This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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/ Experience: 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 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 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). 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). Grade Determinations (GS-9): Must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07), which is directly related to the position to be filled OR a Master's degree or 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in medical technology or directly related field. In addition to these requirements, candidates must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): Comprehensive knowledge of professional MT principles, practices, concepts and theories providing for sound independent work. 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. Knowledge of laboratory equipment and ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Ability to read, interpret and apply complex written instructions. Skilled in informatics, laboratory data flow and the understanding of laboratory processes. Ability to communicate, consult and interact with other members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate would have a Bachelor's degree (BS) in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or Medical Laboratory Science with ASCP certification: MT(ASCP) or MLS(ASCP). The applicant should have experience working in a diagnostic Chemistry laboratory or core laboratory. Additional experience in a Hematology laboratory is a plus. References: VA Handbook 5005/72 Part II Appendix G24 - Medical Technologist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Work requires extended periods of staying in one position, sitting or standing, some light (less than 40 pounds) lifting, and attention to detail and concentration when verifying patient identification and test request data, and when accessioning and labeling specimens. This may be intermittent with periods requiring physical activity such as walking moderate distances. ["Responsibilities include all functions that are within the training and scope of duties generally performed by a Medical Technologist / Clinical Laboratory Scientist, and include, but are not limited to, any of the following: Performs urinalysis, chemistry, and immunoassay testing. Performs basic, routine hematology and coagulation testing. Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all testing and tasks of the medical laboratory technology occupation. In addition, performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures in the Chemistry Section; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Recognizes deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction and initiates corrective action. Incumbent is responsible for pre-analytical steps of receiving clinical specimens from various sources and assessing specimen quality and acceptability for performing various tests. Follows standard operating procedures (SOP) in all areas to ensure accuracy of laboratory results; verifies and reports results in a timely manner and communicates critical results per laboratory policy. Incumbent handles and reports all critical and unusual results timely and informs the Section Supervisor. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment and immediately informs the Section Supervisor of any deviations or malfunctions. Uses, calibrates, repairs and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Recognizes deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction, initiates corrective action and informs the Section Supervisor of corrective actions taken. Recognizes Delta Alerts and takes appropriate action to ensure integrity of the sample and proper sample identification. Performs and documents quality control to assure reagents, equipment, humidity and temperatures are within recommended guidelines. Performs quality assurance activities and initiates corrective actions related to instrument functions and test performance; incorporates statistical principles and theories of performance improvement in the workplace. Reviews and correlates analytical data to verify validity and accuracy of findings and accurately verifies laboratory test results using laboratory data processing software and laboratory SOPs. Incumbent screens all test results to detect discrepancies, artifacts or possible contamination and initiates additional testing as necessary. Maintains the confidentiality of medical records by adhering to applicable HIPPA and ADP guidelines for all patient medical data. Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodology, test specificity, test sensitivity and specific factors which influence test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up test selection or procedures. Incorporates principles of educational methodologies in the instruction and training of new employees, students, Pathology residents, and clinicians on theoretical and practical aspects of test performance. This may include, but is not limited to procedures, instrument function, quality control, quality management and reporting of test results. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Follows safety policies, standard precautions, and uses personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for the task being performed and per safety policies; adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Manages inventory to ensure patient testing is not interrupted and utilizes laboratory supplies in a cost-effective manner with a minimum of waste. Receives, accessions, and processes incoming samples per SOP from all areas of the hospital and outlying clinics. Participates in Section Performance Improvement projects as assigned. Serves as a member of the Pathology Essential Personnel Team (Hurricane Team) Work Schedule: Various part time shifts Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 629-00107-F and 629-00136-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized for a Highly Qualified Candidate EDRP Authorized: Contact Christopher.Billiot@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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