Medical Laboratory Technician is responsible for the provision of the overall support to the VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS), Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS), the community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) and rural clinics. The incumbent aids as a technical, specialized and support nature to health and medical personnel in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient's illness or medical condition.

Duties

Major duties but not limited to: Performing blood and body fluids collection for a wide range of diagnostic laboratory tests in a courteous manner making the patient feel as comfortable as possible, and labeling specimens for the laboratory. Utilizing VA Healthcare System such as VISTA and CPRS to accurately perform work such as reviewing and accepting lab orders, gathering information required to complete assigned duties, and researching and resolving problems. Ensuring and verify the correct labeling of specimens and patient identification following Laboratory National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG). Orders and maintains adequate inventory of supplies. Monitoring and maintains the phlebotomy station area as well the working station supplies area available with sufficient materials for the required services and assists in keeping inventory up to date. Actively participates in training and mentoring of new employees and students. Completes high volumes of work keeping a rapid pace without sacrificing accuracy. Verifying the patient as the individual denoted on the request labels using two approved forms of identification and assures all tubes are labeled as standard of operating procedures (SOP).Adheres to safety, infection control, and standard precautions always while drawing blood, handle specimens or performing testing. Maintaining a well-organized and clean work area. Blood samples are collected with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising or requiring redrawn specimens. Performing special drawing procedures such as collecting timed specimens, xylose and lactose tolerance tests, semen analysis collections, urine cytology collection, stool collections for ova and parasites, stool culture, occult blood, sterile mid-stream urine collections, among others, inform patient or patient relative in procedure to be followed prior to, during and after the test to obtain the specimens at the required time. Accessions send out samples, collects, and preserves specimens ensuring the physiologic properties of the specimens are maintained. Preserve all specimens according to method requirements. Consulting with healthcare providers on logical protocol to follow in cases where specimens are inadequate for testing. Adheres to safety, infection control, and standard precautions always while drawing blood, handle specimens or performing testing. Maintaining a well-organized and clean work area. Blood samples are collected with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising or requiring redrawn specimens. Performing special drawing procedures such as collecting timed specimens, xylose and lactose tolerance tests, semen analysis collections, urine cytology collection, stool collections for ova and parasites, stool culture, occult blood, sterile mid-stream urine collections, among others, inform patient or patient relative in procedure to be followed prior to, during and after the test to obtain the specimens at the required time. Accessions send out samples, collects, and preserves specimens ensuring the physiologic properties of the specimens are maintained. Preserve all specimens according to method requirements. Consulting with healthcare providers on logical protocol to follow in cases where specimens are inadequate for testing. Specimen preparation for pick up by Reference Laboratory. Responsible for the evaluation, preservation, packaging and shipping of samples, follow up and solving problems with specimens and/or results. Work Schedule: Sunday to Saturday, rotating shifts that may include but not limited to 5am-1:30pm, 6am-2:30pm, 7:30am-4pm; 8am-4:30pm, 4pm-12am, 1pm-9:30pm. Tour of duty also includes to work on holidays, emergencies such as hurricane rosters and weekends to safeguard patient care and cover needs. Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61866F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. 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 ASCP, Board of Registry. American Medical Technologists. OR 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. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. None. Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-06. 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: Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems. Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments. Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results. Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions. Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers References: VA Handbook 5005/158 Part II Appendix G69, October 10,2023 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. Preference: Before entering employment it is preferable obtain the BSL certification.

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 San Juan VA Medical Center 10 Calle Casia San Juan, PR 00921 US
• Name: Mireya Rodriguez-Perez
• Phone: 787-641-7582
• Email: [email protected]