The position is located in the Core Laboratory of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Program at the Beckley VA Medical Center. The Medical Technician is responsible for performing a wide range of emergency, routine, complex, and specialized test procedures in Clinical Chemistry, Coagulation, Hematology, Blood Bank, Microbiology and Urinalysis with minimal on-site supervision. These procedures range from basic screening tests to DNA amplification.

Duties

Duties for the Medical Technician may include but are not limited to the following: Interprets and makes decisions related to running quality control specimens on all assays in the work area. Utilizes knowledge of on-line quality control rules to make decisions related to the ongoing performance of clinical assays. Runs and reports proficiency samples from organizations such as the College of American Pathologists. Trouble-shoots, prepares reagents, maintains instrumentation and materials and verifies correct instrumentation functions in accordance with departmental guidelines. Processes specimens using the equipment, instruments and techniques required to prepare them for specific analysis; controls physical conditions and responds to time factors to insure that the physiologic integrity of the specimen is maintained. Recognizes critical values and critical tests and reports these values promptly to the requesting clinician. Provides informed notification and liaison activities with clinicians and other customers. Monitors turnaround time to ensure timely completion of STAT testing. Evaluates the validity of the data in relation to the test system and assay procedures used. Identifies unusual results or discrepancies/conditions that cause erroneous results (e.g. instrument malfunctions, improper test conditions, specimen appropriateness and viability). Plans and conducts the training and instruction of New Employees, Medical Laboratory students, Medical Students and Residents in all aspects of the work. Assists with data collection for the implementation of new equipment or reagent lot cross-over's. Investigates and documents processing, labeling, collection and other specimen errors using problem report forms. Maintains the inventory of supplies. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: varying shifts, predominately nights occasional weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician/PD23094F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required FLSA: Non exempt BU: BU position Physical Requirements: Physical demands of this position involves walking, stooping, sitting, climbing ladders, standing, and long periods of intense concentration. Routinely required to crawl on rooftops and under buildings to investigate equipment malfunctions and recommend alternate methods and or other resolutions as applicable. Commonly lift objects between 10 and 40 pounds and heavier objects as required. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a patient care setting; adequately lighted, temperature controlled, and ventilated. Office temperatures fluctuate periodically; involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as clinics, offices, meeting and training rooms or libraries; exposure to noise and dust on occasion. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/18/2024.You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:Basic Requirements: English Language: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Certification - Applicants must upload appropriate certification. Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations. American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)i ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ASCP, Board of Registry. American Medical Technologists. OR American Association of Bioanalysts. In addition to the basic qualifications, applicants must have the grade level experience.Grade Level Experience: Do you possess one full year of grade level experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in federal service? Examples of specialized experience include: Use independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results. Perform day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care. Provide pre-analytic instructions to patients, VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens. 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. Analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports. Discuss with supervisors, pathologists and other medical professionals as needed. AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the Grade Level requirements, applicants must also demonstrate the the following KSA's*: This experience must be clearly evident on your resume. 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. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qua

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 Beckley VA Medical Center 200 Veterans Avenue Beckley, WV 25801 US
• Name: James Caine
• Phone: 503-459-2594
• Email: [email protected]