This position is located with the Department of Veteran Affairs at Fayetteville, Arkansas VA Medical Center in Pathology and Laboratory Service. The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) serves as a generalist performing procedures in the areas of chemistry (including endocrinology and toxicology), hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, immunology, immunohematology (blood banking), serology, microbiology (may include mycology, parasitology, & virology), & specimen procurement and processing.

Duties

Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. Participates in specimen procurement. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technician occupation. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement with immediate or general supervision. Maintains appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of the clinical laboratory; notifies supervisor when supply levels reach 7 days or less. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace with immediate or general supervision. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions with immediate or general supervision. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity, and specific factors, which influence test results with immediate or general supervision. Assists 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. Works off-hour shifts, weekends, holidays, and in other sections of the laboratory as priorities shows a need. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, evening shift, 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm, 2:00 pm - 10:30pm, 1:00 pm - 9:30 pm, rotating weekends and holidays subject to change based on the needs of service. Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00919F, 00918F Recruitment Incentive: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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. English Language Proficiency: MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Education: Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification. Certification: All 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. 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. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. 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. 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Demands: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for this occupation, see duty section for essential duties of this position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once and sometimes 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/.

Contacts

• Address Fayetteville AR VA Medical Center 1100 North College Avenue Fayetteville, AR 72703 US
• Name: SUSAN WILLIAMS
• Phone: 228-523-4934
• Email: [email protected]