The incumbent to this position performs a variety of waived, moderate, and complex tests on biological specimens. They serve as a generalist in the laboratory with responsibility for performing testing in all areas of Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Microbiology, Serology, Urinalysis and Phlebotomy. They have advanced knowledge of Clinical Laboratory concepts, principles, and methodologies, and follow all laboratory accrediting agency requirements.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: The work performed by the technician requires professional knowledge and competence in the field of clinical laboratory technology. They must be able to work independently and be able to interpret and apply complex written instructions from a variety of sources (i.e. Operating procedures, CLSI documents, VA directives, and accrediting agency requirements) to determine the correct course of action. Serves as a key operator for moderate to high complexity testing analyzers. They work with lead positions to assist with implementing new analyzers, writing procedures, training staff and validation testing. Assisting with any instrumentation issues that cannot be resolved. The incumbent independently performs a full range of laboratory testing and examination of blood, urine, body fluids and other specimens. Performs routine laboratory testing (both moderate and complex testing) in all areas of the clinical laboratory including Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Chemistry, Immunology, and Microbiology. The technician is assigned to rotate to all areas. Packages laboratory specimens for pick up and shipment to reference laboratories. Instructs m, medical technician, and phlebotomy students as well as new employees in approved laboratory techniques as assigned. Performs and evaluates quality control and proficiency testing samples according to laboratory standard operating procedures and accrediting agency requirements. Performs preventative maintenance as scheduled, on a variety of laboratory equipment, to minimize breakdown and delay of procedures. Verifies accurate instrument functioning, troubleshoots instrument malfunctions, and acts on any quality control shifts, trends or out of range results. Identifies unusual results or conditions which may cause erroneous results (instrument malfunctions, interfering substances, faulty operating parameters, or non-standard test procedure used). Evaluates the problem and selects appropriate corrective action. Ensures that laboratory areas are stocked, maintains appropriate inventories, and notifies appropriate personnel when supplies need to be ordered. Maintains work area in a clean and safe condition according to agency or accreditation requirements. Records laboratory data on charts, logs or computerized forms. The work performed by the technician requires professional knowledge and competence in the field of clinical laboratory technology. They must be able to work independently and be able to interpret and apply complex written instructions from a variety of sources (i.e. Operating procedures, CLSI documents, VA directives, and accrediting agency requirements) to determine the correct course of action. Enters data into the computerized patient medical record either manually or through instrument computer interfaces. Accepts responsibility for the accuracy of the results. Calls critical values to the clinician per laboratory policy. Reviews other technologist/technician manually entered results for accuracy. Performs other related duties as assigned. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction or conditions which could cause erroneous results; locates and implements corrections; recognizes and defines testing problems and evaluates methods for solution; evaluates, guides, or implements possible alternative approaches to standard methods; utilizes advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance; monitors the quality control system including record keeping systems and measures to assure the accuracy and validity of test results and trouble shoots instruments; ensures timely and thorough evaluation of data, ensures discrepancies are identified and attended; obtains data and complies with the practices, procedures and techniques described in the quality assurance plan; adheres to quality control measures, suggests new or revised methods of control and of collecting and evaluating quality control data. Verifies identity of patient and collects blood specimens with minimal discomfort to the patient using standard phlebotomy techniques. Incumbent performs both venipuncture and capillary collections utilizing vacutainer, syringe, butterfly, or finger stick devices. Collects blood from both inpatients and outpatients. Labels samples accurately, centrifuges, and aliquots samples as needed. Controls physical conditions and observes any time factors necessary to ensure the physiological state of the specimen is maintained throughout the pre-analytical to post analytical stages. Work Schedule: Day/Evening Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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: 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. 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: GS-7 Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level, which is defined as: Working knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work; Working knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems; Maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing instrumentation; Working as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments; Using technical judgment to interpret laboratory results; Applying complex written laboratory instructions; Consulting with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs i. - iv. and the advanced KSA as identified by the corresponding asterisk(s) if MLTs are assigned advanced MLT duties 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: Clinical laboratory experience. References: VA Handbook 5005/158 Part II Appendix G69 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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/.

Contacts

• Address St Cloud VA Medical Center 4801 Veterans Drive St Cloud, MN 56303 US
• Name: Kira Kuhn
• Phone: 3193380581 X636737
• Email: [email protected]