The incumbent serves in the clinical laboratory as a medical professional with the responsibility for performing laboratory procedures and analysis requested by physicians and health care professionals within the VA Clinic and the State of Alaska medical community. Generalist work is in the areas of: Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Serology, Microbiology, and Phlebotomy. 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. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) English Language Proficiency. MTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Education and/or Experience Combination (1) A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory science or in a related science (e.g., laboratory sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, immunology, etc.). AND completion of a medical technology clinical practice program. Clinical practice programs completed after 1974 must have been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, formerly CAHEA), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The professional curriculum may have consisted of a post-baccalaureate certificate program or be integrated into a four year program of study that culminated in a baccalaureate degree. OR, (2) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND two years of post-certification clinical laboratory experience (e.g., blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical microscopy, etc.) within the last ten years as a certified Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). This experience must include performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. OR, (3) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours of biological science (with one course in microbiology), 16 semester hours of chemistry (with one course in organic or biochemistry) and one course in mathematics, AND five years of clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (or categorical experience which matches categorical certification) in a clinical laboratory. Certification. Candidates must have either (1) or (2) below: (1) Candidates must currently possess the appropriate certification as a MT, MLS, or CLS given by the ASCP-BOC, ASCP-BOR, or AMT. (2) For positions up to the full performance level, candidates must currently possess the categorical or specialist technologist level certification from the certification agencies listed above, such as, but not limited to, chemistry (C/SC), hematology (H/SH), microbiology (M/SM), molecular biology (MB/SMB) and blood bank (BB/SBB). Technologists with categorical or specialist certifications may only perform duties within the area of the laboratory specific to their categorical certification (e. g., an individual with a chemistry (C) certification can only perform duties in chemistry). Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may be given a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed one year as a graduate medical technologist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). This appointment may not be extended. For grade levels above the full performance level, the candidate must be certified in accordance with paragraph 2d(1) above 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: The following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-7 (Entry Level) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-9 (Full Performance Level) Experience. Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. OR, Education. Must have Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. 2. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement in order to manage reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. 3. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. 4. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. 5. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. 6. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. 7. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. 8. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education Preferred Experience: ASCP board certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and 1 year experience working in a clinical laboratory References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/72 PART II APPENDIX G24 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light lifting (under 15 pounds); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (6-8 hours0; standing (6-8 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of color; hearing (aid permitted) Environmental Factors: Dry atmospheric conditions; constant noise; working closely with others; working alone ["The generalist works in multiple Lab areas on a rotating schedule or as needed and assists with coverage in any area when there is shortage of staff. FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: Uses comprehensive knowledge of and experience in clinical laboratory principles, practices, concepts, and theories to function as a clinical professional and produce sound independent work. The MT also uses advanced skills in informatics, data flow, and laboratory processes to assure accurate, timely, and reliable Laboratory data. Applies knowledge of quality assurance principles, continuous performance improvement, and compliance with regulatory standards to daily clinical practices. The MT will participate in activities associated with process improvement, customer service, age specific considerations, data driven decision-making, and team driven change. The MT will participate in compliance strategies of regulatory agencies such as College of American Pathologists (CAP). The MT will also complete continuing education. Complies with National Patient Safety Goal of maintaining 2 patient identifiers on all specimens throughout the entire testing process including transferring specimen into different pre-labeled containers. Performs phlebotomy: properly collects, processes, records, and delivers all specimens while adhering to safety and infection prevention policies. Must also be able to instruct other Healthcare System personnel in phlebotomy practices. Uses knowledge of clinical laboratory principles, practices, concepts, and theories to read manufacturer's product literature and operator's guides, interpret and extract critical processes, and write comprehensive operational instructions and procedures. Prepares specimens for analysis by evaluating the suitability of the specimen for analysis. He/she will assess specimen qualities such as: age, storage conditions, processing, integrity, and additives. For specimens deemed unsuitable, the incumbent will notify the ordering provider, communicate with the collector/processor, document the occurrence, and obtain replacement specimen. Operates a variety of laboratory analyzers and instruments. He/she comprehends the fundamental scientific methodologies of cell counters, chemistry and immunochemistry analyzers, urinalysis chemical/microscopic analyzers, centrifuges, microscopes, imbedded reagent devices, and meters. The MT participates in establishing testing processes and writing operating procedures. Contributes to analyzer evaluations, selections, installations, and validations. The MT occupies the role of \"key operator\" for analyzers in the Laboratory. As the \"key operator\", the MT assists in the orientation and training of new operators. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of process malfunctions and implements corrective actions by employing technical judgment and experience resolve problems. The MT will identify causes of common problems, make simple repairs, and will decide when to enlist the participation of analyzer vendor technical service centers and field service engineers. Reviews the work of Medical Technicians and entry level MTs, records, logs, documentation, and reports. The incumbent assures proper maintenance, timely calibration, and initiates operator adjustments to keep analyzers functioning at the highest achievable level. Correlates patient test result data to the clinical history of the patient, evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system, and amends reports with important communications prior to releasing the data into the patient medical record. Recognizes abnormal results that require further work to clarify or confirm results. The MT will recognize results that require immediate attention by a provider. The MT will report critical values directly and will record the actions appropriately. Alert to inconsistencies found while engaged in clinical work or in regular reviews. The MT will investigate the inconsistencies and bring them to the attention of the Laboratory quality team. The MT assists in development of corrective processes to resolve common problems. Contributes to the maintenance of appropriate levels of supplies and reagents for the efficient operation of Laboratory. Adheres to infection prevention standards, maintains an organized work environment, wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and exhibits hand hygiene requirements Work Schedule: 0830-1700 Telework: Not Available 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"]

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