results to physicians that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Duties

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Medical Laboratory Technician: https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-Medical-Technician-Career-Flyer.pdf Major duties include: Support P&LMS leaders in the planning and implementation of department programs, selecting the approach, resolving technical problems, and advising on the coordination in carrying out the procedures necessary to complete the work assignments in accordance with established laboratory practices. Assist management officials with laboratory continuous readiness for regulatory agency inspections and accreditations by preparing for inspections. Support P&LMS leaders to ensure proper and timely proficiency testing (PT) performance and reporting and works on solutions for improvement. Support P&LMS leaders to ensure that all employees performing collections and testing understand and comply with all safety regulations according to the P&LMS and facility safety policies. Assist P&LMS leaders with the monitoring of quality components, continuous performance improvement initiatives, and obtaining customer feedback. Assist the Lead Medical Technologist on the off shifts with projects and assignments. Incorporate principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new or current facility employees. Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation. Performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles information. Evaluate and solve problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis, considering physiologic processes and requirements. Identify discrepancies, solve problems, and present solutions. Answer inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity and specific factors, which influence test results. Interpret results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures. Maintain and document the optimal functioning of the automated analytical instrumentation used in all departments of the laboratory. Use, calibrate, identify malfunctions, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment. Diagnose deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Perform and document quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Adhere to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Assist with validation/method verification for new systems and techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment, method comparison, and establishment of reference intervals using statistical methods and theoretical knowledge. Perform all duties independently, with minimal supervision after hours. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Work Schedule: 8:00pm-4:00am or 10:00pm-6:00am or 8:00pm-6:30pm, rotating weekends and holidays per needs of service Compressed:Available Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/14/2024 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 Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English 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. American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) ASCP, Board of Certification. OR American Medical Technologists. American Medical Technologists. American Association of Bioanalysts. 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: Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-07. Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. GS-6 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs: Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests. Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing. Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes. Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment. Knowledge of laboratory information technology (IT) systems including troubleshooting systems issues, interface requirements between new instruments and existing IT infrastructure and laboratory IT test development. Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration along with continuing education and employee orientation to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements. Ability to plan and administer an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. Ability to assist with quality management activities in the laboratory, including monitoring and evaluating quality in accordance with CLIA and CAP, conducting quality improvement activities and communicating quality management results. Preferred Experience: Three years of clinical laboratory work experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in a hospital setting with ASCP, AMT, or AAB certification. Three years of medical terminology and laboratory testing knowledge. Three years of experience using computer software applications for data entry and other clerical and administrative duties. One year of experience with quality and inventory management experience for a clinical laboratory department(s). One year of experience with inspections from accrediting/regulatory agencies such as TJC, CAP, FDA, et cetera. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G69, Medical Technician Qualification Standard, dated October 10, 2023. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting of 15-44 pounds, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking 4-8 hours, standing 4-8 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, and use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include vision for both eyes, depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, and the ability to read ordinary type without strain. The incumbent must have adequate hearing (aids permitted), and the emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations.

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: The required certification meets education requirements for this assignment.

Contacts

• Address Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center 6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West Amarillo, TX 79106 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]